Q:I am a BCom graduate and am in my final year of masters in marketing management (through distance learning education). Apart from this, I have also worked with a manufacturing firm as an end user of SAP R/3-SD module.
At present, I am working with a leading stockbroking firm as a compliance officer. I have a total work experience of one-and-a-half years.
I want to pursue SAP-R/3-sales and distribution module and want to know whether it will help me in securing a job as a SAP consultant.
Will I also need domain experience in marketing for securing the job?
Kaushik Sinha
A: You can pursue the SAP R/3 SD module. Of course, you are also eligible to pursue a career as a SAP consultant. Domain experience is helpful but not necessary.
Ideally, you should finish your masters before going in for a degree in SAP because to become a SAP consultant, you need to have a masters degree under your belt.
Q:I am working as a junior manger in a power generation company for the last four years. I have a BE and an MTech degree in mechanical engineering.
I am keen on doing an MBA but am not sure about the specialisation I should opt for. Should I go for a PhD in industrial management? Which one would offer better prospects?
Arun Kumar Behera
A: An MBA degree is preferable to a PhD in the industry. For zeroing in on the area of specialisation, what is more important is your aptitude and area of interest.
There are opportunities for growth in all areas, whether it is operations, marketing, HR or finance. You must ask yourself what you would be happy doing.
Q:I am working for a private company as a computer operator using Tally, etc, for the last eight months. I have done graduation in accountancy and taxation and I also have an MBA degree from the Sikkim Manipal University. What are my job prospects and how can I better them?
Bahnishikha Bhattacharjee
A: You have excellent job prospects. You should stop accumulating any more degrees for now. Rather, look for other job opportunities that are challenging and will also give you a chance to showcase your skills.
Q:I am working as a relationship manager in a reputed brokerage firm for the last one year.
I have successfully completed the capital market and derivatives market (dealers) module and am conversant with computers.
I am also doing an MBA by correspondence from ICFAI. What other courses can I pursue to enhance my prospects in the financial market?
Biplab Das
A: You should focus on a line of business relevant to your study. Academic perspectives should be considered in deciding on your career.
You do not require any more degrees. You are already equipped with knowledge that just needs to be translated into action.
Q:I am working as a factory head in a tea garden. I have been advised to go for a supply chain management-manufacturing course.
Could you let me know if it would enhance my career prospects? What other options should I consider for the future?
Yash Nagpal
A: It is not clear what your professional qualifications are. So I can only make a guess as to where your query is headed.
If you are looking for a career in SAP consulting then the minimum entry-level qualification required is a professional degree.
Overall, line experience will also become a deciding factor and just shop-floor experience may not help.
In supply chain management, some background in production planning is also required which I am sure you would be possessing in your capacity as plant head.
Since SAP training is quite an expensive proposition you must consider the benefit you will derive out of it before arriving at a decision to take up the course.
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