Q: I am a BSc in physics and have also done a diploma from the Indian Rubber Institute. I am 42 years old. For the last 18 years, I have been working as a production supervisor in a reputed rubber goods manufacturing company. I want to change my job. I am even willing to change fields. Would it be advisable for me to go for a professional course to enhance my job prospects? And are there any short-term courses that would boost my career prospects?
Name and address withheld
A: It is good to know that you want to learn at this age but unfortunately, it will not be useful for you to take short-term courses for a career change. I would advise you to stick to your field where you have gained invaluable experience and try for better opportunities in a different organisation. With your experience, you would be able to get a good job in another firm.
Q: I am 24 years old and have done my graduation in humanities. I have done a postgraduate diploma in computer application and am employed with BSNL where I am doing data entry jobs. I want to pursue an MBA or an MCA. However, I can?t afford the fees that these courses entail. Do tell me which option would be more suitable, the expenses involved and loan provisions, if any. Would correspondence courses work in my case?
Gayatri Mishra
Rourkela
A: Age is on your side so you should be able to complete an MBA or an MCA from a reputed institute. There are provisions of educational loans for these courses. Talk to the banks for more details. A full-time course would be more useful since correspondence courses might not fetch you very good jobs.
Q: I have completed my MCom in 2003 and am working as a junior accountant in a steel company. I am pursuing an MBA from ICFAI by distance learning mode. I am 26 years old now. Am I doing the right thing by doing an MBA at this age? Should I inform my boss that I am doing an MBA?
Amlan Chakraborty
Calcutta
A: You have taken the right step in doing an MBA. Although your age is slightly on the higher side, yet by doing a distance learning course along with your job, you are gaining valuable work experience while studying. You should definitely tell your boss that you are pursuing an MBA. This will prepare him to give you a better opening when you complete your course. It will also give an indication to your boss that you are eager to imbibe more knowledge in your field.
Q: I have done my BE (electrical and electronics) from VTU (Visvesaraya Technological University) and MBA (marketing) from ICFAI Business School. I want to do a certificate course in SAP R/3 from a SAP-approved institute in Calcutta. Could you please tell me the contact details of such institutes? What would be the prospects after doing this course?
Arnab Maitra
Calcutta
A: I get the feeling that you have no focus in your career. You did a BE, then marketing, and now you want to do SAP. First, decide your priorities and then chalk out your career. If you don?t do that then you will be running around in circles without achieving what you set out to do.
There are various institutes in Calcutta as well as in other parts of the country that offer SAP certification courses, but again, this skill is abundant in the market now. Thus, you need to be sure what really interests you and then weigh the pros and cons of that field carefully. After you have decided on your course of action, go for it wholeheartedly.
Q: I am an electrical engineer working in the power sector for the last eight years. My job involves commissioning different power system equipment in different sub-stations. I want to make a career in ERP. Will a course like production planning under SAP help? Would my work experience in the power sector be a hindrance?
Krishnendu Nag
Calcutta
A: I think you are in a good field and should not think of changing jobs. Your work experience in the power sector won?t be a hindrance in pursuing a course in SAP. However, your valuable work experience in commissioning of power systems will be wasted.
Send your letters to HR Matters at The Telegraph, Jobs Desk, 6 Prafulla Sarkar Street, Calcutta 700001; or fax at 2225 3142; or send emails to jobs@abpmail.com. All letters should have your full name and postal
address.
