Q: I completed my BA in Sanskrit in 2006. I am now working as a customer care executive in a BPO. I want to do an MBA in HR but can’t do a full-time MBA due to monetary problems. I am thinking of doing an MBA from Amity University or ICFAI. Which is better? And what are the drawbacks of a long-distance MBA course?
Shinjini Sarkar
A:A distance learning course can’t be compared with a full-time course. However, it is the only recourse for someone wanting to pursue a degree along with a full-time job. The biggest drawback is that it does not have the classroom component. If possible, take up a part-time course where you could attend classes on weekends. This helps, as you will be able to interact and learn from classmates from diverse backgrounds. You can choose a course after doing some research on the placements obtained by the alumni of the course that you intend to pursue.
Q: I will complete my BPharm course in a few weeks time from Jadavpur University. I got a job offer in the pharma sector but I am more interested in the software field. How can I get a job in the software sector? Do I need to do any special courses for that?
Tamal Mondal
A:Nowadays, cross domain movements are more acceptable. However, in your case it may not be so easy since you are eyeing the entry level. In your case, either the employer must be willing to retrain you or you may have to supplement your degree with some specialised course either from NIIT or any other such institute. My guess is your placement coordinator may not take kindly to your request at this stage. Rather, you should take up the job that you are being offered now and join a part-time software course and change streams after getting some relevant job experience. If you are attracted by the glamour of the software profession, it would serve you well to understand that the pharma sector may help you chart a better career path than you think. The coming years augur well for those in the pharma profession and you will be best served by sticking to it.
Q:I am a 35-year-old honours (English) graduate. I am working in the customer care section of a reputed IT company for the last seven years. However, I want to go for the SAP option in HR module. What do I do? Will a diploma or a degree in MBA (HR) help?
Paromita Mandal
A:Since the SAP market is growing in India, it would seem obvious due to word-of-mouth reference, that you should switch to a SAP job profile. And although a lot of companies implement SAP, not all of them implement the SAP HR module due to commercial constraints and because there is no immediate need for implementing this module. However, most of the organisations, who are classified as service organisations — like TCS, HCL which have SAP HR practices — use these professionals to maintain SAP HR practices of their clients.
However, if this is an exit move from your current career option, it would be advisable to consider the cost implications too. Getting trained from a reputed organisation can be quite expensive.
Also beware of fly-by-night operators, who provide training at cheaper rates. You should remember that without a proper certification, it would be an uphill task to find a decent opening.
All said, an MBA HR would not help you much in a SAP HR module, though it could help you start a career in the HR/recruitment sector.
Q:I am 40 years old and am working as a foreman in Coal India (Asansol) for the last five years. I have done a diploma in mechanical engineering.
I want to do an MBA. But unfortunately, I am not a graduate in any field. Considering my age, will I have a problem getting a job after completion of the course? Should I do an MBA and if yes, what specialisation should I opt for?
Name withheld
A:Age is no longer a factor in pursuing your dreams. However, completing your graduation should be your first priority. You can try for an undergraduate degree from IGNOU. You can also pursue courses meant for diploma holders with work experience. Admissions for these are typically through separate entrance tests. With your experience, adding an MBA would be a huge advantage even though the road before you is extremely daunting.
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