Q:I completed BSc (honours) in botany in 2006. At present, I am working as an executive in the finance sector. I want to opt for a specialisation in operations management. Where can I do it from and what are these courses called?
Pragnya Shila Chakraborty
A:One of the best places to study operations management is the S.P. Jain Institute of Management, Mumbai. It also has campuses in Dubai and Singapore. Those who are keen on doing an accelerated one-year MBA can opt for these.
Alternatively, the Indian Statistical Institute in Calcutta also offers an applied programme in operations management. You could check that out as well.
Q: I have a BCom (honours) as well as a BA in English. I am working as an instructor of computer science and spoken English at present. I want to do an MBA but couldn’t pursue it earlier due to monetary problems. I want to opt for a CFA from ICFAI and am thinking of joining a BPO to support myself. I am quite strong in English.
However, I can’t decide what to do: Should I chuck my present job and join a BPO? I am 25 years old and am worried that I might not be able to do justice to my studies while working since working in a BPO involves long hours. What do I do?
Manas Bhattacharya
A:A career in a BPO can be rewarding if one is careful about the choices and expectations that one has from one’s career.
Several BPOs today will also assist you in your career progression by sponsoring your higher education in management or anything else you decide upon.
Q:I am 31 years old and have done BCom (honours) and an MBA in finance and marketing. I have a total experience of three years and eight months in audit and accounts in a CA firm. But I am working in the sales and marketing division for the last two and a half years.
I want to change over to operational and finance-oriented jobs. What should I do?
Sumit Mukherjee
A:If your interest lies in operational finance, then courses in cost accounting, internal audit and treasury can help you make that shift. You could also explore the ICFAI course sheet for more options.
Q:I am 26 years old and am working with Reliance India Mobile as a team leader. I have seven years of experience in sales and marketing. I’m also pursuing my graduation (BCom, second year) now.
Since, I started my graduation late, I’m confused whether I should go in for a full-time MBA or a part-time one? Could you suggest any other courses to boost my prospects?
Kapil Sethi
A:The choice is entirely yours. If you have the option of taking a break and doing a full-time MBA then nothing like it.
However, if you cannot afford to take a break from your present job, then you can always opt for a part-time course from a reputed university.
Q:I have done an MCom as well as an ICWA (inter). I am working in the accounts department of a private firm. Now I am thinking of doing an MBA from ICFAI. Will that be enough?
Souvik Banerjee
A:The choice depends on your expectations post-MBA. If you are happy in an operational finance role, then an MBA may not add much value. Rather, you should take up courses that will strengthen your basics in finance and its emerging trends such as Sox, IFRS, etc .
Q:I have a diploma in mechanical engineering and am working in the production division of an MNC. I want to pursue an MBA (part-time). Where can I pursue it?
Name withheld
A:There are several institutes in India that offer part-time courses. While choosing a course, you must check for several things which include the reputation of the institute, its stress on learning and proximity to your residence/ office in terms of evening classes or contact classes. Keeping these in mind will help you to zero in on the course of your choice.
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