Q: I am a 26-year-old BSc (honours) graduate. I have also completed an advance diploma course in network computing from NIIT Siliguri. At present, I am working with NIIT as a senior faculty and technical support member. But I do not enjoy the teaching job. I would like to further my career prospects. So I want to do a masters in computer applications (MCA) course from a recognised university. Will it be a step in the right direction? I am very confused. Please advise.
Parmendra Singh, Jalpaiguri
A: Pursuing a masters in computer applications (MCA) can certainly enhance your chances of getting a wider choice of jobs in the information technology industry. Given your past work experience and interest, these could broadly include opportunities in systems integration/analysis, database administration, network design/management, etc. where there are plenty of opportunities.
Another option for you could be to pursue certifications like MCSD, Sun, Lotus etc. Such qualifications would be specifically focused from a learning and career point of view. You could choose the specific course, based upon your area of interest.
Q: I have completed my diploma in civil engineering and I am also a BSc (pure science) graduate. At present, I am working in a valuation firm. But I am not happy here ? my salary is very low and there is no scope of growth. I have appeared for different examinations pertaining to government jobs but have not made it to any of them.
At present, I am 26 years old. Will it be prudent to opt for a masters in business administration (MBA) at this stage or should I opt for AMIE? Please advise. Moreover, what other career options would suit me at this stage considering my age and qualification?
Name withheld
A: The AMIE offers recourse to those who have not been able to pursue a regular engineering course. However, in your case, since you do have a diploma coupled with work experience, you could capitalise on both and look at careers in real estate management/ valuation which is one of the booming sectors in any urban/semi-urban locality.
Real estate management jobs involve helping people buy and sell homes, office buildings, industrial property and corporation farmland, property management, land development, mortgage banking, urban planning, real estate counselling, appraisal and research. Without doubt, this is a very interesting field and it will allow you to use your expertise to the hilt.
You can check out the diploma courses that are offered by the Indian Institute of Real Estate, Pune. For more information on the courses log on to the institute?s website: www.iire.co.in. All the best.
Q: I am a 25-year-old bioscience graduate. For the last two years I have been working as a medical representative for a reputed pharmaceutical company. Initially, I used to enjoy my job. But now, things have changed and I am no longer satisfied with my job and would like to opt for a change.
I have had some exposure to the pharmaceutical industry so I would like to enhance my position in this industry. I am interested mainly in production control. How should I proceed to fulfil my ambition? I am in a confused state of mind. Please advise.
Z. Sablok
A: If your interest lies in understanding and managing production processes and controls, you could request your organisation for a job rotation and ask to be placed in a factory or a production unit. Working in that environment for a couple of years will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the interlinkages between production, sales and marketing, giving you an overall business perspective.
However, if your request is not honoured, then in such a scenario, you could pursue an masters in business administration (MBA) with a specialisation in operations/production management. That could help you find a place in the career of your choice.
As there is a great deal of demand for information technology jobs, manufacturing/production companies are finding it difficult to find competent people who would like to work in production control. There is, therefore, an opportunity for you.
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