HR MATTERS 06-07-2010

Q: I graduated with honours in cost and management accountancy from Andhra University. I am currently working in the power sector and have around 13 years’ experience in various fields. I am keen on doing a postgraduate diploma in business administration (PGDBA) from Symbiosis University. Which specialisation should I opt for?

RBN Rao

A: Why do you want to do a PGDBA when you have 13 years’ work experience? If this qualification is a pre-condition for your career enhancement in the organisation you are working for, you can go for it. Since you have a background in cost and management accountancy, it would be better if you take finance as a subject of specialisation. This would enhance your knowledge and also help you progress in your career.

Q: I am 23 years old. I completed BA in 2007 and joined a business process outsourcing company soon after. I have been working in a leading pharmaceutical company for the last one and a half year. I am looking for a change and want to learn SAP and specialise in the sales and distribution module. Is this a right move? What are the opportunities available for ERP professionals?

Rajib Sen

A:Before making a change, you should first stop and think what you want to do in life. Otherwise, you would be going from one job to another without gaining anything and also wasting the organisation’s resources. ERP professionals have good opportunities.

Q:I am 34 years old and have 12 years’ experience in various fields such as insurance, sales and administration. I have been working as an executive secretary in an export company in Delhi and am also enrolled for an MBA through distance education. Which subject should I specialise in?

Sanjay Chakraborty

A: Since you have experience of working in various areas, you would be able to judge which field you like working in. It is important to specialise in a subject which is of interest to you. This will benefit you and the organisation for which you are working.

Q: I am pursuing MBA (finance) through correspondence and also working as a branch accountant in a manufacturing company in Calcutta for the past 10 months. I have around three years’ experience in accounts and finance. Due to work pressure, I have not been able to complete MBA even after trying six times. I want to pursue a SAP (FICO) course but am not sure whether it will help me.

Sibaram Gouda

A:It is good that you are not dejected by your failures and want to give another try, but it is important to know the reason why you have not been successful. Even after being unsuccessful in MBA (finance), you want to pursue a course in FICO (Fair Isaac Credit Organisation), which is a tool used by lenders to ascertain the creditworthiness of the borrower. If you analyse carefully, you may find that finance is not your area of strength. You have worked in accounts, but accounts and finance are different. So, a three to six months’ course in FICO may not be of help.

Q: I have been working in a call centre for three years. However, I want to be an equity research analyst. I completed MA (economics) with 43 per cent marks in 2008. I am pursuing MS (finance) from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts. How can I make a career shift? Do I need to do an additional computer course?

Arka Deb Ghosh

A: I am sorry to say that 43 per cent is not a good enough percentage to make a career shift in the field of equity research. Moreover, it would be better if you concentrate on studies and get better marks than think of a career shift at this stage. I f you have the right qualification and adequate competence, you would be in the right job with the right pay.

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