Career Today: Help Tarun!!!

CAREERS TODAY: COUNSELLING
Help Tarun!!!

I am a 41-year-old senior general manager at a Delhi-based pharmaceutical company. A graduate from IIT, I have a MBA from FMS, Delhi. Recently, one of my batchmates joined the company at a position higher than mine, even though we have the same amount of experience. The only difference is that he has worked in three different pharma companies at salaries higher than mine. Now I feel that I have made the mistake of sticking to one company. Do you think I should discuss this issue with the MD, or should I start looking for another job?

My advice to you would be to start working on both fronts simultaneously. It might be a while before you get another job, but postponing the talk with the MD will lead the company to think that you do not have any problem at all. Having said that, make sure the tone and the words you use do not jeopardise your career. You may also need to re-evaluate your contribution to the company and your past performance. That will allow you to realistically assess the situation, get a better handle on the issues involved, and help tailor your talk with the managing director.

I am a 42-year-old finance professional working in the finance department of a reputed FMCG company. I recently received an offer from a Delhi-based MNC to head their finance department. The only problem is that the current MD of the company has announced that he will be retiring in three months. His successor will be joining the board in a couple of months. I am concerned that the new MD will insist on bringing his own team to head the various departments. Do you think it would be wise to ask for a meeting with the person who has been identified for that slot before I say yes to the company's offer?

What you suggest is not the done thing, but it is not unheard of either. Most companies in such a situation would actually understand your concern. Usually it's the candidate who hesitates to ask for a meeting because of confidentiality issues. Having said that, it is not necessary that the new MD will get rid of the entire staff. If you are going to move as the head of finance, I recommend that you go ahead and ask for the meeting. If it does not go off well, it's still to your advantage since you won't be jeopardising your existing job. However, if you are not going in as a direct reportee to the MD then there's no reason for you to be concerned.

I am a 23-year-old with a master's degree in commerce. I am also qualifying for a Master of Finance Control degree from Punjab University. That apart, I have completed Level II of the Chartered Financial Analyst course. I want to work in the insurance sector, and have joined an institute that trains people for a career in insurance. My ultimate aim is to be an underwriter. Once I complete the course, what kind of jobs would I be eligible for?

There are several new multinational insurance companies apart from the existing public sector ones to which you could apply. Your institute may offer some career placement services, which you can avail. In addition, take the opportunity to work as a summer intern at one of these companies, as that will enhance your knowledge, and give you an opportunity to interact with insurance professionals. And you could always go back to them for a job.

I am a 30-year-old techie at an infotech company in Bangalore. Recently, there have been some rumours about the company being sold. Although the senior management held a meeting a few days ago, and announced that these were just rumours and the company was not up for sale, many of us are not convinced. I am an MCA from IMT, Ghaziabad, and am at a middle-management level in the company. The insecurity is becoming intolerable. What do you suggest I do?

You need to look at the products and services you offer as a company and assess whether there is a high business risk involved or not. If the business is fundamentally sound, and the risk, not high enough for the company to close down, then a sale could just mean a change in ownership and that may not affect people like you. The new owners will also need you. However, if the business is not fundamentally sound and if the new owners want to change the business model, or if they want to right-size, then your job could be at risk. Keep looking out for opportunities, but till you get a better job sit tight and keep your fingers crossed.

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.

Jobs Listing

Issue Contents Write to us Subscription Syndication