Career Today: Help Tarun!!!

CAREERS TODAY: COUNSELLING
Help Tarun!!!

I am a 38-year-old COO (Chief Operating Officer) at an FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) company. Although I've been with the company for only the past six months, I have realised that things are not all they should be. The company follows no ethics, and has a bad reputation as far as payments are concerned. I obviously cannot approach my previous company where I served as marketing director. And the company, having come to know my state of mind, is doing everything it can to get me to stay on. I am an MBA from IIM-B and have a basic degree in engineering from BITS Pilani. What should I do?

Job satisfaction is of utmost importance in any job. If you are not comfortable with your job, then you should quit without any second thoughts. But considering the current state of the job market, I feel you should stay on for at least the next six months. After that you can set out on your quest for another job. Moreover, every company, and that certainly includes yours, tries its best to keep competent and deserving employees happy. I think you should tell your company how you feel about the job. Let your CEO know that you would like to stay, but that there are things that distress you.

I am a 34-year-old corporate communications professional. I left my previous job as a communications manager in an Indian IT firm to start my own PR company. Now, my clients have deserted me in the wake of a slowdown. I am in dire straits, and crave the security of a regular job. I am an MBA from XLRI, and have worked with good companies throughout my career. How much will being a failed entrepreneur mar my prospects? Should I look to return at the same level that I had quit, or look for a higher post? Please advise.

I don't know how long your entrepreneurial stint has lasted, so it is difficult to figure out the level you should aim at. The level, at which you wish to return, will depend on the size and complexity of the business the company is in. In any case, a failed entrepreneurial stint should not be much of a concern, as it will not be a blot on your career. Try looking for openings in companies as a corporate communications professional; you could also explore opportunities in various communication firms at a fairly senior level.

I am a 24-year-old final year MBA (marketing) student. At present, I have no special preference for any sector, but the manner in which my seniors have been fired from various consulting firms has terrified me. Hence, I want to start my career in a company that will provide me with job security more than anything else. In your opinion, which are the sectors that meet this criteria? At the moment most of my classmates are showing a preference for the FMCG sector. What do you advise?

FMCG has been a safe and steady sector so far, and most management graduates prefer to work for FMCG companies. Consumer durables is another sector you could consider, as it may serve as an avenue to move to the FMCG sector later on. The services sector has great potential too, and is a good bet for someone just starting off. All in all, my advice would be to steer clear of sectoral preferences at this point, and concentrate on completing your course. While looking out for a job, select one that will offer you a learning experience, an opportunity to grow, and flexibility in terms of how easy it is for you to switch sectors later.

I am a 28-year-old MCA. Currently, I am unemployed. Earlier, I used to work for a large IT company that retrenched 200 people, including me. We were asked to leave without any notice. I worked for this firm for six months. Prior to this, I was working with another IT firm that also went bust. I have been trying to find a job, but things look bleak. I have two years of experience. Do I need any further educational qualification? Or am I just looking for a job in the wrong sector at the wrong time?

You have not clarified the nature of your job. Therefore, I cannot suggest other areas of it where you can look for jobs. The best thing going for you is your experience. But since you do not seem to have specialised in any specific area of it, things may be difficult for you. Right now, your priority should be to get any job related to it. Specialisation in any field is very important. So while working, try to gain expertise in one specific area.

Tarun Sheth, the senior consultant at the Mumbai-based recruitment and training consultancy firm, Shilputsi, addresses your career concerns every fortnight. Write to Help,Tarun!!! C/O Business Today, F-26, Connaught Place, New Delhi-1.

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