Q: I completed BTech (chemical engineering) in 2009. I joined a finance firm because I was not getting a job in my sector. But I was not enjoying it. I have been trying for core sector jobs since then. Should I give my work experience in my CV while applying for core sector jobs or apply as a fresher?
Kunal Dutta
A: The golden rule is “never lie on your CV”. If you have worked in a finance firm for a year, mention it. You can also state the real reason for doing so. This would be much appreciated than the fact that you have been sitting idle during this period or being labelled a liar. In fact, you have taken a prudent step when the market was tough and this would show your resolve, which would stand you in good stead when you search for a job in the core sector.
Q: I am 31 years old and working in an HR consultancy for 10 months. I am learning about HR-related matters such as policy formulation, HR practices and so on. I have done my graduation and also passed MBA (HR) from Annamalai University by distance mode. How can I get good exposure considering my age and qualification? Should I opt for a short-term HR-related course?
Amit Mukherjee
A: I think you are getting the right exposure at the place you are. Considering you are 31, and have worked for a little less than a year in the HR field, it will not be prudent to seek a job change or an enhancement in qualification as yet. A smaller organisation would give you the much-needed exposure in all fields of HR and would also be tolerant to your age. But a bigger organisation will have difficulty in absorbing a 31-year-old person with only a year of experience. Please stay there and work hard and do not get distracted by further qualifications or bigger organisations.
Q: I am a BE (electronics and communication) with more than six years’ experience, including one year in embedded systems. I wanted to shift to IT and have undergone training in PHP. I am looking for a job. But the growth (salary structure) in this particular technology is very slow. What should I do?
Sandipan Sarkar
A: Your choice of career should ideally be driven by your interest in the field and not the salary it offers. If you are satisfied with your job, you will perform better and if you perform better, growth and salary will automatically follow. Please stick to what you are doing and do it well.
Q: I did a diploma in web and graphic design from Brainware. How can I get freelance designing jobs?
Rahul Sharma
A: The fact that you are seeking a freelance job suggests you are not in a position to take up a full-time job. In that case, search the Net and tell people who matter that you are available for freelance designing jobs. Also, there are several small organisations, which outsource their designing jobs to external vendors. Keep in touch with a few of these and once assignments start coming in, word will spread based on your delivery capabilities.
Q: After passing BSc with 48.96 per cent in 2006, I have been trying for government jobs, but in vain. I have done a certificate course in software from Brainware and have been in a Foxpro programming job for over a year. Is it possible to do an MBA now? What specialisation can I choose and from where should I do it? I am interested in banking jobs though I am not a BCom. Can you suggest some courses for me, especially for banking jobs? I am 27.
Swagata Senapati
A: You do have the age to build a career, but your marks are not enough for many entrance tests. You’re a science graduate but want a career in banking, which is quite possible. There are many MBA institutions that offer finance as a subject. Doing such a course would help you in a career in banking or finance. A word of caution: think carefully what would make you happy; you don’t have the age for experimentation.
Q: I am working in a government organisation as a lower division clerk for two years. Previously, I was in a call centre. I am now doing an MBA from IGNOU. What would my job prospects be after completion of the course? I came to know that MBA at IGNOU is AICTE approved. So, can I apply for PhD programmes in MBA subjects after this?
Nishith Kumar Sinha
A: Yes, you can apply for a PhD after MBA, if you are inclined towards further research. But you also need to think if it would help in your career. Otherwise, it may not make sense to do it just for the sake of qualifications.
Q: I’ve done an MSc (economics) and MBA from Sikkim Manipal University. I am 37. I have nine years’ experience including six years in the development of the MSME sector in a quasi government organisation. Which course in distance learning should be effective for me in the functional domain of finance under the MSME sector?
Jaydeep Chakraborty
A: The choice would depend on which field you want to develop yourself in. Since you are an economics graduate and an MBA, I presume you understand more than the basics of finance. Where do you see yourself lacking? There are several specialised courses. Also, most reputed institutes offer MDP programmes.
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