Dated 22nd November, 2000

I am presently doing my chartered accountancy. I have done a course in computers, which included MS-DOS, Lotus, WordStar, FoxPro, Windows 95 and 98, MS office and Internet basics. However, I am in a dilemma whether to change over to information technology or continue with my CA, especially when I see scores of IT job advertisements in newspapers. If yes, which course should I join? And if no, which other computer course should I join so as to improve my job prospects?

Abhijit Sinha

Calcutta

Instead of abruptly changing over to the field of information technology, you can continue with your CA and enhance your knowledge by taking up related computer courses. Oracle financials, accountancy packages such as Tally are some that can be an added asset. Conversely, to change over to IT, you need to equip yourself with courses related to programming languages such as C, C++ and Java. It would be a plus point if you have a graduate/postgraduate degree in computer science. The process involves intensive training, practice, and extensive practical experience to secure good job opportunities in the field. It is essential to make an informed decision but only after weighing the pros and cons of both the options.

I am a History graduate. I want to know whether it is on par with MIT? Is it possible for me to have a good career in the IT industry? Do I need to do some computer courses, if so then which courses should I pursue?

Muzaffar Islam

Begusarai

BA History and MIT are two diametrically opposite courses. While one is a graduate course in humanities, the other is a post graduate degree in Information Technology. To make a career in information technology you would have to equip yourself with relevant computers courses. Intensive training and perfection in the requisite skill sets is important to get a foothold in this field. You could consider pursuing diploma courses in advanced software technology or take up short-term courses in languages such as C, C++, Java, and SQL etc. If you have done Maths at your intermediate(+2) level then you can opt for an MCA in addition to doing the computer courses.

I am a postgraduate teacher of commerce, teaching accountancy to intermediate students. In order to improve my knowledge of the subject, I would like to do a diploma or a certificate course, the core subject of which should be accountancy. Would you please give me the details about such programs and the institutes offering these courses, which are recognised by the government?

D. Karunakar

Varanasi

You can opt for any of the specialisations such as CA, CS, ICWA, CMA or MBA. These are professional courses that will further augment your qualification. You can pursue MBA either by qualifying through the CAT exam or by applying to any other local college or university. Taking up the same through correspondence is another option available. You can correspond with the concerned institutes at the following addresses. For CA, you can write to: Joint Director of Studies, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, 16/77 Civil Lines, Kanpur-208001. For ICWA, you can correspond with: Eastern Regional Council of the ICWA, ICWA Bhawan, 84, Hrishikesh Mukherjee Road, Calcutta-700025. For CS, you can write to: `ICSI House,' 22 Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New delhi-110003. You can also subscribe to journals of professional bodies such as CA, CWA where government rules, regulations and current issues are discussed. CFA journals like CFA Analyst, ICFAI Reader and the Effective Executive deal with various issues in the financial sector worldwide along with accountancy issues. You can subscribe to similar web sites to enhance your knowledge base.

I have done mechanical engineering from AMIE. Now I want to be an associate member of the Institute of Engineers (London). Kindly provide information about this and also give me the address of IE (London) where further contact may be established.

R. K. Srivastav

Orissa

There is no one single Institute of Engineers that is common to all the branches of engineering in London. The Institution of Incorporated Engineers (www.iie.org.uk) is an institute for electrical, electronic and mechanical engineers. You can correspond directly with The Membership Department, IIE, Savoy Hill House, Savoy Hill, London, WC2R 0BS. There are other various institutions of engineers related to the various specialisations such as electrical, electronics, civil, marine, chemical, structural and railway signals engineers. You could also visit their websites for more information. www.iee.org.uk (Institute of Electrical Engineers), www.imare.org.uk/ (The Institute of Marine Engineers), www.ice.org.uk (The institution of Civil Engineers), www.imeche.org.uk (The Institution of Mechanical Engineers), icheme.chemeng.ed.ac.uk (The Institution of Chemical Engineers), www.istructe.org.uk (The Institution of structural Engineers), www.irse.org (Institution of Railway Signal Engineers), www.iie.org.uk (Institute of Incorporated Engineers).

I am doing MBA from the Institute of Management, Jiwaji University, Gwalior. I am in the first semester and I have yet to decide on my field of specialisation. As I am a mathematics graduate, I feel specialisation in Systems will be beneficial for me. I am apprehensive however, that those with an MBA in Systems have trouble securing good jobs. Please clear my doubts, and if possible suggest some more courses, to secure employment.

Vishnu

Gwalior

MBA Systems deals, among other things, with database management, ERP packages like Oracle applications, SAP, etc as well as e- commerce and Internet. This will equip a management professional to take more effective managerial decisions. You will have to face stiff competition from those with an MCA or a B.Tech. qualification in the job market. Specialising in any one area at a later stage by doing private courses will be helpful. A good project during internship or training will further enhance your standing.

I am doing M.Sc., chemistry final year, from Bhopal University. I want to secure a job in the private sector. So please advise me how to secure a job in Himachal Pradesh or its neighbouring states.

Bharat Bushan Rana

Himachal Pradesh

You can begin by scouring the various local and prominent national dailies and by registering yourself at a local placement agency. Additionally, you can apply through the various job sites through the internet such as www.careermosaicindia.com ; www.jobsdb.com and www.jobsahead.com

Questions regarding career concerns must be addressed to Career Community.com Ltd,

PO Box No. 2178,

Secunderabad- 500003, or email to faqs@careercommunity.co.in