Q: I am 35 years old and working for a public limited company as an HR personnel. I am pursuing an MBA (HR) from Ignou. I wish to do another MBA in finance. Would it be a good career move?
Manmotha Dey
A: You have expertise in the HR domain. I would recommend you enhance your skills by doing certification courses including PHR, SPHR and GPHR from HRCI or CCP, GRP, CBP, WLCP, CSCP from WorldatWork, CPLP and others from ASTD. HR certification is a career-long commitment that will set you apart from your peers and also add value to your credentials as a professional.
Q: I am working in an FMCG company as a production executive in the manufacturing division for the last two and a half years. I did my MBA in operations management from Icfai. Am I going in the right direction?
Dibyendu Mukherjee
A: Operations management has emerged as a lucrative career option in India and abroad. It offers a wide range of career opportunities. You should gain more experience and try to move towards a managerial role.
Q: I am working in a state-run power utility concern as an assistant engineer for the last three years. I hold a BTech in electrical engineering. I want to bolster my career by doing a masters. What are the prospects of an MBA in energy management? Or are there better alternatives? Please suggest names of premier institutes which offer this degree.
Kumardip Sen
A: The experience you have gained over the years is valuable. The challenge is to leverage these skills. The degree in energy management will give you a good theoretical grounding in general managerial aspects, which you will need for your next role. There are several universities including the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehra Dun, that offer this course. However, do some research on the college and type of placements obtained by the alumni before joining it.
Q: I am 20 years old and pursuing BBA from WBUT. I intend to do a full-time MBA from an institute in Calcutta. Could you kindly suggest some names?
Antara Choudhury
A: There are many reputed colleges such as the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM), and IIM, Calcutta. While admission to IIM is restricted through CAT, IISWBM admits candidates also through MAT. After giving the entrance test and knowing your scores, you would be in a better position to choose the college. Also, do some research on the placements obtained by the alumni of the course that you intend to pursue.
Q: I am 21years old and pursuing BCA through distance learning from Ignou. My percentage is above 65. I want to know whether I can apply for bank probationary officer (PO) exams.
Prakash Pandey
A: Banking has emerged as one of the most challenging sectors in the country. The eligibility criterion for applying for bank PO exams is a bachelors degree in any stream with minimum 60 per cent marks in aggregate, recognised by any statutory university. Also, you should not be less than 21 years.
Q: I am 29 years old and working in a private organisation as an accountant for the past six months. I have been trying for a government job. Is it possible to do an MBA (finance) now? Would I get a government job after 30 (I belong to the general category)? What should I do?
Sangita Gupta
A: The MBA degree will open new venues for you. It will give you a good theoretical grounding in different managerial aspects. The obvious choice in your case would be an MBA in finance. However, I would advise you to join a reputed MBA institute and after completing your first year, decide upon the specialisation. Further, I would recommend some research on the placements obtained by the alumni of the course you intend to pursue.
Q: I am a 20-year-old arts graduate. What kind of courses should I opt for in order to build a good career?
Chandan Mahawar
A: You have not given details of your field of interest. Focus on building your capabilities for continuous employability. You have to decide where you have an edge and pick up qualifications accordingly.
Q: I am 31 years old. I completed BSc in biology from Vidyasagar University, securing 44 per cent marks. I also did a postgraduate diploma in bio-informatics from Burdwan University. However, I am yet to get a suitable job. Now I am thinking of doing an MSc in bio-informatics from Sikkim Manipal University through the lateral entry scheme. Is it possible to build a career in this field in West Bengal? Please suggest a suitable option for me.
Mousumi Das
A: I sympathise with your situation. It is always good to enhance your knowledge by getting a masters degree. I also suggest you prepare your résumé and put it in databases such as naukri.com, monsterindia and others. This process will take time but you will eventually find a job of your liking.
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