Q:I graduated in industrial chemistry in 1999 from R.K. Mission Vidyamandir. I have seven and a half years of experience in the production and manufacturing sector. I then did an IT course from CMC and I have been working as a web developer in a software firm since August 2007. Currently, I am doing a SAP course on PP module (as I have more experience in production than in IT) from FutureSoft ManManagement. Could you tell me about the job options open to me?

A:From manufacturing to web development, your profile illustrates the excitement in the Indian job market today. The experience that you have gained over these years in production and the exposure to technology are both very valuable. The challenge will be to leverage these skill-sets. The SAP market is growing in India and it is an advisable career move to consider in your case.

Since you are really keen on a career in SAP, it is best to look for companies (end-user companies) like Reliance Petroleum, Tata Chemicals, or any other manufacturing company, who have implemented SAP in their operations.

You can start at a higher level in say, production or production planning in any of these companies, so that you get first-hand exposure to the processes, added with exposure to how SAP is implemented and used there. From there, you can pick up valuable experience plus SAP knowledge. You are doing a focussed training on SAP PP module, which will complete the picture for you. In your case, the prospects look bright and finding a job of your choice shouldn’t be an issue.

Q:I am a 37-year-old commerce graduate. I completed a diploma in computer applications in 1992. Currently, I am working in the tea industry as a computer operator-cum-office-assistant. My job profile includes accounting and filing some of the statutory returns. I am looking for a change. Please advise.

Sanjoy Chatterjee

A:You definitely can but you will need to be more specific in your job search. You have not specified if you want to move to a different company or a different industry. Assuming that you are looking for a job in finance and accounts, there are plenty of options in your current profile. Try to find an organisation, which will utilise your rich financial experience. Doing an MBA by correspondence would help you to make a switch.

Q:I am 22 years old. I completed my BBA this year from Siliguri with marketing as my area of specialisation. I went for an MBA course in marketing but half-way through my course, I realised that I didn’t have the power to convince people, which is a must for marketing executives. Hence, I dropped out and am planning to do an MBA in international business from Amity University. But my teachers have suggested that international business won’t be a very good option as it has limited scope compared to marketing. Please suggest what I should do.

Vishwajeet Singh

A:Dropping out of an MBA course is definitely not a good option. I would suggest that you complete your MBA. Adding soft skills later on is easier than doing an MBA at that stage.

Q:I am a 31-year-old chemistry (honours) graduate. I have done some computer courses from DOEACC and CMC. At present, I am working as a divisional assistant in the West Bengal State AIDS Prevention and Control Society. I am looking for a change. I want to do a course in forensic science. Will that improve my job prospects?

A:Forensic science opens avenues in three branches of science: medical, laboratory and field science. Your profile is an ideal fit for laboratory science, which includes chemistry, biology, toxicology, ballistics, fingerprinting, questionable documents and marks and impressions.

As for employment, one can get jobs with law enforcement agencies and the police. You can also find work with law firms and in the investigative agencies of the government as well as with private security agencies. You could also work as a teacher in institutes that conduct courses in this subject.

Forensic science is a very specialised field and I would advise you to get in touch with experts before deciding to opt for it.