Q: I have done my MSc in geology, an AMIE in mechanical engineering and am on the verge of completing an MBA from Indira Gandhi National Open University. I have 18 years of experience in varied fields like manufacturing, operations like packaging, receipt, logistics, inventory, manpower allocation, industrial safety, quality control and administrative jobs.
I am also conversant with ISO 9001: 2000 version. I am very keen on landing a job in Calcutta.
Bipradas Chowdhury
A: I am surprised that with your experience in HR, industrial relations and quality assurance, you still have reservations about landing a job in Calcutta. Network actively and look for relevant opportunities through placement agencies. Getting a suitable job shouldn’t be a problem.
Q: I am a PhD in chemistry with more than six years post-doctoral experience in a reputed laboratory in the US. My expertise is in synthetic chemistry with skills in interpreting various spectroscopic (electron spin resonance, nuclear spin resonance, electronic, infrared, etc), chromatographic and mass spectroscopic techniques.
I am looking for research and development jobs in India, without much success. Could you advise me on the best techniques of job hunting?
Manas Saha
A:Your pedigree is pretty impressive and I am puzzled why you have had difficulty in finding a suitable job in India. One suggestion to you would be to participate in meets, summits or forums where you are likely to get an opportunity to interact with industry leaders. That should prove helpful.
You could also browse through technical journals which would throw light on the developments in your area of work and would give the names of the companies where opportunities exist. It would be easy for you to take up your case from there.
Q:I have finished my MBA (HR) this year, and am working as an HR executive in a private company. I want to work for micro finance institutions (MFIs). What are the prospects of MFIs in India? Is it worthwhile to work as an HR executive in an MFI?
Name withheld
A:MFIs in India are slated for rapid growth, especially with the government stepping in to restructure this sector. Working as an HR executive in a company and in an MFI are very distinct and different roles. You should consider the merits and demerits before arriving at a decision.
Q:I am an MBA working in a company as a sales officer but I don’t enjoy sales any longer. I would like to set up my own unit but due to my poor financial condition, I am not in a position to invest too much. I have also done my MBA with specialisation in marketing and finance. Should I go to the BPO sector, earn lots of money and then try setting up my company?
Ashwani Kumar Singh
A: I don’t know what your definition of “lots of money” implies but I am not sure that BPO jobs provide that kind of money over a short span of time. Also, it is not advisable to take up a job just because it may be very remunerative. This strategy could backfire. Rather you owe it to yourself to like the job you do.
What you could instead do is to identify a good project, make a project report and approach a bank for funding. That way you will be in business doing what you like. That is a sure fire way to success.
Q:I have done an MSc in chemistry and a postgraduate diploma in marketing management from IGNOU. And I have been working as a sales executive in a company selling shaving products since then. Will doing a correspondence course in logistics management help?
Abhijit Samanta
A:I feel sorry for the scant attention you have given to planning your career. After an MSc in chemistry, you moved to sales. Now you want to lose the benefit of that experience by moving to logistics? Or maybe you are looking at logistics as an additional qualification? Either way a diploma in logistics will not be of much use. It would be better if you could attend a short course (the IIMs offer them) on enhancing sales performance or strategic selling and hone your skills in the field you are already experienced in.
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