Q: I am an MSW and am working for a small NGO. I have registered on all the leading job sites, have applied for all the jobs that fit my profile, but have not even received a single interview call till date. Please advise.
A reader
A: The best way to apply to NGOs is to do so directly. Not too many of them advertise, so you’ll will never be able to access the “hidden” jobs if you only confine your search to the web. You will also find a wealth of information on starting an NGO from websites such as IndianNGOs.com, The Global Development Research Centre, DevNetjobs.org. Do also look at corporates which hire MSWs for handling their Corporate Social Responsibility projects. Also look at microfinance companies.
Q: Is Certified Financial Planner (CFP) a good course? What are its future advantages/disadvantages?
Ram Kishore
A: CFP is an interesting course. However, as an idea financial planning is still very nascent in India. As investing surplus improves and conventional deposits lose their charm, alternative and more attractive investment options would be explored. This is where the assistance of a trained financial planner would come in handy. So, unless you are very brave, and willing to fight against odds, do not think of the CFP as a full-time career option as of now. But it would be in the medium-term and a lucrative one at that. The certification would also help you land a job in many of the small and medium financial advisory services operating in the country. As of now, CFP is pursued by those who already have a financial qualification such as an MBA or CA.
Q: How is IT different from Computer sciences as a specialisation?
Anand Kumar
A: IT and computer sciences at the core level, deal with the same domain - computing. But they vary substantially in the type of knowledge they deal with. While Computer science(CS) focuses primarily on computing technologies, and is technology-heavy dealing with principles of programmes, languages, machine level technologies and so on. After competing the course one can primarily find jobs in research and development, languages development, machine level coding, and core programming.
Information Technology/ IT courses deal with the use of computing to bring in efficiency in the processing of information. So here the focus is on application of computing to business problems such as system analysis, business processing, application development etc. An IT graduate would find jobs in software development firms.
Q: How should one go about developing soft skills? Do they play an important role in getting a job?
Kamalesh
A: Yes, soft skills such as communication, team work, negotiations and leadership are very crucial in getting a job. Some skills like communication, comprehension and business etiquette can be practiced and acquired. Some others like teamwork must be inculcated in oneself over a period of time. You need to begin by making a list of skills that you lack by discussing your weak areas with your close friends, co-workers etc. Awareness is the first step in building up your soft skills forte. Begin by interacting more, taking up projects and also getting involved in some voluntary work. But, also realise that if you are generally good and fair to people and do your work with passion, most of your worries on soft skills will be automatically taken care off. Log on to careers360.com for more soft skills tips.
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A The best way to apply to NGOs is to do so directly. You will also find a wealth ofinformation on starting an NGO from websites |
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Q: My sister is pursuing a BA in Hindi and Sanskrit, but she wants a career change. What are the options available for her? We live in a small city.
Razia
A: If she appears for an MA (translation), she will be exploring a viable career option. There are openings in various arms of the government, but the number of opportunities is limited. Another option is to opt for journalism and mass communication studies, especially in Hindi media. It is a vibrant field and has huge potential. Regular options like competitive examinations are also available. But, before you begin to advise her, make a realistic assessment of what she wants to do with her life and what is her potential.
Q: I did my MBA through distance education. I am working as an executive in a small financial services firm. Will my MBA have any value when switching jobs? Please tell me what I should study if I have to work as a financial planner - CFA, CPA, or CFP?
A reader
A: Distance MBA will count only to an extent. It is your work experience and track record that will matter as far as your subsequent jobs are concerned. So, ensure you leverage these effectively. If you wish to move towards a career in financial planning, then the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) certification would be more appropriate as compared to CPA or CFA.
Q: I have completed my BCom from Utkal University. The college I am planning to study is offering both PGDM and MBA courses. I have to opt for one. I want to know which is better?
Manoj Mohapatra
A: According to the AICTE regulations, all 2-year full-time general management programmes which are not affiliated to any university must be referred to as PGDM. Only 2-year Management courses offered by universities can be called MBA. Generally speaking, these terms are merely a difference of nomenclature, and no way an indicator of the value or quality of the programme. However, if you wish to pursue a PhD in Management subsequently, you would be safer with an MBA.
Q: I am doing my final year BCA and am interested in networking and troubleshooting. What course should I go for?
Sudarshan
A: With an MCA degree from a reputed institution, you will have a choice of sporting any of the following job titles: Application programmer, Computer consultant, Computer security analyst, Data communications specialist, Management information systems analyst, Systems analyst, Systems design specialist or Systems development manager! Knowledge of hardware is the foundation for a career in Networking. Typically, you would start out as a Network Administrator - responsible for analysing, installing and configuring an organisation’s network (hardware and software) even from a remote location. With sufficient experience and additional certifications, you could move up to becoming a Network Programmer or even a Network or Information Systems Manager.
