Q: I am a 31-year-old commerce graduate (accounts honours). I completed a diploma in financial accounting systems in 2002 from a state-run youth computer training centre. I worked in accounting under a civil contractor for two years, in accounting and inventory under a smart distributor for a year and in accounting under a transporter for a year. I have been working as an assistant accountant in a Dalda manufacturing company since June 2006. My job profile includes accounting, inventory and TDS. But I’m dissatisfied with my salary and want to earn a lot more. I am open to studying further to improve my prospects. Should I do an LLB or take some other course? Please advise.

Ram Narayan Shaw, Kulti

A: You can opt for specialised courses offered by the Institute of Charter Accountants of India (ICAI) and the CFA institute. The market for chartered financial analysts is growing in India.

The previous job experience will also help you in getting admission to a management course, if you so wish.

Q: I am a graduate working with the IDBI bank in Siliguri. I am planning to take MAT in February 2008 and do an MBA. Should I do a full-time MBA or a part-time one? If I have to do a full-time MBA, then could you suggest the names of some institutes which would let me work part-time because I have some financial problems.

Chandan Kr Jha, Siliguri

A: A part-time course can’t be compared with a full-time course. The biggest drawback of a part-time or distance learning course is that it is always considered a notch below a full-time one. However, it is the only recourse for someone wanting to pursue a degree along with a full-time job. 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 am a 35-year-old BCom graduate and work as an accountant in a reputed cargo and logistics company. I wanted to change my profession so I did a basic course in hardware and networking. I will also get a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification soon. I am worried that age is against me. Please advise how I should develop my career?

Name withheld

A: Age is no longer a factor in pursuing your dreams. The previous work experience will help you in networking with prospective clients. After completing your CCNA course, you can further add value to your resume by doing the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification course. Also, Linux has a lot of market potential. So, pursue this course and obtain the Redhat certification. You can further study part-time MCA from one of the universities. These certifications will ensure you have the working knowledge of a network engineer.

Q: I have completed BE and at present I’m working as a software engineer. I would like to do a CFA course through correspondence from ICFAI. Will that be beneficial for my career?

Name withheld

A: The previous job experience will help you in getting admission to a management course. You can opt for the CFA course offered by the ICFAI as the demand for chartered financial analysts is growing in India. Before choosing a course, do some research on the placements obtained by the alumni.

Q: I have received a job offer from Wipro BPO as technical support staff. I have heard that the BPO experience doesn’t count as proper work experience. However, the employer has the opposite thing to say. I’m thoroughly confused and need your advice.

Sankha Dey

A: The BPO sector offers promising job prospects and a very rewarding career. The HR enables deserving candidates to be put on the fast track. Nowadays, cross domain movements are more acceptable. However, it is advisable to not look at a job in a BPO as a transitional stop-gap arrangement. This can be a long-term career option.