Q:I am a 33-year-old LLB graduate. I have a family business to run and hence, I am busy all the time. But I am very interested in practising law. Is it possible to practise law on a part-time basis? At this stage, how can I start practising? Please advise.
Name Withheld
A:The Advocates Act prohibits you from practising law since you are actively involved in your family business. Even if you are a sleeping partner in your family business, you will have to take the permission of the Bar Council of your state before being able to practise in the judicial courts.
You could become an associate of a firm of solicitors. You could also work on a part-time basis and could involve yourself in research or in preparing cases without actually appearing in court. That way, you could stay in touch with law as a profession as well as continue to run your family business.
Q:I have a diploma in electrical engineering with one-year?s experience. I am currently working as a trainee maintenance engineer at a leading newspaper publishing company. I want to shift to power generation/steel/ cement/ferro alloy industry. Which courses should I go for to get a job in these industries? Beside this, I am interested in courses in PLC, SCADA, AC and DC drives. Is there any reputed institute in Calcutta from where I can pursue one of them? Please advise.
Archisman
A:If you want to shift to the power sector, you will need to do some homework before zeroing in on a course that suits your needs. Kindly speak to people in the power sector for more information. Also check out Usha Alberquerque?s book on various courses and where they are conducted. Check out the Government of India websites for more information.
Q:I have completed a PG diploma in insurance and risk management from Jaipuria Institute of Management. At present, I am working with ICICI Lombard. I wish to pursue an MBA. Should I opt for distance education or a part-time MBA? Which one will be a better option for me?
Rajnish Sonkar
A: You should go in for a part-time MBA course. Distance education has its limitations as there are fewer contact classes and interaction with the faculty is sporadic. So if time is not a constraint and if you can manage your professional commitments, you should go in for a two-year or a three-year part-time MBA course.You will find the contact classes, the interaction with peers and faculty very meaningful. But do choose a recognised institute. Otherwise, the MBA may have limited value.
Q:I have completed my MBA (marketing) from Bangalore. During the campus recruitment, I got an offer from two companies. One was based in Bangalore and the other in Gurgaon. However, due to some family problems, I had to come back to Calcutta and could not join either of the two companies. After returning, I joined a reputed call centre in the city in October 2004. But I am getting frustrated as I am unable to utilise my MBA skills here. I have applied to many companies but I am not getting any suitable openings. Can I show this work experience for future interviews or should I opt for a second MBA? Please advise.
Abhijeet Mukherjee
A:A second MBA is not required. Wherever you are now, you can always demonstrate good performance at work. Your current job provides opportunities in people management and will help you to hone your communication skills, improve teamwork, and enhance your leadership abilities. These are skills that are valued by all organisations and will stand you in good stead in your career.
Yes, working in a call centre does pose a minor hurdle when you want to switch jobs. But that can be overcome by the way in which you project your experience and showcase your skills and performance.
If you spread your net wider and are willing to travel, you can multiply your options in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry itself. BPOs also need marketing people. If you have the experience of dealing with foreign clients and the right kind of communication skills, you could go for off-site marketing too. I wish you all the best in your endeavour.
Send your letters to HR Matters at The Telegraph, Jobs Desk, 6 Prafulla Sarkar Street, Calcutta 700001; or fax at 2225 3142; or send emails to jobs@abpmail.com. All letters should have your full name and postal
address.
