Q: I did a postgraduate diploma in business management in 2005 and have been working in an insurance company for the past two and a half years. However, I am not satisfied with my job and want to join the IT sector. I have a diploma in software management from Aptech. Since I do not have a technical background, will it be difficult to find a job in the IT sector?

Satadru Majumdar

A: Today, a large proportion of employees in the IT sector are from non-IT backgrounds. Since the IT industry requires diverse functional and technical skills, it is not essential to have a bachelors in engineering or a masters in computer applications to start a career in this field. The IT industry now offers attractive career opportunities in software marketing, software testing and functional consulting roles. You could even opt for enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools or consider a career in testing.

Q:I am a commerce graduate and have been working with Boxtrans Shipping Agencies Pvt. Ltd as an assistant accountant for the last few months. I am doing a masters in commerce through distance education as well as an MBA. Am I following the right career path?

A:I am unable to fathom what your career goal is, so it is difficult for me to say whether you are following the right path. You are presently doing masters in commerce and an MBA. These are suitable for helping you build a career in accounts or maybe even find an opening in sales. But is that what you want? You should first do some soul searching on the kind of job that excites you and then work towards your goal.

Q:I’m 25 years old and have a masters in economics as well as a postgraduate diploma in marketing. I have been working in the marketing department of a fast moving consumer goods company. I have completed the O level course and also have good programming skills in C language. I am looking for a job in the banking / insurance / finance sector. I want to know what job profile I could hope to have with my educational qualification.

A: Your basic educational qualifications are in line with your career goals. Since you have a masters in economics, you can look for a job in the banking or insurance sector. You can also leverage your experience in marketing. After gaining some experience, you can look for other viable options that would help boost your career by giving you a good break in terms of salary and other responsibilities.

Q:I’m 45 years old and work in the telecom sector as an executive. I have 15 years’ experience in technical as well as managerial functions. I am a mathematics graduate with a postgraduation in HR and marketing. I am interested in management consultancy. How can I gain some relevant experience without quitting my job?

A:Your query does not explain the nature of your job in the telecom industry. Though you do not have the necessary academic qualification to support your entry into the consulting field, you may be able to work in an advisory capacity if you have the relevant experience. It would help if you had played a role as a strategist or were involved in making key decisions in your present company.

Q:I had completed graduation in science and e-DAST from CMC Ltd. I then worked for a couple of years as a computer teacher in an ICSE school. After that I did a full-time MBA. Then I joined Sterling Holiday Resorts India Ltd as a sales executive and worked there for six months. Now I am in search of a job but do not know which sector would suit my profile. Please help.

A:You have adequate educational qualification and work experience to find a suitable job. You should look at the fast moving consumer goods industry for a role in marketing or distribution.