Q: I am 33 years old. I completed BSc (with fishery) from Calcutta University in 2000. I then did a PG diploma in hotel management from IHM, Calcutta, in 2002 and have been working with a three-star hotel in Calcutta in the front office. Now I am thinking of doing an MBA in HR through distance learning. Will it be the right thing to do?
Utpal Ray
A: Pre-MBA work will help you get a good lateral placement. The MBA in HR will open new avenues for you. You would be required to start afresh as a junior executive. Rather than distance learning, I would recommend taking up an executive MBA programme where you can attend classes on weekends. This helps, as you will be able to interact and learn from classmates from diverse backgrounds.
Q: I am a commerce graduate working as an accounts data entry operator. I want to make a career in information technology. I am doing a course in computer hardware and networking. I wish to do an MCA from IGNOU after that. But someone advised me to do a CCNA after hardware and networking. What should I opt for: CCNA or MCA?
Tirthankar Dey
A: You are already doing a course in networking; therefore, CCNA wpuld be a better choice. After completing your course, you can do a CCNA and then a CCNP certification. These certifications will ensure you have working knowledge of a network engineer. Further, you can specialise in a particular network skill such as network security. There are several certification courses available from Cisco, Microsoft and other such institutes.
Q: I am 28 years old and am currently working with a private concern as a senior executive QA. However, I am not satisfied with the job because the company does not have the right kind of work for a QA. I am a BCom (hons) graduate and want to do an MBA in HR. Since I cannot leave the job, could you suggest a way?
Saswati Basu
A: I sympathise with your situation. However, you can apply for the same job profile in other companies. I suggest you make your résumé and put it in online databases such as naukri.com, monsterindia and others. This process will take time but you will eventually find a job of your liking.
Q: I am 20 years old and will be completing BCA from WBUT this year. I am willing to do either MCA from WBUT or MCA from IGNOU as well as CCNA. Which would offer better prospects?
Sudeshna Ghosh
A: CCNA is a better choice for you. After completing BCA, you can do a CCNA and then a CCNP certification. These certifications will ensure you have working knowledge of a network engineer. Further, you can do specialisation in a particular network skill such as network security.
Q: I am 22 years old and passed BCA in 2009. I am now doing an MCA. I have done a hardware and networking certification course and want to do a CCNA. I want to build my career in the networking field. I have little knowledge of VB.Net or JAVA. Which is easier: JAVA or VB.Net? Which of the two would help me in a networking career? What are the prospects of web design?
Debraj Chakraborty
A: After completing your course, you can do a CCNP certification and then go on to do a Red Hat Certification. These certifications will enhance your skill sets. Further, you can go for a specialisation in a particular network skill such as network security. Web design would be a good career option since web services are in demand across industries.
Q: I completed MSc in biotechnology from the University of Burdwan in 2007. After that I did two educational projects from two central government institutes. Since 2008 I have been working as a marketing engineer in a private concern in the bio instrumentation industry. Should I go for a PhD or should I complete MBA first from a distance learning institute?
Sumantra Chatterje
A: A PhD is more likely to get you better job opportunities as very few candidates opt for PhDs in biotech. With this qualification, you will be able to explore newer avenues. But before joining, do some research on the institute.
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