Q:I am a 26-year-old MCom graduate from Calcutta University. I have been working as an accountant for the last three years. I am now into my first semester of a two-year MBA programme from Manipal University. I have the option to do dual specialisation in the last semester. The available combinations are finance and marketing, HR and marketing, systems and marketing. I want to opt for the first combination because it matches with my degree and experience. But I have heard that MBA (finance) is less in demand in the job market. So I am confused about a suitable specialisation. Please advise.
Dipankar Maity, Hooghly
A:I think you have made the right decision in choosing the subjects. It would also match your interest and experience. In an MBA, irrespective of your background, you can choose subjects that you would like to pursue as a career. After passing out, you will be considered as a fresher in the job market. So it is very important to choose the subject you really like and would like to make a career out of. As far as the job market is concerned, I would say there are no dearth of jobs for any of the subjects you have mentioned. If you are a good candidate there will be enough opportunities for you to choose from and pursue your career.
Q:I am a 33-year-old married man. I have passed my higher secondary (commerce) and have a one-year diploma in computer science. I support my family by running an auto. My dad's pension too supports the family. But soon, when my family grows, this meagre income won?t be enough. I feel very helpless and depressed. What is the minimum qualification that I can earn in the shortest time that will help me and my family live with more respect?
Rajendra Prasad, Siliguri
A:At this point, age is not on your side for you to begin exploring a career. With your background in computer science, you can supplement your current income with some freelance work for the IT industry. If you find it interesting, you can opt for relevant short-term courses which will augment your qualification and lead you to better jobs in the IT industry. You can also think of a part-time teaching profession in either commerce or computers if you feel you are equipped with the requisite knowledge in either of these fields.
Q:I am a BTech (civil) from NIT, Allahabad (2003 batch). I initially worked for an NGO and later quit, realising the futility of the job. Now I am taking a software course on ABAP (SAP) and want to switch over to a software job. I have experience in C C++, Java, etc. Will it be wise to make the switch, considering that I have a civil engineering background? Should I sit for GATE or CAT? I am in a dilemma. Please advise.
S.R. Chowdhary, Calcutta
A: I would say that the ABAP programming course is a very good decision you have taken. It is often difficult to find good people for this job and when you finish the course successfully, I am sure you will not have any problems finding a job. As far as your dilemma regarding your background and switching to a software career is concerned, I do not see any conflict as this is very common in the industry. Your background will be of use in the future if you are working on a project that has a flavour of civil engineering. You can, of course, explore opportunities in management by sitting for CAT. If you get through the premier schools, then it will be a positive career move.
Q:I am 25 years old and at present am doing a two-year MBA (marketing) from Techno India Group, Calcutta, under WBUT. I have a one-year work experience in newspaper sales. What are my job prospects in the media industry?
Priyanko Chakraborty, Calcutta
A:Your one-year experience in newspaper sales does not have much relevance. Media is a vast industry that includes print and visual media. After completing your MBA, you can work in any industry of your choice. It need not be media at all as your previous experience will not be considered while you are being offered a job. So it would be prudent on your part not to restrict your plans to the media industry alone.
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.