Q: I am 38 years old and have worked in the mutual funds sector for 11 years. I have also worked for three years in the R&T industry, dealing mainly with operational activities related to mutual funds as a relationship manager. I am a science graduate. I am currently looking for a change in the mutual fund / banking / insurance industry. I have appeared for some interviews but not succeeded in any. I am unable to identify the reasons for my failure. I have decided to do a SAP course. Kindly suggest whether it would help me in furthering my career prospects. Which course should I opt for — SAP, FICO, SEM or CRM? I feel CRM may be suitable for me since it is related to operations and customer relationship management. After the completion of the course will I be able to continue in the same industry or will I have to switch to another industry? Please suggest some reputed institutions for pursuing a course in SAP.

A: With your background and current qualification it is too late for you to pursue a career in SAP. It is more advisable that you do a course from ICFAI which would help you in your present job. This will add to your professional qualification and enhance your job prospects.

Q: I completed my graduation in biotechnology. I have been working with HSBC Global Service Centre as a quality analyst and trainer for the last two years. I am planning to go to Australia or the UK for an MBA. I have already taken IELTS and obtained a score of 7.5. Could you please tell me how fruitful will it be to pursue an MBA in Australia or the UK? As it involves a lot of expenditure, I want to know whether it is worth it. Also, what would be my future career prospects?

A:Pursuing an MBA abroad or in India is very similar in one respect — it will add value only if it is from a reputed university. So the choice is entirely yours whether you want to study in India or abroad. While choosing a foreign destination for an MBA you should check your emigration status as it is preferable to get some work experience abroad after you have completed your MBA.

Q:I completed my graduation in commerce in 1999. I have been working as an account assistant in a private concern for the last six years and earn Rs 100,000 annually. These days when I see newspaper advertisements or visit Internet portals, I feel depressed as most people with less qualification earn much more than me. I feel I have passed the prime of my life and am too old to pursue any new course that might enhance my career prospects. This is taking a toll on me, what do I do?

A:By now you should have pursued a professional course. Anyway, opt for a professional degree either by doing CA or pursuing a course in computer science. This will help you further your career in a big way.

Q:I am an engineering graduate. I had appeared for MAT and scored 94 percentile. If I do PGDM instead of an MBA will it affect my career and placement? Which has more opportunities in the future — finance, systems, HR, marketing, insurance, international business or operations?

A: An MBA from a reputed institute is given good weightage and is preferable. You should go in for specialisation in IT and systems. It is more suitable considering you already have an engineering degree.

Q:I am 39 years old and hold a first class in plant physiology (agriculture). I have been working with a PSU for the last 13 years in their agro / tea division. My job profile includes agronomic and administrative aspects. I am looking for a change and want to settle down in one of the metros. Please suggest job options that I can try and courses that will help me to pursue a career in R&D / administration. Is there any opportunity in agro-consultancy for me?

A: You do not need to go in for additional qualifications since you have exposure to administration. Instead, you should start applying to companies through placement agencies and job portals.