Q:I am working as a marketing executive in a private firm. I am also doing an MBA through distance learning. After this, I want to do a short-term course in export-import management from any of the premier institutes in India. When do such programmes start? What is the average salary I can expect on completion of the course?

Selly

A:One of the premier institutes offering short-term courses on export management in India is the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in Delhi. You can browse their website: www.iift.edu, or you can email them for further information at ldmago@iift.ac.in. Certificate courses on export and import management are also offered by the Foreign Trade Development Centre (www.ftdcindia.org). Most of these courses start around April. Application forms are given out earlier. The average salary during placements would vary depending on the institute?s ranking.

Q:I have done my ITI (draughtsmanmech) and have a diploma in interior designing. I did my apprenticeship with CESC (Calcutta) as a draughtsman trainee from 2000 to 2001. After this, I worked with the NIFD as an interior faculty member till 2004. Then I joined the hydrochemical services (on deputation at NALCO) in the area of water treatment (coal beneficiation) and have been continuing in this job. Right now, I am also studying a diploma (mechanical) course at Rajasthan Vidyapith (Sandip Academy). As I have switched careers, will this hamper my future prospects? What wil be the right course?

Partha

A:To determine what would be the right career path for you, it is important to understand your interests, aptitude and motivations. There are several tests that can help you decide whether your career is in line with your personality and interests. You can browse websites such as www.assessment.com and www.worldwidelearn.com where online tests are available. The results of these tests will help you identify the right career path. Switching careers won?t hamper your future prospects as you would have gained knowledge and exposure in these fields. However, you now need expertise in one field to gain in-depth knowledge as well as progress successfully in that area of specialisation. To be an expert in any field, you need many years of focussed experience.

Q:I am a mechanical engineer working in the automobile industry for the past eight years. My expertise is in maintenance (service), MIS, administration, mentoring, material management, man management, etc. I can easily solve technical problems in heavy vehicles. I have worked for 11 years and my age is 32 years. I am a Sun-Certified Java Programmer, but have no software development experience. I am a logical thinker. My favourite subject is maths. What kinds of job will you recommend for me? I need a change.

AKG, Howrah

A: As a Sun-Certified Java Programmer with experience in the automobile industry, you can explore opportunities in software companies where industry expertise is combined with IT solutions, particularly ERP solutions. You can also consider a career with a specialised maintenance service provider. Such companies provide outsourced maintenance services to the automotive (and other manufacturing) industries. Software skills will be valued in such areas, as maintenance service providers need to invest in systems to effectively deliver their services.

Q: My wife is 30 years old and has done an MA in political science. She does not have work experience. Will learning French or German help her get a job? What should she check for in a language institute?

R. Das, Bangalore

A:Fluency in a foreign language is always an asset. There are many openings for translators, online content writers and tour operators. Other opportunities include foreign language teaching in schools, colleges or even in MNCs, airlines, BPOs and the hospitality industry. It is best to learn the language from a reputed institute that offers recognised certification courses. Some of the checks for a language teaching institutes would be to find out if their courses are recognised, the student-teacher ratio, and if there are any placement services.