Q:I passed MSc in physical chemistry with first division in 2003. Also, I have a diploma in computer application (DCA) and DTP. I have one year?s experience in teaching. But I am not sure where I am heading in my career. How do I improve my CV?
Onkar Nath Singh, Hooghly
A:First, you need to ask yourself, what profession would suit your temperament. This is of utmost importance. You have been teaching for a year now, but would you like to take that up as a career? If your answer is ?yes?, then you can conti- nue with your current profession. If the answer is ?no?, then you need to find out what would satisfy you. I can see that you have done a course in computer application, so would a career in IT be more attuned to your nature? In that case, you have to go deep into the field and see what interests you as an individual. IT is a vast industry and one has to specialise in a certain aspect to gain credibility. Your current education in DTP won?t give you good openings. The other option is to go for an MBA and seek a career in the corporate world.
Q:I did my MA in English from Jadavpur University and a BEd. from Shri Shikshayatan College. I worked in a reputed school where I taught English in the higher classes for 10 years. I had to give up my job in 2000 because of personal reasons. Now, after applying to several schools and not receiving any calls from them, I have come to know that the five-year gap is the main hindrance to my getting a teaching job. I am 42 years old. So now I?m looking for an educational counsellor?s job. Do I need any special degree/diploma for this?
Suparna Ghosh
A:I am surprised that you are not getting calls even though you have so much experience in the teaching profession. I think you should keep trying as there is no reason why you cannot get a job in that profession. I would suggest that instead of applying, you seek appointments and meet the respective schools or approach through a person who is currently working in that school. I am sure that with so many new schools coming up in Calcutta, and with your rich experience, you would definitely get a job, even if there has been a five-year hiatus in your career. The educational counsellor?s job would not require any additional qualification. Your experience would suffice for the post.
Q:I completed my BBM (graduation), with specialisation in marketing, from Bangalore University in 2004. Initially, I worked with Standard Chartered (DSA) in Bangalore for two months. Currently, I am working as a sales executive with ICICI Web Trade. But the company hasn't given me any appointment letter yet. If I don't get an appointment letter or even a pay slip, should I continue with the company? Arnab Bose, Calcutta
A: It is very surprising that a reputed organisation like ICICI has not given an appointment letter to you. I would say that you bring this up with your seniors. Not continuing with the job is an option you have which you can exercise when you have an alternative job in hand. Otherwise, it?s you who will be the loser. I would suggest that you write a mail to the HR department asking for an appointment letter. Not having a pay slip is not an issue as long as you have a legal appointment letter with you. If you do not succeed in getting an appointment letter, then you should find an alternative employment as soon as possible.
Q:I am a 26-year-old mechanical engineer (BE) from Belgaum, Karnataka (VTU). I have one year?s work experience in ?steel cast LTD?. Currently, I am studying MBA (marketing management) at GBM, Bhubaneswar. I have got first class marks in the last two semesters. I will complete the course in 2006 (March-April). Please suggest an industry that will be suitable for me.
Abhijit Bhattacharya, Burdwan
A:Since you are doing an MBA in marketing, please don?t worry about choosing an industry. Now that you will be a marketing professional, you will be selling anything under the sun. Based on your past qualification and brief experience, you would be better off in the steel sector, but that is not at all a limiting factor, neither is it too much of an advantage. So, please choose a career based on your current vocation and not on the basis of your past qualifications.
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