Q: I am pursuing CA final and want to do a postgraduate diploma in management. Would that be of any use? If so, can you recommend institutes where the fees are affordable?
Subhadip Pal
A:Having a management degree along with a CA qualification is definitely helpful. But being a CA by itself is also quite valuable and you do not need any further embellishments to your education unless the next degree is from a reputed institute. So it is better to postpone pursuing a management degree till you can actually afford one from a recognised institute. You will find plenty of job openings as a CA.
Q: I am a 23-year-old marketing executive working for a private concern. I’m thinking of doing an MBA from ICFAI. Will it boost my career prospects?
Name withheld
A:Of course, it will. After doing an MBA, you can move on to more challenging functional areas involving greater responsibility within your current organisation.
Or, you could also look around for other job opportunities which would enhance your prospects. Either way, this move will improve your employability.
Q:I am working as a software engineer in an MNC. I want to do a masters course in computer science. However, I have a BE in civil engineering. I’d like to know if I could still do a masters in computer science.
If yes, which are the institutes offering executive programmes in Calcutta? Will that help my job prospects? What other options do I have?
Abhijeet Choudhury
A:Since you are already in the software industry, how will a masters in computer science help you unless you want to strengthen yourself academically?
From a job perspective, industry specific certifications like PMP would be more helpful for strengthening your line functions.
Q:I am 24 years old and have been working for an international call centre in Bangalore for the last six months.
I am now doing a part-time MBA (second semester) in HR and marketing from Sikkim Manipal University. What are my options after getting that degree?
Bhargav Kumar Baruah
A:Your prospects would be bright after getting an MBA degree. Today, HR is one of the most promising and fastest growing segments in the industry. You need to apply to reputed companies and I can assure you that getting the right break should not be that difficult.
Q:I have been working in the domain of human resources for the past six-and-a-half years. Recently, I acquired SAP HR knowledge. I want a job as a SAP consultant. However, these jobs call for experienced candidates. How do I get a break in this field? What other options do I have?
Partha Lodh
A: If you have undergone structured training in SAP, you can apply for an entry-level position in any good company.
And if you are a certified SAP consultant, getting a suitable job should not be a problem.
Q: I have been working for a small audit firm in Calcutta since 2001. I am 30 years old and have done a BCom from Calcutta University in 1999.
Due to financial problems, I had to take up a job as an audit and accounts assistant. Now, I want to make a switch to the IT sector as a developer after taking lessons in the field.
But is it possible at my age? I don’t mind starting afresh since there is no scope for further improvement in my present job, given my academic qualifications.
Name withheld
A: You should not look for a career in programming. It is too late in the day for you to pursue this as a career. However, don’t be disheartened. You could look at the role of a business analyst within the IT industry.
For various functional roles, companies are often on the lookout for commerce graduates. You could even look at ERP as a career after gaining the necessary qualifications.
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.
