Q: I am a 26-year-old graduate (BSc in hospitality and hotel administration with 56 per cent). I got 40 per cent in my BSc with physics, mathematics and computer science, 51 per cent in my Plus Two and 74 per cent in Class X. Currently I’m working in the housekeeping department of a five star hotel. My problem is that I stammer and this creates problems when I’m dealing with guests. I tried to overcome this drawback but it hasn’t been of any use. So I want to shift to a profession like banking, HR, purchase, stores, accounts or IT where I will not have to communicate with clients directly. What qualifications do I have to acquire to work in such fields? Should I do an MBA? Or could you suggest a field that I could join without too much trouble?

A: You have articulated your problem very well and have also done a careful analysis of the situation. Of the professions you have mentioned, purchase, stores, IT and accounts have minimal interaction with people but in HR, dealing with people is of prime importance. Hence, I would suggest that you don’t choose HR as a profession. In that case, purchase and stores do not require an MBA degree. Accounts will require a commerce background with costing or a CA. IT would require specialised training. I would suggest that you look for a job in the administration department of an organisation, or the purchase or stores department.

Q:I am an engineer (electronics and instrumentation) working for the last two years at a company that manufactures telecom equipment. I have experience in both field and R&D work. If I pursue an ERP course, will it improve my prospects of a managerial post? Which course should I take (like ABAP) and what are the prospects in this line? Also, could you let me know about the best institutes in Calcutta that provide ERP training?

S. Kundu

A:An ERP course would steer your career in the direction of implementation of ERP. ABAP programmers are sought after by both corporates that are implementing ERP as well as consulting houses that help corporates with the implementation process. The position will depend solely on your expertise, experience and exposure in the field. You can start from a junior programmer and go up the ladder as you gain valuable experience.

Q:I recently retired as a mechanical transport supervisor from the Indian Air Force after working for 20 years. I am now doing a state-run NCVT course from Bikash Bhawan on MMV trade. At the same time, I’m also pursuing a one-year automobile technology certificate course from Osmania University. Could you let me know its prospect in the automobile sector? Also, what type of position can I expect?

A: Your career path is very clear but, at this age, getting regular employment would be difficult. I think your best option would be to start a consultancy service in the areas you mentioned above. That way you need not restrict yourself to a specific sector, can provide valuable advice and also run your own concern.

Q: I am 25 years old and completed my MBA (marketing and HR) in 2006. I also did a course in programming from the Big Leap Academy in 2005. I have been working as a sales trainee with a leading tyre company for the last year. Our company is an end user of SAP (SD). I am planning to do an SAP (SD) course and want to know whether it would be a good move.

A: The first thing you have to decide is what career path you want to follow. If you choose a sales career — since you have done an MBA in marketing as well as had a stint as a sales trainee — doing an SD course would definitely be helpful. ERP implementation has again picked up with many corporate houses going for it and an SD specialisation would definitely help since this is one of the modules that all corporate houses go for. You can also find opportunities in working with consulting houses who are involved in providing ERP implementation support.