Q: I am a businesswoman, but had never wanted to do business. I completed my postgraduation in accounts five years back and then did a management course (with specialisation in finance) by correspondence from Symbiosis. I also have working knowledge in computers and know Tally.
While I was doing my MBA, I started my business in the IT sector, with a partner. But after some time, my partner left the business. However, it doesn’t generate sufficient income and I am finding it tough to run it all alone. I am completely confused as to what career to opt for? What should be the course of action?
Suma Ghosh
A: Since you are educated in finance and accounts and are also acquainted with Tally, you should look for a job in your area of specialisation.
The only problem I foresee is, if your area of specialisation is not your area of interest.
But you have also mentioned that you went into business reluctantly. Right now, you should take up a job in finance and accounts either in a chartered accountant’s (CA) firm or in a private sector company.
You could also work for an assignment or take up short-term employment opportunities. Weigh your options carefully and then decide.
Q: I passed my BSc (two years’ pass course) in 1994 and subsequently, completed a diploma in architecture from the Womens’ Polytechnic.
Taking advantage of my degree, I worked as an architect in a private firm for the last 10 years. I got bored eventually and quit my job.
However, since I am very strong in mathematics, I decided to offer tuitions in science and maths for students up to the higher secondary level.
I am 32 years old at the moment. Is there any recognised part-time course in BEd? Or should I do a management degree? What will help me in the future?
Purnima Mondal
A: The Annamalai University does offer a BEd course that is well recognised. You could very well try that. If you want to continue in the teaching line and want to take it up full-time in the future, then a BEd would always come in handy. So go for a BEd course.
Q: I have done a three-year diploma in hotel management. I have a total work experience of seven years in the hospitality industry, which includes four years in the airline pilot rostering department.
At present, I am employed in the clerical grade in the aviation sector. However, I am not interested in this particular business function.
For three years, I have worked in the hospitality industry but quit consequently due to some differences with my bosses and overall job-dissatisfaction.
What do I do now? Should I again change from the airline industry to some other industry? What course of action should I follow?
Name withheld
A: I think you should go back to the hospitality industry. Your educational qualifications and work experience are in that industry. So why waste that?
Further, whatever problems you encountered last time may not be the reality of the job you choose to opt for today.
Maybe this time around, you might not encounter those same problems since the hospitality industry is rapidly evolving.
Q: I am 32 years old. I am an engineer by profession and have a bachelors in engineering (BE) as well as a masters in engineering (ME).
I have five years of work experience in a state-owned power plant. I am keen on doing a one-year executive MBA programme from the IIMs. What are the eligibility criteria? Would this degree lead to a campus placement? Would it be a wise idea to go for it?
Mark Stephen
A: You could also look at the 15-day or the one-month intensive MBA programme that the IIMs offer under different heads. To the best of my knowledge, work experience is a pre-requisite for those programmes. So you should face no problem there.
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