Q:I am a commerce graduate, pursuing a chartered accountancy course at ICFAI. Are people with a commerce background eligible to learn various modules of SAP and enterprise resource planning (ERP)? Can you please tell me the names of some institutes that provide specialised ERP training? What are the opportunities for a CA who has done an ERP course? Which is a better career option ? CA plus ERP or CA plus MBA?
Aditya Baheti, Calcutta
A:Yes, ERP is a great career option. CAs are most preferred for finance and controlling modules of ERP. ERP training is offered by SAP-approved training centres. The training is imparted by respective product vendors through approved institutions whereby certification is given on completion of the training. Private institutions also impart training but there is some risk involved in terms of skilled faculty, licence to software, etc. CA plus ERP is an attractive choice for a career in IT. Whether you should do CA plus ERP or CA plus MBA is a choice you have to make based on factors other than just career prospects.
Q:I will complete my LLB this year. But I am worried about my career prospects as there is no lawyer in my family and I think it may be difficult for me to get clients initially. Are there opportunities for me in law firms and other related jobs? Will any management course like HR, personnel or logistics help me?
Esrar Ahmed, Calcutta
A:Not coming from a legal background can be a disadvantage if you want to start a private practice in law. But joining a successful lawyer as an apprentice who can help you gain experience in drafting cases as well as occasionally make court appearances can circumvent this. Gradually, you can start your own practice.
I am absolutely at sea as to why you want to venture into a career in HR, personnel or logistics. If you are articulate, have a good presence in the courtroom and are willing to put in long hours, then it would be better to embark on a legal practice. You could give private practice a shot for about five years and then if it does not work for you, you could join a private organisation.
Q:I have been working for the last 18 years in the accounts and taxation departments of reputed companies. I am a commerce graduate with an LLB and am 41 years old. I want to get ahead in my career. My present company is going to close the branch in which I work. Please suggest some professional course that will help me enhance my experience.
Rakesh Kumar, Bhubaneswar
A: Established CA firms provide good employment to people like you with experience in taxation and accounts. It depends on how dynamic you are and whether or not you can carve a niche for yourself. If you are willing to relocate to Delhi or Mumbai, your options will be further enhanced.
Q:I am 23 years old and am doing ?O? level from DOEACC. What other computer course should I do that will help me get a good job abroad?
Name withheld
A:After you finish your ?O? level from DOEACC, you need experience in the IT industry as freshers are not looked upon favourably for granting immigration visas. It is better to take a job on the strength of your present qualifications and then specialise in the area of your interest.
Q:I am pursuing an MBA in international business and finance through the distance learning mode from ICFAI. I am also working as a customer care executive in a BPO. I am quite happy with the job and the salary. But I have heard that if I ever think of switching to another career, my work experience in the BPO industry will not be considered. Is this true?
Vinay Shukla, Calcutta
A:Yes, if you want to move elsewhere, your experience in the BPO industry will not carry much weight. However, there are avenues for growth in the BPO industry itself. But if this does not interest you, then you need to plan and restructure your career now keeping in mind your long term goals.
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