Q: I am a 26-year-old telecom engineer working in the defense sector. I have done certificate courses in C and C++ and at present I am pursuing a two-year distance learning MBA programme from the Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, Pune. Is the institute recognised? I am interested in international business but when I compare it with IT, I get confused. Please advise.
Name Withheld
A: The distance learning MBA programme is recognised but it is not equivalent to a full-time MBA. Knowing C and C++ is irrelevant because this is only a tool that helps you gain a foothold in the IT industry. Your strength lies in telecom. Private telecom companies would be very interested in your expertise. So go for that. International business is a big market. First network with people, gain some understanding of international business, then you can decide whether you want to make a foray into it.
Q: I am 52 years old and have 16 years? experience in a cement company. I had to take VRS from a supervisory position in the sales department. I am a science graduate (pass course). At present, I am attending a basic computer course with the idea of getting a job as a school teacher. Should I opt for further programming /SAP/ERP courses? Is it a good decision, considering my age?
Name withheld
A: It is too late in the day for you to start learning IT skills from scratch. It would take you 10-12 years to establish yourself in the IT industry. Also, software industries seem to prefer youngsters in development because of the pressures of the job. Why do you want to go for development? Why don?t you go to a product company? You could become a domain consultant where your experience in the cement industry would be helpful.
Q: I am 27 years old and I have about one-and-a-half years? experience in the pharma marketing industry as a medical representative. I am a BA (general) graduate. Recently, I got an opportunity to become an area business manager in a company that sells surgical equipment. Should I take up this offer? Also, is there any difference between regular, correspondence and online MBA degrees? I want to do an MBA in marketing, HRD, finance, export-import as I want to become an entrepreneur later. Please advise.
Sonali Meyur
Calcutta
A: I fail to understand why you need a basket of degrees to become an entrepreneur. Do you have a special interest in continuing in the pharma industry? If not, then why don?t you go to the equipment industry if the job is growth oriented? People in sales do not necessarily continue in the same line. They do cross over to other fields. This is perfectly acceptable. Regular MBAs from a recognised institute get best results. The others are less useful. What area you choose to specialise in depends on your area of interest. Please slow down a little. Careers need planning and taking hasty decisions can lead to problems later on.
Q: I am 34 years old and have been working as an executive assistant in a multi-national pharmaceutical company for more than six years. I am a geography (honours) graduate and hold a BEd degree. I have completed a secretarial course. I am also handling e-related software packages related to sales and HR matters. Is there any scope for me to diversify? I would like to get associated with IT or HR-related jobs or anything else that has scope for value addition. What are the fields I can opt for? What kind of training will I have to undergo for the same?
Sanchita Paul,
Calcutta
A: Your basic qualifications don?t lend themselves to a great deal of value addition unless you want to acquire a degree in business management, which may be a laborious process. Your current job profile is such that if you were to do HR work there would be a clash of interests. The post of an executive assistant has a certain power and challenge built into it. If you are not happy here you could opt for a position in operations within the company. But do give it serious thought because your present job has certain privileges that go with it.
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