Career Today: Help Tarun!!!

CAREERS TODAY: COUNSELLING
Help Tarun!!!

I am a 24-year-old MBA from a second-rung B-school, working as a sales executive with a hardware company. Recently, I received a job offer from a software company. But I am confused whether switching from product selling to concept selling will do me any good. As such, I am doing well in my current job. And, considering the slowdown in the IT sector, would it be wise to opt for a job in a software company?

There is no hard and fast rule about product versus concept selling. That apart, you have not mentioned whether you will be selling software products or be a part of a marketing team pitching projects. The slowdown has had its impact on both the hardware and the software sectors. Hence, it is difficult to say which one you should opt for. It certainly won't hurt you professionally to work with a software company; it may actually add value to your resume. Selling hardware will give you an opening in communication and related areas, while marketing software will help you develop skills in vending services. Decide where you want to be five years from now; that will make the choice a little clearer.

I am a 28-year-old commerce graduate. I started my career working for a small-time Indian broker. Later, I got an opportunity to work with a FII brokerage and have been in the same job for the past five years. I have worked in all departments, from process to delivery management, and have had a wide range of work experience-from peripheral to core functions. But the company does not seem to take seniority into consideration for promotions. Should I look for another job?

You must understand that you are a commerce graduate in an industry which is not doing particularly well right now. And so, it may not be a bad idea for you to start looking for better opportunities. But it may not be easy for you to find an alternative that meets your professional expectations in a similar organisational environment.

I am a 38-year-old graduate in Chemical Engineering with an additional qualification in biosciences (a masters degree) from BITS Pilani. After graduation, I joined a cement company, and have been with the same firm for the past 15 years. I have worked in various departments including marketing, maintenance, and materials management. Despite my dedication and hard work, I feel the company wants me to leave. The management hasn't said anything directly to me, but I can read the signs. What opportunities do you see for me?

In the present economic scenario, you can no longer take job-security for granted. But you are young, well qualified, and have multifunctional experience, so finding a good job won't be difficult for you. Also, this may be the right time to indulge in some introspection on your performance and career-growth vis-a-vis that of your colleagues in the company. You can look for opportunities in either the construction or the chemical industry. Scour the appointment pages of the newspapers and magazines, and get in touch with some leading placement consultants. Don't sit on this-the sooner you find another job, the better it is for you.

I am a 50-year-old Senior Vice President (finance) at a Mumbai-based company. I want to set out on my own, and have enough contacts and an assured clientele to make a success of things. But I also have on hand, an offer from another Indian company to sign on as their Chief Finance Officer. The compensation is significantly higher than what I make right now. I am in a fix and am aware that this is probably not the best time to venture into business. Please advise.

An assured clientele and existing contacts can vanish rapidly. You are already 50-there is not much time left for you to start from scratch all over again. I do agree with you that this may not be the best time to start a business. Before taking the plunge, ask yourself whether your business is sustainable in the long run. Does it assure you of a substantial and regular monthly income? In case you are not successful in your venture, do you have the option of returning to your present job? You should also take your financial position into account.

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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