Q: I have been working in Tata Steel as a junior technician in electrical trade. After completing ICSE with 83 per cent marks in 2004, I joined the three-year apprentice programme of Tata Steel in September 2005. I completed ISC in 2006 with 66 per cent marks. I have already cleared three papers of AMIE. I am not happy with my salary and want to earn more. I want to complete graduation and then possibly MBA. I want to quit my job and concentrate on studies. I am 22 years old. What should I do?
Amit Sinha
A: Since you are only 22, I would urge you not to quit your present job and focus on building your credentials. The best option is to choose an evening college to complete your graduation. What field of study you choose depends on your interest but the quickest way to a good career is to take the platform of education as it gives you a better opening and provides good opportunities too.
Q:I have completed postgraduation in transportation and logistics management from the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Calcutta. I worked with a shipping company as a project trainee and am now working in a transportation company as an operations executive. I plan to apply for jobs on cruise liners and want to know about the prospects.
Indranil Roy Chowdhury
A:Merchant navy is an attractive career option as the pay is lucrative. The downside is prolonged spells away from home and an unsettled family life, as you will have to be at sea for many months a year. It is up to you to take a call on what you want to do.
Q:I am a 24-year-old science graduate pursuing an evening MBA programme from a reputed B-school. I worked in an MNC for a year, but left it recently to concentrate on the MBA. Have I done the right thing? Should I do some other course simultaneously?
Arnab Banerjee
A: I think the best course of action would be to concentrate on the MBA course. Age is on your side and you are pursuing MBA from a good B-school. So, don’t clutter your life with too many things. Just concentrate on completing the course and you will easily land a good job. You don’t need to do any additional course.
Q:I am 25 years old. I have completed graduation in economics, MBA in HR and PGDM in marketing. I am working as an administration executive in a business process outsourcing company. Do you think I will be able to utilise my current experience to get a better job in future?
Sayan Bose
A:I am at a loss to understand the purpose of acquiring so many diplomas. Before you decide to invest in upgrading your skills, you need to plan how you are going to put your knowledge to use. You should have found a job that gave you an opportunity to hone your HR knowledge and the skills learnt in the MBA programme. Instead, you are working in administration. I would urge you to find a job commensurate with your educational qualifications.
Q:I am a law graduate pursuing a postgraduate diploma in computer applications from Ignou. I know Oracle and have knowledge of programming skills in C, C+ and VB.Net. I am also acquainted with web programming although I don’t have any work experience in the IT sector. What kind of jobs should I look at so that I can utilise my qualifications, skills and experience? Also, what I can do to improve my prospects?
Anirban Mitra
A:Though you have done a number of IT courses, you would still need to do an MCA, otherwise no company would hire you. However, you could consider the legal process outsourcing industry. This is an emerging sector which would be able to utilise both your knowledge of law as well as IT skills.
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