Q: I have a BSc degree and am 37 years old. I also have a diploma in computer applications from the British Institute. I have been working as an office assistant and computer operator for the last 10 years. I am now planning to do an MCA. Will it boost my job prospects?
Srikant Tewari
Calcutta
A: It?s good to know that you are willing to study further. However, age is not on your side so it will be difficult for you. You can go in for an MCA but will have to bank on your experience to get a job. Though it would not be wise to expect a job similar to an MCA with 10 years? work experience. But an MCA would definitely give a boost to your career.
Q: I am a refractory engineer and have more than 25 years experience. I also have four years? experience as a head of the department of safety. After shifting to Calcutta, I find that for any position in safety, there is a demand for an EQ in industrial safety. I don?t have EQ certification. What do I do?
Name and address withheld
A:I presume that you had been given charge of safety after looking into your capability for the job notwithstanding your qualification. But since you are looking for a new job, it would be difficult to convince your future employer about your capability without the qualification.
However, if you have had a good exposure in the four years that you handled safety, you should be able to convince your prospective employer about your competence.
Q: I was an insurance adviser for a reputed private insurance company and am working in the BPO of the same company. I am a science graduate. Would courses like underwriting enhance my job prospects?
Debasree Mukherjee
Calcutta
A: If you are interested in working in the insurance sector then you should first get back to your old job. After gaining more exposure, you should try and enrol in short courses that are relevant to your job. By that time, you would be mature enough to be able to identify the requisite courses yourself.
Meanwhile, you can enrol as a member of the Actuarial Society of India. That would help in building contacts with professionals from the field and give you a better insight into the insurance industry.
Q: I am a 31-year-old arts graduate with maths, economics and public administration. I have also done a PGDCA from XISS and am doing a long distance PGDBM from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management and Higher Studies. I have worked with Dainik Bhaskar as an EDP executive and for IIPL (a software firm) as a customer care executive. I am working with the Indian Explosives Limited, Gomia, in the supply department for the last two-and-a-half years. Despite repeated assurances, they have yet to take me on as a full-time consultant. Hence, I want to switch careers. Can I make a career in marketing and sales?
Pradip Kumar Prasad
Gomia
A: I am not sure if you have a clear career plan chalked out. I feel that is the single most important thing to do. Upto the age of 31, you have worked as an EDP executive and then as a customer care executive and now in the supply department in industries ranging from newspaper to software to manufacturing.
You now want a career in marketing in the insurance and banking sector. Think what you want to do.
You can build a career in marketing if you are competent. But starting your career afresh at this age may not be a very good idea.
Q: I have done my postgraduation in geography and have been working as an insurance agent for SBI Life. Should I do an MBA in finance in the distance learning mode?
Tirap Saikia
Assam
A: At this juncture, you can opt for an MBA by correspondence. But if you intend to stay on in insurance then you should do courses that are more suitable to the sector. However, if your age is around 23 then you can opt for a full-time MBA from a reputed institute. That would be an asset.
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