Q: I am a BE in mechanical engineering. I have been working with a leading oil and gas company in Singapore as a senior project costing engineer for the past two and a half years. Since my work relates to finance, should I do an MBA? Do I go for a part-time course or a full-time one? If I opt for a full-time course, will it be prudent to do it from India?

Tirtha Mitra

A: The experience that you have gained over the years is valuable and a management degree will open newer avenues for you. Pre-MBA work experience will help you in getting lateral placement. A full-time MBA is always recommended. You can do a cost benefit analysis, and if you find that you need a full-time job, go for a part-time MBA. However, choose a part-time course that offers weekend classes. Though having a degree from abroad gives you an edge, you should choose an institute only after some research on its placement record.

Q:I am 25 years old and have been working as a service engineer in an information technology firm. I am a graduate from the Netaji Subhas Open University, currently pursuing the Cisco Certitified Network Associate (CCNA) course. Could you tell me what course I should opt for after completing CCNA? What are my chances of getting a job in a reputed company?

A: After completing CCNA, you can add value to your resume by doing the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification course. Also, Linux has a lot of market potential. So go for this course and get the Redhat certification. You can pursue a part-time MCA from any university. These certifications will ensure you have working knowledge of network engineering. Upload your resume online on job portals. Finding a job to your liking will not be a problem.

Q:I completed MBA with specialisation in HR. I am working with an FMCG company in Calcutta. I am planning to learn a foreign language but am a bit confused about which language to learn and from where. Please suggest a good institute that teaches foreign languages.

A: French and Spanish are two languages that are widely spoken. Spanish is popular especially in Europe. There are 28 countries, including Andorra, Argentina, Equatorial Guinea, France and Venezuela, where Spanish is either the primary language or the largest secondary language.

French is widely spoken in Europe and Africa. It is the most sought after foreign language in job postings at the United Nations and the US state department. It is one of the official working languages of numerous international organisations, including the Red Cross, the UN, Unesco, Nato and OECD.

There are many institutes which offer these courses, including the Ramakrishna Mission and the Max Mueller Bhavan. You should choose an institute only after speaking to its alumni.

Q:I am working in a pharmaceutical company as a manufacturing chemist after completing BPharm. What should I do to improve my job prospects?

A: MPharm or MBA programmes will improve your job prospects. India is fast becoming a leading player in the global pharmaceutical sector. MPharm and PhD holders are in great demand in various areas of pharmaceutical research and development. Those with MPharm degrees in pharmaceutical analysis or quality assurance are preferred for jobs in quality control and quality assurance departments. Pharma marketing offers excellent opportunities for MBA (pharma) degree holders.

Q:I am a commerce graduate and have been working as a quality analyst in a reputed medical transcription company. I intend to do SAP or MBA. Which one would be a better option for me?

A: To enhance your job prospects, you can do a part-time MBA. It will give you good exposure, and you will be able to interact and learn from classmates from diverse backgrounds.