Career Today: Help Tarun!!!

CAREERS TODAY: COUNSELLING
Help Tarun!!!

I will be graduating with a bachelors degree in commerce soon. I am simultaneously working towards becoming a Chartered Accountant (I have cleared CA-Inter). But, prospects seem to be better for MBAs. What is the basis on which CAs are recruited? What could add value to my resume?

A CA is a good qualification for accounting and finance related careers. All companies require people in this function and you could rise up to be the head of that function or even the CEO. Since you have already cleared CA-Inter it would be worthwhile completing CA. You could also apply to a B-school and give your final CA exam after completing your MBA. This would give you two qualifications. However, if this is a problem you could opt for CS/ICWA/CFA depending on where your interests lie. All these are related qualifications and you may get some exemptions if you have passed your CA.

I am a 50-year-old marketing executive in a FMCG major. At present, I hold the number two position in marketing. My boss is a year or two younger to me. I have an offer from a smaller company to head their marketing function. I have been working in my present company for around 18 years now. Is it advisable for me to move at this stage in my career?

You have worked for 18 years in the same company which is a major company in the FMCG sector. You have to ask yourself the following questions-can you last out 10 more years (before you retire) in the smaller company? What happens if things don't work out (and sometimes they don't for people who change from a bigger to a smaller company or when they have been in one company throughout, as they may find it difficult to adjust to the new environment)? If you are not uncomfortable in the current situation, I would suggest you approach the new offer carefully and make sure it's a career move and not merely a job change. But if you are uncomfortable and don't think you can really work with a boss who's younger than you, you could take the plunge-but not before careful consideration.

I am a 27-year-old post-graduate in marketing management having six years of sales experience, out of which three-and-a-half years is in the tyre industry. What are the related industries I can make a career in? Is there any scope for a career in international trade? If so, what are the additional qualifications and experience I require? Also, what are the career prospects in the Middle East?

Since you have experience in the tyre industry, the entire automotive sector is open to you-from tyres to bearings to spark plugs to lubricants. However, these are not necessarily the best paying sectors. The other sector that could be your possible destination is consumer durables. You could also venture into selling services or office automation products. Most of the above will give you credit for your experience. You are only 27 and it is easier to change fields at this stage. The Middle East offers decent-paying jobs, but you must look at the long-term prospects as salaries in India have also risen significantly.

I am a 32-year-old MBA working in the finance department of a south-based pharma company. I have a lot of interaction with the financial community in Mumbai as we are a listed company. Recently, a colleague suggested that I should consider shifting to Mumbai as my company requires a person there. Should I take it up? At present, I am working closely with the top management-is it a good idea to move away from the hub of activity?

Firstly, you need to know what kind of job is available in Mumbai and whether that is a real value addition to your learning and your resume. Secondly, accommodation is an issue in Mumbai. does the company provide you with an accommodation? if not, what kind of accommodation will you be able to afford? Thirdly, will you be able to move back to headquarters? Does the company have a track record of such moves? There are times when working away from top management helps, as it gives you a first-hand experience of being able to work independently without having sources to check back with. At other times out of sight may well mean out of mind. Which of these will hold true for you, needs to be answered in the context of company policy and the profile of the job in Mumbai.

Jobs Listing

Issue Contents Write to us Subscription Syndication