Q: I am a 30-year-old BCom graduate and want to switch over to the IT sector. I have been trying to get a job as a software developer since November 2006 but haven’t got a response as yet. However, I don’t want to go back to accountancy jobs. What do I do?
Asumdipta Santra
A:Software companies employ people from non-technical backgrounds too. So if you went in for a technical certification course such as Java or SAP, it would certainly help you. I don’t think you have to go back to accountancy.
Q: I have an MSc in polymer science and I’m doing a diploma in petroleum exploration and production. How do I get a job in the oil and gas sector?
Abdus Salam
A:You should apply to leading companies in the oil and natural gas sector through recruitment agencies or referrals. Additionally, you can put your resume on the Net. You can also directly approach the HR departments of companies or send them your resume. Alternatively, you can network among your acquaintances and get a preview of this sector.
Q:I have done an MBA in marketing and was working with a logistics company in Mumbai looking after their sales and marketing. I have also recruited people in a consultancy firm.
After marriage, I had to shift base and I took up a job in operations in a securities firm. The frequent change of sectors was due to unavoidable circumstances. I have recently relocated to Calcutta. What do I do now?
Arundhati
A:It is unfortunate that you have had to change jobs frequently but with your relocation, you can use this to your advantage. You can get into supply chain management in logistics. That is high-end work and you will find it both enjoyable as well as challenging. If you have done hardcore recruitment, especially in the area of software, you will find ample opportunities in talent search organisations.
Q:I am 37 years old and I’m working as an operations executive in A.C. Nielsen, a market research organisation. I have 15 years of experience in market research. But I am no longer happy in my job and I’m thinking of doing an MBA from ICFAI. Will an MBA help in a switchover from operations to client servicing?
Saikat Mitra
A:A good option would be to negotiate with your company for job rotation. It is possible that the company will be reluctant to shift you into sales as you lack experience in this domain.
Augmenting your qualifications with an MBA from ICFAI or a certification course in sales and management from a reputed institute would go a long way in furthering your career aspirations.
Q: I have a BE degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Bangalore University. But my work experience relates to selling electronic security systems, video surveillance, fire fighting and alarm systems.
At present, I am out of a job and I’m fed up with target hunting in the rather limited electronics security market. Can I find a job other than in the field of marketing by doing an ERP-SAP course in a functional module at Futuresoft Management?
Saurav Bhoumick
A:You can do so. Currently, there is a good market for ERP and CRM and by getting certified, the right kind of jobs will be more readily available.
Q:I completed my MBA (marketing) in 2006. After that I worked for a DSA of a private bank for three months. For the past five months, I have been working in vehicle finance. I want to shift to operations now. Which course will be suitable for me?
Biplob Roy
A:If you want to shift from marketing to operations, you should first convince your company to allow for job rotation and make a shift internally.
This way, you minimise the risk and get an opportunity to shift without having to acquire fresh credentials. Later on, if you feel that operations is your calling, you can go in for a relevant certification or diploma course in operations management.
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