Q: I completed masters in computer application in June 2006. Since then I have been working with CMC Ltd on JAVA / J2EE platform. I want to do masters in business administration, but am not sure whether it will add value to my career.

A: If you were to further your academic qualifications, it will certainly add value to your credentials and improve your employability. Look for a reputed institute that offers MBA degrees to working professionals. In that way, you can continue working and also earn the degree. Before deciding on the institute, network with your friends and peers for a feedback on the type of placements received by students from these institutes. That should help you decide on your next course of action.

Q:I am 24 years old and have completed diploma in mechanical engineering in 2003. I have been working in the industrial engineering department of a renowned manufacturing company on retainership basis for the past four years. However, I am not satisfied with my job and want to join the logistics / banking / purchase sector. I am pursuing bachelors in computer application through distance education. I am confused about whether I should study MCA or MBA. I want to know what sort of a job I could have with my educational qualifications?

A:Since you have experience in the manufacturing sector, it is recommended that you go for an MBA to enhance your career prospects. At this juncture, going in for an MCA is not advisable as you will be considered a fresh entrant to the IT industry and will be unable to leverage your previous experience. After completing MBA you will get opportunities for displaying administrative responsibilities requiring greater managerial skills.

Q:I am a marketing executive in a software company with two years’ experience in sales. I have decided to pursue masters in business administration through correspondence from ICFAI University, Tripura. Will it improve my career prospects?

A: Why don’t you activate your social and professional network and assess the kind of placement offers received by students who graduated from that university? You could also get the required information from the placement cell of the university. That would help you take the right decision.

Q:I have close to five years’ experience in recruitment consulting. I have completed postgraduate diploma in management in human resources. I am presently working in a multinational company as a deputy manager. I had switched to corporate HR for a short stint of two months and then returned to consultancy.

A:Since your core strength is in recruitment, it would be better if you were to build your strengths in HR consulting alongside your current job as it is difficult to get consulting assignments without considerable experience. You could join a consulting firm and get associated with their ongoing projects and thereby obtain experience along the way. But if you could negotiate with your present employer and get involved in HR consulting, your comfort level would be higher as you are already familiar with the work culture of your present company.

Q:I hold a diploma in civil engineering and have four years’ onsite experience. Recently, I completed BTech in civil engineering through distance education. I have also enrolled for an executive-MBA programme through distance education. Will these additional qualifications help me?

A:It would be a good idea to take your employers into confidence and initiate a career planning exercise with them. That will give you a clear idea about what your additional qualifications can fetch you in your present job.