HR MATTERS 26-01-2010

Q: I completed BTech in computer science and engineering in 2008. I have not found a suitable job to date. I only received offers in sales. Should I go for SAP- ABAP?

Om Prakash

A: It is unfortunate that you have not got a suitable job so far, but do not lose heart. There are many people like you who are in the same boat due to the economic slowdown. The situation is better now and most organisations have started recruiting. I would advise you to analyse carefully the reasons why you have not been able to get a suitable job. It is better to work on those areas rather than go in for additional qualification. SAP-ABAP is a good choice, but do you really need it?

Q: I am 34 years old and completed diploma in electronics and telecommunications engineering in 2003. I also completed MCSA Global Certification and am now working in a top Indian software company. However, I am facing an identity crisis. Should I go for a BCA through distance learning or an AMIE?

Pintu Barik

A:If you are working in a top software company, why are you facing an identity crisis? Is it something to do with your educational qualification or your behavioural competencies? More often than not, we feel an identity crisis because we are not able to articulate or communicate our views to our peers in spite of having adequate knowledge of a subject. We try to acquire more degrees, which might be unnecessary in the current context. BCA is a bachelors degree and would have a better standing than AMIE.

Q:I am a 30-year-old commerce graduate. I want to build my career as a SAP functional consultant as well as a business process auditor. I have been working for four years in a leading steel manufacturing company as a functional ERP executive. I am also pursuing an MBA in finance from Sikkim Manipal University. How can I enhance my qualifications? Is it necessary that I go for CA or CPA and then do a SAP course after MBA, or should I go directly for SAP training after MBA?

Kumardip Ghosh

A: I am glad that you have a clear idea about your career goals and aspirations. You can go for SAP training after completing MBA. This qualification coupled with your experience as a functional consultant would hold you in good stead in the job market.

Q: I completed BTech in electronics and communication engineering. I want to do a course in embedded design. Do you think this course has good prospects?

Archya Misra

A:Are you interested in embedded design or do you want to pursue it only because you think it has good job prospects? Your basic qualification would give you enough job opportunities. If you think you need an additional qualification, you can go for it. Otherwise, you would be wasting time acquiring a qualification which you may never need in your career.

Q:I completed bachelors with honours in commerce last year. I also have more than four years’ experience in sales since I started working after I completed Plus Two. I am now looking for a job in a reputed company. I have been applying to many organisations — fast moving consumer goods, industrial, consumable — but with little success. What should I do?

Ipsito Ghosh

A: I think you are looking for a job that would complement your four years’ experience in sales and marketing, while organisations to which you are applying are treating you as a fresher who has some experience at the undergraduate level. Most organisations would place you alongside a fresher or at best with someone who has a year’s experience. You need to prove your worth all over again in a large firm.

---

Send your letters to
HR Matters at The Telegraph,
Jobs Desk, 6 Prafulla Sarkar Street, Calcutta 700001;
or fax at 2225 3142;
or send emails to jobs@abpmail.com.
All letters should have your full name and postal address.