Q: I am 27 years old and have completed my graduation in commerce in 2002. Subsequently, I did an MBA by correspondence from Sikkim Manipal University with specialisation in marketing.
I have also done a diploma in computer operation. At present, I am working in the publishing industry as an MIS executive. My job includes making various sales reports like analysing performance, sales turnover, etc. I have also worked with a leading telecom firm in the same post for about 11 months. But will being in the MIS stream prove beneficial or should I switch over to sales?
Abhijit Mondal
A:Being in a stream and choosing that as a career option will depend on your inclination and competence. If you like data analysis and interpretation, you could continue in the same stream. Your background of commerce would be of help in this field.
From a long-term perspective, this might not be a very beneficial move and I would urge you to also look for options in sales and marketing.
This would give you a well-rounded exposure and your three years of experience in MIS would also come in handy.
Q: I am a commerce graduate with more than five years of work experience. In the first four years, I worked for two small-scale partnership firms — first at an import and export firm and later, at a construction firm.
For the last one year, I have been working for a telecom giant through one of their associates.
My job responsibilities include customer care and junior level management. Is there any part-time course that will help me in the future?
Abhaya Bhattacharjee
Jamshedpur
A: There are several part-time courses that would suit you. First, you should choose a field that you want to specialise in and then go for a course that will enhance your knowledge in the field.
You can also try for a correspondence MBA course in a field of your choice or do special courses on customer care, logistics, etc, from institutes that offer these courses.
Q: I am working as a co-ordinator in the commodity market. My job involves co-ordinating with our business partners.
I have three years’ work experience in marketing, operations and risk management. However, I want to switch to the research part of this industry.
Which course should I opt for? I have also done a bachelors in business administration (BBA) and a diploma in entrepreneurship management. Will that ensure better prospects?
Arnab Ghosh
Calcutta
A: You have gained experience in marketing, operations and risk management — subjects that are very vast and different in their content.
You have also done a BBA and a diploma in entrepreneurship. I would say that you are moving too fast in switching business areas.
Since you have done a course in entrepreneurship, I would assume that you would like to set up your own business at some point and for that you need to have knowledge in different areas.
If you spend too little time in each of these disciplines, I fear that you may not be in a position to grasp all the nuances of the discipline and that would adversely affect your chances of setting up a successful business.
Q : After completing an MBA in finance this year, I am getting calls from knowledge process outsourcing units (KPOs) like Genpact, Accenture, etc, to join as a finance associate.
If I accept these jobs, will my work experience in these KPOs count if later I decided to join other firms in the finance sector?
Rakesh Kr Shaw
Calcutta
A: Since you are getting job options in the staff finance function, your experience will be useful in any industry. It will not be restricted to the industry you are working in.
However, you will definitely enjoy an advantage in other KPO/BPO or other ITeS companies.
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