• 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

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.

• 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

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.

• 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. 

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. 

•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 

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.

• 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

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.

• 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)

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.

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