Q:I am an engineering graduate (BTech) in IT (2004) and a Bhavishya Jyoti Scholar of NIIT. I have also worked as a trainee at Usha Comm. India Pvt Ltd, Calcutta, for five months. At present, I am pursuing the Industry Endorsed Curriculum (IEC) from NIIT with specilisation in Oracle and .Net. I have been assured that they will be providing me with placement assistance. Does this in any way help me in my professional career? Or have I lost my valuable time?
Saugata Karmakar
A: If you want to become a software professional, then your Oracle and .Net training will not go to waste. However, the same could have been done while being on the job. There is nothing like learning on the job when it comes to software development. Since Calcutta is fast coming up as a hotspot in information technology, I would suggest that you try and get a job at one of the many software companies in the city. With your educational background, it should not be too difficult.
Q:I have done my MSc in geology from BHU, along with B.I.T (Bachelor of Information Technology) from M.A.H.E, Manipal University, Manipal. I have been working with TISCO, Jamshedpur, in departments like purchase, HRS and SP&OS (Spare Planning & Outsourcing). At present, I am working as a management trainee in MSP STEEL & POWER Ltd., Jamgaon, Raigarh. But I am not satisfied with the job and I want to make a career in geology. Please give me some information in this regard.
Mithilesh Kumar, Jharkhand
A:With the oil and gas and mining industry doing well, that should not be a problem at all. But you may have to start a bit lower than your current job in terms of both responsibilities and money, since your work experience is in a completely unrelated field.
Q:I did a diploma in electrical engineering and then opted for AMIE. Presently, I am working as an electrical engineer (design) in the oil and gas sector in the Middle East. My total work experience spans 20 years. Now I do not want to do any further engineering work. I am thinking of going for a computer graphics course and work in an advertising agency, specially in the area of animation. What are the prospects in this field in Calcutta? What is the approximate cost of pursuing such a course?
A.K.Roy
A: Animation is an exciting career option and you can opt for a course that pays you a small stipend while you learn. Check if there is a branch of ZIMA (Zee Institute of Media and Animation) or any other reputed institution in your area.
Q:I am a 27-year-old mechanical engineer (I did a diploma course). At present, I am employed as a sales engineer for a dealer of a reputed metal cutting and metal forming product company. However, I don't know the the kind of future I have in my present service. Will my experience of working as a dealer be counted, or should I look for a change? Also, I plan to pursue a degree course in mechanical engineering, in which case I will have to study full-time for three years. Should I do that? I would be 30 years of age then. Will I get a job then?
Soumojit Dasgupta, Calcutta
A:Please go ahead and do your engineering. That is definitely a better option in the long run.
Q:I am a BCom (honours) graduate working with Wipro BPO. I have a total of three years? experience in the BPO industry and I was a team leader as well for a year in Jayashre Infotec Consultants. I cannot continue to do night shifts any more. How can I get a proper day shift bank job? I am very frustrated and am looking for a job in the banking sector.
Abhishek Poddar
A: I?d suggest that you talk to your supervisor. I am sure that within Wipro he can help you shift to a day job. If nothing comes of it, you are part of a booming sector and I am sure that you can land a day job with a rival organisation.
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