Q: I completed my BE in 1999. For the last five years, I have been working as a senior software engineer. I come from a non-computer background and would like to continue working in the IT field. However, for better career opportunities, I want to pursue MBA. Should I go for a full-time or a part-time course. Which stream should I pursue? Please note that I am married.
Name Withheld
A: Since you have not mentioned your age, but you have said that you are a married man, I hazard a guess that you are over 26 years. This might not be the right time for doing a full-time MBA, unless you manage to get into a highly reputed college. You can opt for a part-time MBA if it is not a highly-rated college and pursue your job alongside. This will give you the educational degree and also the job experience. Of course, the ideal would be to go for a full-time MBA from a reputed institute where you could specialise in systems management. This would enable you to rise in your chosen career path in IT.
Q: I am a 26-year-old with a BSc (pure science) and a diploma in mechanical engineering. I have also completed MBA (HR) this year. I wish to join the HR field but unfortunately, there is hardly any vacancy for a HR fresher. What kind of training is necessary to get HR jobs? How should I proceed to fulfil my ambition?
Pranabananda Ghosh
A: I am surprised that you are unable to find a job in HR. I would say that there are plenty of jobs available in the market in the HR field. After you have done an MBA in HR, there is no other training you need for getting a job. The training now will begin on the job. You should scan the newspapers or visit recruitment consultants to find a suitable job for yourself.
Since you will be starting your career, you do not need to go in for a further specialisation at this point in time. You need to find a job as an HR executive in an organisation, which will provide you with all-round experience in recruitment, training and development, compensation management and industrial relations.
Q: I am 28 years old and hold a BSc (physics honours) degree and a DOEACC-A Level computer diploma. I have six months? experience in a private marine college and fourteen months? experience in NIIT as a faculty member on a contractual basis. Would it be advisable to go for a full-time MCA at this age? Would I be too old to get a job in the software development field after completing the course? What should I do to attain stability in my career if I cannot pursue MCA?
Ujjal Paul, Calcutta
A: Age is not on your side to pursue a full-time course and then get a job commensurate with your age and experience. By the time you will be in the job market, people of your age will be in a much higher position. I would suggest that you pursue a part-time course in MCA and search for a suitable job in the meanwhile. This will give you valuable experience alongside your studies. Your last two years have been spent in the teaching profession. If this is the career path you have chosen for yourself, then you can update your knowledge with short-term IT courses rather than going for an MCA.
Q: I am 24 years old and at present, pursuing a two-year MBA degree from ICFAI (distance education mode). Right now, I am not working anywhere. Previously, I used to work in a bank but that had delayed the process of completing my course as balancing both work and studies became too hectic. I want to specialise in HR. Will this decision affect my career? Should I take the job of an HR-executive? I have got two offers but I am in two minds. Will pursuing SAP add to the HR? Please advise.
Indrani, Calcutta
A: I understand that it is difficult to balance a job and your studies, but I am sure you know that if you want to grow in life it will never be too easy. Since you have two job offers in hand, I would ask you to take one of the offers and pursue your studies alongside. The job will provide you with invaluable experience that will also help you in your studies. Right now, I do not think you need to do SAP alongside HR. There is no direct linkage in any case. It is an added advantage but not so necessary for job prospects.
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