Q: I have done hotel management from France and also worked for a year with the Taj Group of hotels in India. I did MBA from the Indian Institute of Planning and Management and am now looking for an opportunity in the hospitality industry. I have not yet received a lucrative offer from any of the renowned hotels. What should I do?

Pranay Jain

A: The hospitality sector is booming and a career in this industry is very lucrative. The sector offers a variety of career options. It is surprising that you have not received any good offers so far. You could upload your resume on various job sites. This process will take time but you will eventually find a job to your liking.

Q: I am a 28-year-old BCom graduate. I have done a one-year honours diploma in computers from NIIT and a one-year postgraduate diploma in retail management from NIBM through distance education. I have also received training in SAP (sd). I have been working in a partnership retail firm as a stores manager. I plan to do an MBA. I have cleared MAT and been offered admission to a full-time MBA degree course from an institute affiliated to WBUT university. Should I go for it?

A: The experience that you have gained in the retail industry is invaluable. With a management degree, you will be able to look for new avenues. It will also give you a good theoretical grounding in general managerial aspects, which you will need for your next role.

A full-time management degree is a good option, as you will be able to interact and learn from classmates from diverse backgrounds. You can choose a course after doing some research on the placements obtained by the alumni of the course that you intend to pursue.

Q: I work as an administrative co-ordinator in a reputed institute in Calcutta. I have about seven years’ experience. I am an honours graduate in English with a diploma in journalism. I have also done a computer course. I am looking for a change. How should I go about it?

A: There are plenty of opportunities in your sphere of work. You have not specified why you want to change your job. Is it due to any specific reason? I would not recommend a change just for the sake of it. However, if you have made up your mind, you can upload your resume on various job sites or get in touch with recruitment consultants.

Q: I have a diploma in mechanical trade. I have about two years’ experience. What should I study to boost my career prospects?

A:It would be advisable for you to pursue a BE / BTech degree. Some engineering colleges admit diploma holders in engineering to the second year BE / BTech (part-time) programmes. As the classes are mainly held in the evenings, you will be free to pursue a job alongside. You can also enrol as a senior technician member of the Institute of Engineers, Calcutta. The associateship of this institution is considered equivalent to a BE / BTech degree. There are other colleges like BITS Pillani and IGNOU that have distance learning programmes.

Q: I am 22 years old and have appeared for my final year LLB (hons) exams from Calcutta University. I am awaiting my results, which should be out in October. I’ve done my Plus Two in commerce. What are my career prospects?

A: The corporate sector has been recruiting legal professionals in a major way in recent years. The legal process outsourcing sector also offers good opportunities. You can also work as a legal reporter for newspapers.

Banks and companies appoint law officers. Law graduates are eligible to apply for the legal assistant’s posts in the government secretariat. Further, if you want to change your domain, you can also qualify for the position of company secretary.