Q:I completed my BSc with chemistry honours in 2002, after which I did a postgraduate diploma in mass communication. I have been working for a BPO for the last two years.
However, I find the job very monotonous. So I am thinking of switching careers and have done a course in abap/4. Now wherever I go for an interview, preference is usually given to candidates with a BE degree. Hence, I am thinking of doing an MBA in systems and marketing or an MCA.
Will my age pose a problem in getting absorbed after completing my degree? Can I do these courses by correspondence?
Susmita Dutta
A:It is evident that you have invested five years in a career and have still not found a proper career. As you have pointed it out yourself, it will definitely pose a problem in getting a job since your age is increasing. Furthermore, doing an MBA or an MCA through correspondence wouldn’t add any real value to your CV.
I suggest that you pursue a full-time MBA or an MCA, in spite of the age factor. Looking at your earlier qualifications, an MBA in systems and marketing would be a good option.
Q: I am a 35-year-old science graduate. After my graduation, I did a couple of certification courses from Datapro Infoworld and also have work experience of around three and a half years. Subsequently, I got married and did not pursue a career.
However, due to financial problems, I now need a job. Can you guide me as to what I should study at this age? I am interested in software so should I go in for an MCA?
Name withheld
A:Since you are looking for a job for financial reasons, I would suggest that you try to get a job based on your past qualifications and experience and after you have secured a good job, try and pursue an MCA by correspondence. This way, you will be able to add to your existing qualification as well as make a living.
Q:I have done a BCom (honours) in 1998 and then a DET (diploma in electronics and telecom) in 2003. My work experience is as a service engineer till 2004 and as a customer service operations in-charge of eastern India till Feb 2007 in the same concern.
Now I want to pursue a career in international business. I have decided to take up the IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade) part-time course.
If I take up a call centre job to meet the expenses of this course, what is the scope of having a successful career in the current scenario? Will it have any negative effect on my career? Also, how well recognised is the IIFT course? Please advise.
Mobin Ali Mufti
A:Indian Institute of Foreign is a very reputed institute, but isn’t it a bit too late to switch to a completely different career?
In any stream, full-time courses are better recognised than the part-time ones and hence, if you really do want to change your career at this juncture, you need to do a full-time course so that you can get a good job after graduating from the institute.
This is essential. I would urge you to think carefully about this. Consider my suggestion before taking a final decision.
Q: I am a bio-science graduate and have done a postgraduate diploma in applied management (sales and marketing, customer service) in 2005. I want to work in the automobile sector.
I have worked for a year in a car dealership as a sales executive and am at present, working as an associate in an Indian automobile MNC on a contract basis. How can I have a career in the automobile industry? Neither do I have an automobile engineering background nor an MBA degree.
Kallol Baitalik
A:It is good that you have charted out a clear career path for yourself. Since you happen to take special interest in the sector and would like to be in the marketing stream, I suggest that you do a full-time MBA course and then get into a reputed automobile organisation. Your degree will give you the right push which has eluded you till now.
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