Q: I have a masters degree in economics. At present, I am pursuing an MBA degree from the Indian Institute of Social Work and Business Management (IISWBM), Calcutta, with specilisation in finance & human resource management. I have a total of four years? work experience and at the moment I am working as a marketing executive in a limited company (searching new markets, development of new products). This is totally an in-house job. But I am not interested in staying on in marketing jobs.
Is it possible for me to switch over to a different field? If yes, then how should I proceed? Is there any age bar in getting a job in a large company with experience in small companies? I am in a dilemma. Please advise.
Name Withheld
A: Your investment in an MBA from IISWBM, supported by your masters in economics would certainly place you in a position where you can progress beyond working as a marketing executive. The combination of economics and MBA finance would be valuable in a finance function role for you.
Getting a job in a large company would depend on the relevant experience that you have with respect to the need of the company. Your prior marketing experience in small companies may not have much relevance in a finance function job. However, if you seek a job in marketing finance, you are more likely to succeed in leveraging your past experience. This could be the starting point for you for a career in finance.
You should be prepared to make this start as a fresher even in a smaller company, in order to get started on your career of choice. As you gain relevant experience, you could look towards better opportunities in the same stream. I wish you all the best in your endeavours.
Q: I am a 29-year-old ICWA working in a CA firm. Initially, I used to enjoy my job. But now I feel that I am stagnating here due to the lack of growth prospects. However, I am not getting suitable job offers from the industry. Right now I have got an offer from a middle level B-school after clearing the entrance test, group discussion and personal interview. Would it be wise to get an MBA degree at this age? Would I get good placement opportunities after completing my course? I am confused. Please advise.
Name withheld
A: Getting an MBA degree could place you in a position to enhance your ability to switch to a different job. However, getting a good placement after an MBA depends upon several factors ? the institute?s reputation in the industry, campus placement opportunities in the B-School, your performance and a bit of luck.
A lot of decisions rest on what you want. If you would like to pursue the MBA option, you should also evaluate options such as executive management programmes in the IIMs and other top B-schools.
An alternate path for you could be to try and get a job as a cost accountant in a manufacturing facility or as a management accountant in industry. You could then focus on relevant courses (such as IT courses) that could provide you with an advantage in such jobs.
Q: I am a 37-year-old postgraduate in personnel management working in a state-based PSU for the last 12 years. The PSU is in the business of transmission and distribution of electricity. I have been planning to shift to some other company within the next one or two years since I feel that I am stagnating in my present job.
Which industries would be interested in hiring me at the middle-management cadre as an HR/P&A executive? Can I pursue some other part-time course that will improve my prospects in the job market? Please give me suggestions.
Sanjeev Kumar,
Calcutta
A: Given your postgraduation in personnel management and your 12 years? work experience, your employability should be high even without additional courses. Your experience and base qualification will be valued more by future employers.
Your subject being HR/back office, the possibility of finding a job in some other industry, possibly manufacturing or distribution, is higher. You may like to contact recruitment agencies to help place you.
Send your letters to HR Matters at The Telegraph, Jobs Desk, 6 Prafulla Sarkar Street, Calcutta 700001; or fax at 2225 3142; or send emails to jobs@abpmail.com. All letters should have your full name and postal
address.
