Q:I am a postgraduate in economics. I have decided to pursue a course either in capital markets or in the insurance sector. But I am not sure which of these two fields has more potential for growth in the future. If I opt for insurance, what would be a better bet — actuarial studies or a masters in INS?
Tanmoy Chatterjee
A:Actuarial studies is a very highly sought-after field but requires an aptitude for maths and statistics.
A career in either capital markets or insurance is a good option. There is a huge projected manpower requirement in these sectors. So if you choose either of these fields, you will do well.
Q:I am a commerce graduate from Calcutta University. I have been working in an export company as an export co-ordinator since my graduation in 2004. I got this job on the recommendation of one of my relatives. I have no work experience in the accounts field and thus I joined the CBA (complete business accountant) course of IIJT which will take another eight to 10 months to complete. Is it possible to get an assistant accountant’s job in Calcutta? I am 24 years old at present. Do suggest.
Bansal Yadav
A:You need to network with your peers and also send your CV to placement consultants so that suitable openings can come to your knowledge. In today’s job market, getting a suitable job won’t be a difficult task.
Q:I am a commerce student and I have been working as a back office support employee in the banking sector for the last four years. I don’t have any professional qualification and I am being denied promotion. Should I try for another job?
Gopal Dawn
A:No, changing your job will not solve the problem. You are being denied promotion because you do not have the educational qualifications to match your job.
So the best way to handle the problem is to enhance your educational qualifications. Kindly choose the subject you want to study according to your interest.
A thorough understanding of what shape you want your career to take, what suits your temperament and interests would be helpful in making an informed choice of what you should be studying.
Q:I am 26 years old and I am currently working as relationship manager (sales) with a reputed MNC. I started working without doing my MBA and I’m now facing problems in getting promoted.
I scored above 80 per cent in the last MAT and I am appearing for this year’s XAT. Should I go in for a full-time MBA, a part-time MBA or an executive MBA?
Raja Mukhopadhyay
A:It is always preferable to do a full-time MBA programme from a reputed institute since that would count for a lot in the job market. This will help your career aspirations immensely.
Age is on your side and taking a two-year break should not be a big problem. However, at the same time, work experience has a unique advantage that educational qualifications alone cannot provide.
So you should decide on a judicious mix of work and educational qualifications that are best suited for your career aspirations.
Q:I have done my postgraduate diploma in business management in marketing. At present, I am working with HDFC Bank Ltd. Now, I want to shift from the sales and marketing sector and want to enter the IT industry.
I have also done a one-year DISM course from Aptech Computer Education, which includes learning programming languages like C and JAVA. Now, I want to concentrate on global certifications like Oracle-certified programmer. As a fresher in the IT industry, will I get any benefits after completing a database concept course?
Shatadru Majumdar
A:With a database concept course, you will be able to make an entry into the software industry. But your growth in the industry depends on your basic degree (whether you are a BE or an MCA). So it is essential that you have a degree in engineering, otherwise you will not be able to build a career in the software sector.
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