Q: I am a BTech in computer science and engineering. In July this year, I got a job in a telecom billing major through campus interview and joined that company as an entry level software engineer. In August, I got a job with TCS as a fresher. The salaries are almost the same in both the organisations. I was scheduled to join TCS this month but because my father developed a sudden heart ailment, I had to defer it. Now I am in a dilemma. Should I go to a company with a global presence and brand name as a fresher or should I stay in my present company to gather some more experience? Please advise.

Shubho Sinha Roy,
Calcutta

A: Your note suggests that you rate TCS higher than your current employer. If you are unsure about this, then the key question to ask yourself is whether you would have opted for TCS or your current organisation on campus if you had both choices at that stage.

If the answer is the current organisation, then you should stay on. If the answer is either, then you should stay on. If the answer is TCS, then it would make sense for you to join them although you would lose some ?seniority?. Losing this seniority is not a significant issue as the IT industry is driven by competence and not by tenure.

I would therefore suggest that you assess and opt for whichever option provides you the opportunity to develop more competence, growth and market recognition in a five-year horizon.

Q: I had completed my BCA degree from IGNOU. But now, I am facing a problem. Many companies are not recognising the BCA degree as it is from an open university. I have recently joined a public sector company as a technical assistant on a temporary basis. I am thinking of pursuing MCA from Sikkim Manipal University. Will it help me to get a better job in the software field in the near future?

Samir Biswas

A: An additional or higher qualification in the same field definitely provides greater work-related opportunities. However, you need to assess whether an additional degree or some practical work experience would be more useful to you in the context of obtaining a better job.

You have mentioned that you have joined a public sector organisation as a temporary technical assistant. If this role provides you the opportunity to obtain practical experience in a valuable technical skill, then you would be advised to focus on such ?on the job? skill development for a while. Prospective employers may attach greater value to this experience than an additional degree.

Sikkim Manipal is a recognised university. You may however, exercise more options in selecting your university depending on the area of specialisation you choose. You may also like to research the employability of students from your selected university, based on past placement track record.

Q: I am 30 years old. I started my career with Lucas Indian Service, as the system-in-charge. I am still continuing with that company and my current designation is MIS & administrative executive. I am a BCom graduate and have also completed the GNIIT course before joining work. While in service I completed MBA (HR/ finance) from DDCE, Utkal University. I had done this for two reasons: My job responsibility partly included office adminstration/accounts, etc. and I was more interested in HR-related jobs. Now, I am finding it difficult to get HR jobs, despite my experience. How should I move up the career ladder and what kind of jobs should I apply for that will suit my professional experience and education?

S.S Sabat,
Bhubaneswar

A: Well, you have a mixed bag of qualifications and experience ranging from IT to HR to finance. However, your current job focuses more on IT and hence the problem in making the switch to HR. If you are keen on the HR line function, the best move would probably be to switch to HR within your current company and then look for opportunities outside, that is, if you still wish to.

It will be easier applying for HR jobs when your r?sum? shows that your current position is in HR and that you have gained considerable experience in HR processes. I would advise you to seek opportunities in HR in IT companies, as your past experience may then be leveraged to maximum advantage.