HR MATTERS 05-05-2009

Q: I have done postgraduate diploma in business management from the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Calcutta, with human resources (HR) as major and marketing as minor. I have around seven years’ experience in finance and marketing. I want to shift to HR but am finding it difficult to get a job. Should I stick to marketing or look for a HR job?

Pradip Ghosh

A: You need to analyse why you are finding it difficult to get a HR job. It could be because you have spent too much time in finance and marketing or you may not have the requisite qualification to be in HR. You also need to analyse why you want to shift to HR. Is it because you are not enjoying marketing? Or are you not faring well in your job? Once you find the answers, you will be able to arrive at a conclusion.

Q:I have completed BSc in mathematics from Calcutta University. I have been working as office assistant / receptionist in a private firm but am not happy with my work. What should I do to enhance my educational qualification?

Santanu Dutta

A: You have completed graduation, but you need to do a specialised course to get a good job. You can opt for a computer course, if you have the interest and inclination. You may do something that involves numbers and logic, since you have done your graduation in mathematics. If you have a flair for writing, you can check out science journalism.

Q:I am a 21-year-old arts graduate. I have been working in a multinational company as an office assistant in the administration department for the last 11 months. Should I opt for MBA to improve my job prospects?

Joydeep Dey

A: In today’s world, it is difficult to get a good job armed with only a graduation degree. It is prudent to go for a professional degree. MBA is one of the options. There are other avenues such as public relations, journalism, advertising and computer applications.

Q:I completed postgraduation in economics in 2006. I have been working in a networking company as back office executive. But I want to quit my job as it doesn’t offer opportunities for growth. Should I opt for MBA in finance or HR? Can one opt for MBA in operations research?

Sushama Samaddar

A: You would definitely get a better job if you enhance your qualification. As you have completed graduation in economics, you can opt for MBA in finance. Otherwise, you can specialise in HR. There are several management institutes which offer specialisation in operations research. Be sure what you want to do, otherwise you may be a loser in the long run.

Q:I am a 34-year-old commerce graduate. I hold a diploma in financial accounting and have 10 years’ experience in accounts and taxation. I have been working as an internal auditor in a private firm for the last two years. I want to do MBA but am not sure whether it will help me get a good job.

Ashoke Sarkar

A:It is difficult to change course after 10 years in the corporate world. It would be better if you enhance your skills in accounting.

Q:I am 30 years old. I have been working in Tata Consultancy Services for the last three years. My area of work is IT. But I don’t see any scope for growth without a management degree. Should I opt for executive MBA or a full-time one?

Bikashdeb Roy

A: You could opt for a two-year full-time MBA from a premier institute. An executive MBA, however, would be a better idea since then you would be 31 by the time you pass out.

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