Q: I did an MBA in finance, a BSc in IT (hons) and, presently, I am working in a leading MNC in Sri Lanka. I am involved in SAP and have been given the opportunity by the firm to go in for SAP certification.

However, my skill lies in numerical analysis and I am thinking of studying for a CFA. I’m 25 years old. Should I pursue a career in SAP or opt for investment management or is there a combination of both available? What would be the best option?

Nashad Najimudeen

A: Age is on your side and you can experiment with your choice of careers. SAP or ERP is a very specialised skill and since you have got the opportunity to pursue the same via a sponsorship from your organisation, I believe that you should take up this opportunity.

Since you are strong in analytical skills, you can use that in any field in corporate life.

An analytical and logical mind is in fact the foremost requirement in the ERP field. If you are really interested in pursuing a CFA, you can do that while you are in your present job and can look for changing careers when you get the right opportunity.

Q:I am a BCom graduate and want to pursue a career in finance. However, I am a little confused about whether to go in for a CFA course or an MBA in finance. Should I do a CFA and then an MBA in finance? Please advise.

A: A choice between the two courses will depend on what you would like from your career. In the current situation, the way the education system works in our country and the way the job market responds to it, an MBA finance course from a reputed institute would definitely be rewarding.

In case you get through to CFA and also make it to a not so-reputed MBA college, then you should go for the CFA course, but if you get admission in a premier MBA college then you should definitely go in for an MBA.

Q:I am 37 and an instrumentation engineer by profession. I also have 13 years of experience in maintenance in a large public sector steel organisation. I have done an MBA from Symbiosis by correspondence in operations management. I am stagnating, doing routine technical jobs for the last 13 years. In the public sector it is very difficult to move fast. How do I accelerate my career? Should I go for any special courses in supply chain management? Or should I go for an executive MBA from the IIMs?

A: Since you have 13 years of experience in the steel sector and have already completed a correspondence MBA in a related area, I think it would be prudent for you to first get a job in a reputed private sector steel organisation. It is a good thought that you want to do a special course in supply chain management, but I think you should get into it only after you have a job which you like. Consider that as an enhancement of your skills in your work-related area. If the need arises based on your job requirements, doing an executive MBA sponsored by your firm might be a good idea. At this juncture, you should concentrate on getting a job in the private steel sector.

Q:I am a CA (intermediate) with eight years of work experience. Recently, I completed a course in financial management (CFM) from Bangalore. I want to change my job as the work I am doing at present is not related to my field of study. What scope do I have in the job market both in Calcutta and outside? With my background, which area of finance should I concentrate on to increase my salary? Should I place my CV through naukri.com? Kindly advise. I am 35 years old and work in a trading concern.

A: Since you are trying to change your course at this juncture, you need to very careful since age is not on your side.

I suggest you first try an area where you can also utilise your eight years of experience and the CFM course so that you do not lose out on the experience gained so far. After you enter an organisation you can make a lateral move to your prime intended area by showcasing your interest and talent in those areas.

This route will enable you to utilise your experience, otherwise you have to start at the bottom of the ladder, which is not advisable at your age.