HR MATTERS 14-04-2009

Q: I am 35 years old. I have been working for 13 years as a stenographer in IDBI Bank. The bank offers ample opportunities for promotion. However, I want to shift to the information technology sector and pursue a B-level course from DOEACC. Will it be prudent to quit my job and start afresh? I know I might have to work in a small company with a low salary. I would also like to mention that I enjoy the comfort and security of a stable job in a government enterprise. I know there is an element of uncertainty in changing my job at this stage but will it help reap dividends in future considering my interest in computers?

Rudrajit Dutta

A: You have thought through your dilemma and put it across nicely. I would urge you not to go for a career change at this stage. Having been in the banking sector for 13 years, it would be prudent to build your career in this profession.

As for your liking for IT, I suggest you do a part-time course from a reputed institute and use it to hasten your career progression rather than start afresh in the IT sector.

Q: I completed BTech in 2006. I am currently working in Wipro Technologies as a software engineer. I am looking for alternatives to a full-time MBA as I don’t have any time to prepare for CAT / GMAT. There are several institutes such as Symbiosis and IMT Ghaziabad which offer distance learning courses. Are these of any help?

Avishek Das

A: There is no alternative to a full-time MBA. Some of the courses you mentioned are recognised by organisations, but not given the same weightage as a full-time MBA. I would suggest that you take time out to study and pursue a full-time MBA from a reputed institute.

Q: I am a commerce graduate. I have two years’ experience as office executive in a company manufacturing leather bags. I am currently pursuing MBA through distance education. Which subject should I specialise in?

Satyajit Paul

A: The choice of subjects would depend on your interests. As you have a background in commerce, you can specialise in marketing, finance, HR, operation or systems. I would suggest that you think about these aspects and choose a subject accordingly.

Q: I am 42 years old. I have seven years’ experience as an insurance agent. I am interested in working in an insurance company. I had earlier worked as an Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDA) trainer for three years. Is there any course that can help boost my job prospects?

Swagata Das Naha

A: Since you are already an accredited trainer from IRDA, you do not require any further qualification. One worrying factor would be your age. However, if organisations are willing to utilise your experience, irrespective of your age, then you would not have any difficulty getting a job.

Q: I completed BE last year and am working in a cement company for the last six months. I want to pursue MBA through correspondence and specialise in operation research. My friends say it is better to specialise in finance or marketing. What do I do?

Soumik Sarkar

A: I would advise you to choose a subject which is of interest to you. You can specialise in several subjects, but choosing something you would not like will make you perpetually unhappy. If you like to specialise in operation research, go for it. There are a lot of opportunities in that area which you can explore.

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