Q: I have completed my BE in computer science in 2002 and MBA in marketing in 2004. At present, I am working as a marketing executive in an IT company. My salary is Rs 9,000. Recently, I have been offered the position of a marketing head in a company associated with the carpet industry. The salary that I have been offered is Rs 14,000. I am interested in the marketing field and I feel that I will be able to use my marketing skills in this industry. Moreover, I am not getting any opening in the IT companies that I want to join. I am in a dilemma and am unable to take a decision. Please advise.
Kishore Singh,
Calcutta
A: From the information you have provided it is difficult to understand whether you are in the IT industry marketing hardware or software. The exact nature of your job is not clear either. Since you have been in the IT industry for only a year or so, it is too early to say what your understanding of the business is.
In the IT industry, technical competence is of paramount importance. If you are in the marketing of hardware then you can move out and not face a problem later in case you wish to get back to your present job. But if you are in the marketing of software you will not be able to get back easily into this industry once you move out. So please weigh your options carefully before taking a decision.
Q: I did my BE in mechanical engineering from a private college with distinction in 2004. After a lot of difficulty, I got a job in a reputed water treatment company on a contract basis. Based on my performance, I was promoted to the position of a service engineer but I was still employed on a contract basis. Now I am confused as this field is specifically suitable for chemical engineers. I have been forced into the sales aspect of the business though I want to get experience in the technical field. I have tried for jobs in many companies but to no avail. I plan to pursue an MBA (marketing) degree, but for the next two or three years I wish to make myself technically sound. What should be my plan of action now?
Mridul Chatterjee,
Calcutta
A: How does it matter that it is a contract job? It still counts as experience. If it is a reputed company you should stay on. A bird in hand is worth more than two in the bush. Since you are already trying for other jobs and have not succeeded in finding anything suitable then I don?t see why you should forego the learning opportunities this job provides.
Q: I have read about Internet jobs that are home-based. Is it a good option? How do I know that they are genuine? Please advise.
Ritu Mantri,
Calcutta
A: It is very important to do your homework before you link up with an outfit like this. As an individual, how will you maximise the benefits that the Internet job offers in relation to the skills you bring in? It is vital to convince yourself on this aspect otherwise, it may not be worthwhile to take the risk. Also, network with individuals who have taken up such jobs. Their experiences will shed a lot of light on the viability of this kind of work.
Q: I am a 24-year-old commerce graduate and I have one-and-a-half years? experience in accounts. Then I changed my job and joined a reputed BPO company where I process insurance claim forms and also do some accounting. But I am confused about my future prospects. Is it a secure job? Recently, I got a job offer from a reputed multiplex cinema company as a customer care executive. Should I take up this offer or continue with the BPO company? My present salary and the multiplex package are the same. I also want to do an MBA. Should I do it from ICFAI OR IISWBM? Please advise.
Sumit Deb
A: First things first, do you want to be an accountant or a customer care executive? These days many BPOs invest in training their employees and creating a career path for them. A job in a multiplex offers no growth in career as they are still largely associated with cinema. What is your career progression in this instance? An MBA is a good idea. But what do you want to specialise in? ICFAI would give you an insight into accounts and marketing or marketing oriented towards research and analysis.
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