Q: I am 25 years old and have completed my graduation in pharmacy in 2005. I am working as a medical representative in a pharmaceutical firm for the last 10 months. However, I am no longer interested in this profession. I want to switch jobs and join a pharmaceutical company on the production side. Do I stand a chance in this field? How should I go about carrying out this career switch?Am I taking the right decision? Please advise.
Debdutta Ballav
A: You can approach pharmaceutical companies directly. Also do check if your alma mater offers placement assistance. You can also ask any good recruiter for help.
Q:I have been working as a senior merchandiser in a textile company specialising in marketing fashion accessories. I am interested in the garment sector. But unfortunately, I don?t have any degree or experience in this sector. Will it be difficult for me to join this industry? Also, please let me know the kind of opportunities there are in this industry in Calcutta.
Name withheld
A:You haven?t mentioned if you want to continue as a merchandiser or are interested in something else. I presume you do, so check for any short-term courses in garments merchandising that can be done. I am sure you will be able to make the switch. Alternatively, try talking to your supervisor about your interest in garment merchandising. Maybe they can help you out by sponsoring your training.
Q:I am an MBA (finance) and am working in a private sector organisation. I want to add to my qualifications and want to do either an ICWA or a CFA. Which would be a better option for me ? ICWA or CFA? Which of these courses would help enhance my career? Please advise.
Sourav Chakraborty
A: The choice of the course depends on your interests. Both the courses have wide acceptability in the industry and both have promising prospects.
Q:Many universities offer integrated courses like BE with MBA. How good are they? In the job market, do these integrated courses hold the same value as engineering and management courses done separately?
Nita Mathur
A:As of now, more than the method of offering the course, the reputation of the institute/ university is important. A good way to figure out the market value of the course is to talk to the alumni and then decide.
Q: I have done my BSc in physics from Calcutta University and a postgraduate diploma in energy management from IISWBM, Calcutta. I have been working with a private firm in the field of renewable energy for quite some time now. But due to some health problems I had to quit.
Now I am completely cured but am unable to get employment in renewable energy. Please advise me whether it would be right to switch to another field or to keep looking for a job in the same field.
Piyali Sengupta
A:Renewable energy is an emerging field. However there are very few companies that deal in this area, so the obvious choice would be to try and join an allied sector such as power or resource management and then try to work your way back into your area of interest. However, if getting a job is a priority, then you have to make the harsh choice and take the best possible offer, irrespective of your preferences.
Q:I have completed my BCom with accountancy (honours) this year from Netaji Subhas Open University. I had also done a diploma in electrical engineering in 1991. Previously, I have worked in the reservation section of Indian Airlines for almost three years. I am 35 years old now and have been out of a job for the last 10 years. I had resigned my last job since I wanted to join the software industry. I also wanted to pursue higher studies. What should I do now?
Ranjan Nath
A:Ranjan, please be clear on what you want to do. Your skills are not adequate for joining the software industry. Also, you won?t be able to perform in a technical role with your present qualifications. Neither is your previous work experience suited for that purpose. I suggest that you check with a local career counsellor for guidance on gaining suitable employment with your background.
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