Q: I am a civil engineer graduate aged 32. After putting six years
of service I find that I should change over to computers, since
real estate and construction jobs are going down. Kindly advice
me which course should I join and the institutes, which are offering
this course? Sooraj, Bangalore
A : If you want to gain knowledge in computers then you
must learn the basic fundamentals first. Get trained in C, C++,
Java, and Perl. Read and learn more about Internet technologies.
Because of your age you might find it a little difficult, but
it is not impossible.
Q: I
am a Mechanical Engineering graduate I would like to pursue a
career in Information Technology.
1. Will the current euphoria of IT exist for the next 30-40 years? 2.
What are the basic languages /software’s that I have to learn
so that I can develop a software newly?
3. What are the software’s that is obsolescence-proof and that
which forms the foundation for software engineering for future?
Kindly advise. Ravi
Veera, Chennai A
: Of
course not after 30-40 years, but it may exists for another 10-15
years. The languages that you can take up in software are VC++,
VB, PERL, CORBA, JAVA, and other Internet technologies. And none
are obsolescence proof. The software by nature obsolete with a
year of its introduction at the most new versions is developed
before the first is ever released.
Q: I am a B.Com. graduate with senior grade shorthand and typing.
I have also undergone a crash course at Aptech in MS Office, Word
and Excel. I have served as Stenographer for 15 years and serving
as a Personal secretary since three years. I am 40 now and married.
My present job is insecure due to management problems and I feel
there is no demand for Personal Secretaries in the present computer
world. I am not aware of e-mail, and Internet operations. Is there
any age limit for Personal secretaries in private organisations?
Kindly guide me. Ramachandra N. Manakeshwar, Bellary.
A : In this world of computers, e-mail and the Internet
have become very important means of communication, as they are
instant and very cost effective. There are many institutes, which
offer basic courses how to send/receive e-mails and work on the
Internet. This will help you to get employed, as Executive Secretary
in the various computer firms that are coming up.
Q: I am a Graduate (in English Literature) with Diploma in Education.
I am deeply interested in music though my family members want
me to become either a lawyer or a professor. I am confused, as
I want to continue with music. What can I do? K. Shankar, Nilgiris
A : If you are so keen on music, you could obtain a Post-
Graduate Degree in it. That will not only satisfy your desire
to learn music but could also help you get a job. Music is a very
risky profession. You have to put your heart and soul into it
to survive. It would be a good idea to do something that can sustain
you financially. You can carry on with your music on the side.
With your present qualifications you could at the best hope to
get a teacher's job that may or may not pay as well as you might
want. It will be a good idea to do a professional course because
indirectly it will help you concentrate on your music and do exactly
what you want to do in music.
Q: I am a graduate in English (Honors) with a PG diploma in Business
Management (AICTE RECOGNISED) having 15-year track record in automobile
ancillary manufacturer set-up. As companies do not respond on
the affirmative (corporate mainstream). Now I badly entail good
career and personal growth. Kindly suggest me what should I do
now? Should I opt for IT would a course in e-commerce and web
technology is suitable for me? B. Kumar, Bangalore
A : In the present scenario, E-commerce and web technology
are the areas burgeoning with opportunities. Since you already
possess a diploma in business management, a course in e- commerce
and web technology would prove highly beneficial in furthering
your career prospects. An honest evaluation of your skills and
of what you can offer is always a good idea.
Q: I am a finance professional (CA) with 12 years experience in
accounts/finance/system including 17 months as system analyst.
I would like to switch my career completely to software. Please
advise me on the opportunities and avenues available for my background.
I have done ERP course in Oracle financials and I am also willing
to undergo adequate training to achieve my purpose of establishing
a career in software/IT. Presently I am working as an accountant
in Liberia, West Africa. Hariharan Liberia (West Africa)
A : You can definitely make a career in the software field.
ERP jobs essentially come to those fulfilling certain educational
criteria, functional experience and implementation exposure. Since
you possess the needed educational background and the necessary
experience you could make a switch as a functional consultant.
ERP is well paying and popular in the US as compared to its popularity
in India.