Q: I have been working in the pharmaceutical industry for the last 13 years. I have a BSc (chemistry) degree from Calcutta University and am 35 years old. Now, I want to join the HRD and sales administration department. How do I go about getting a job in the human resources field?
Pradip Mukherjee
A: Working in human resources (HR) is simple as well as difficult. Making an internal shift to human resources in your present company may not be difficult if you have proven relationship building and relationship management skills.
As for the other necessary HR skills, they can be learnt on the job. If you plan to continue in your present job then probably you could renegotiate your job profile and gain some HR exposure.
This will help you build your profile and later, you can leverage on your experience.
Q: I have done BCom (hons) and am working with a CA firm. I want to make my career in the stock market. I had registered for CA but couldn’t continue my studies due to my father’s death.
Now I am on the verge of completing my NCFM (NSE’s certification in financial markets) exam. Could you suggest any long distance programme which wouldn’t be too costly and which would help me fulfil my aim?
Bhaskar Roy
A: For a career in the stock market, a strong grounding in finance and accounts is recommended. Hence, an MBA in finance or an ICWA would be ideal.
Q: I am a BSc graduate and also have a diploma in computer application and programming. I am working as a medical representative for the last six years. I want to change my profession. I want to be in the IT industry. What courses would help me garner a suitable job in the IT industry?
Mustaq Choudhury
A: You can go in for a masters in computer applications (MCA). This will certainly add to your credentials and improve your prospects in the IT industry.
Q: I am 27 years old and have done a BE as well as an MTech in computer science. I am a lecturer in a private college and want to go back to the industry. What should I do to get a suitable opening in the IT industry?
Also, I have always wanted to pursue an MBA course. Should I go for it? I am also interested in the fellow programme (FPM) offered by the Indian Institute of Management. Am I eligible for that? Will that improve my prospects at getting a job in a reputed IT firm?
Name withheld
A: At your age, it does not make much sense to opt for academic pursuit on a full-time basis. You will be doing that at the cost of job experience, which at this juncture is more important.
In fact, IIMs offer management programmes of a short duration that are very helpful as a career boost.
Also, with your current qualifications, finding yourself a suitable job should not pose any problems.
Please get yourself a challenging job and then add to your qualifications later.
Q: I have been working for the last seven years in the IT industry after completing a BE in civil engineering from a government college.
The IT firm that I work for is a global one and quite reputed and my salary package is also good.
For more than two years now, I have been posted overseas. For the last four years, I have been working as business performance manager (finance) on the IT side.
I am planning to pursue an MBA (finance) or a chartered accountancy course. Will that be a wise career move? Or will it be better for me to stick to my present job? Please advise.
Name withheld
A: It may not be a wise career move to opt for a course for the sheer joy of getting the degree.
It is also not recommended that you shift careers after investing seven years in the IT industry.
Hence, you should pursue an MBA or a chartered accountancy course only if it helps you to perform your current job better.
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