Q: I am an MSc in economics. I am pursuing MBA (finance and marketing) from a renowned institute in Calcutta on a part-time basis. I have two years? experience as a marketing executive in a limited company. My job profile includes new product development, business promotion and new market research. But I want to switch to a company as a market researcher. Which companies are involved in this kind of work? Please advise.
Name Withheld
A: I think you are making the right career choice. With a background in economics and thereafter doing an MBA in finance and marketing, you are choosing to go for a market research job. Not many would do this, but since you have worked for two years, I guess you have made an evaluation of your strengths and weaknesses and have arrived at this conclusion.
There are several market research agencies of repute in this country. You can apply to any one of them and I am sure, your educational background and experience will be of use to them.
Q: After completing my graduation in economics honours, I had worked for a year in the contract management division of an engineering consultant firm. Thereafter, I completed my PGDBM with specialisation in marketing. Since November 2003, I am working in Dubai with a company that is the sole distributor for a US Fortune 500 company in the Middle East. My profile is sales and marketing. Due to personal reasons, I will have to return home. Will this overseas work experience hold me in good stead or be a hindrance in getting a job in India? Moreover, I know I cannot make the same amount of money there. What would be a realistic salary expectation for me? I have about four years of experience.
Amit Vikram Ghosh,
Dubai
A: The simple answer to your question is ? yes, you will get a job in India with the experience you have and it will not be a hindrance. At the same time let me also tell you that the MBA which you have done might not be as valued as those from premier institutes. Hence, you might not get a top-notch job, but contrary to your thinking, your overseas exposure will actually help you bridge that gap.
It is very difficult to say what salary you would get here as that would vary from organisation to organisation but a thumb rule can be ? a lakh each (and upwards) per annum for the total number of years of your experience.
Q: I am a 26-year-old diploma-holder in electronic engineering and I have also completed a medical electronic engineering course from Hyderabad. For the last two years, I have been working in the medical field as a cardiology technician. But now, I am interested in making a career in hospital management software or maintenance engineering. Will it be in accordance with my basic qualification and experience? If not, then which course should I pursue? Please advise.
Name Withheld,
Guwahati
A: I think the field you are choosing is too narrow. If you want to work in hospital management software, it will be too specific. Although, in Assam there are several medical institutions and one can find enough jobs there, I would urge you to broaden your field so that it becomes more interesting. I do not think you need to opt for further studies at this point. You can decide on enhancing your skills after some work experience in case you feel that you need to do that to progress further in your chosen field. All the best.
Q: I am an industrial engineer doing PGDBM (energy management). In the current scenario what are the prospects in these two fields?
Name Withheld
A: I think you have one of the best combinations in today?s world. You have immense prospects in any sort of industry. Energy management is the most talked about and sought after qualification and coupled with that, if you are an industrial engineer you can be an asset to any manufacturing concern.
You could also think of pursuing a career in consultancy services. Some of the big consultancy firms have specialised divisions for environment and energy management and also for industrial engineers.
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