[Ananthang]

Originally Posted by Wheeliej

If choosing to get certification in SAP, please choose a certified training institute, I think there is still the siemens training institute. They have the authorised training software. The rest of the institutes use demo software but charge high fees.....

Yes I am planning at ATOS (Siemens authorised). Their cost comes to 400000 (yes you read it correct) - Training+certification+ some etc

But I read in many Indian portals that even they are struggle to place people. But only edge I will have is, I already have a job in IT. Many people who had written reviews are either Freshers or from other industries trying a job shift into IT.

[Wheeliej]

Originally Posted by avi550m

Bumping up this thread because I am under a lot of pressure and don't know what to do.

Would just sum up the background and the crossroads I am at now:

I am a B.Com + MBA (Marketing) from one of the so-called more reputed B-Schools in India. After campus placement, I got into an MNC in 2008 which wasn't my first choice, but then, you take what you get in placements. As I was young (22 then), I did not know much about office politics, or indeed, what was expected of me at the workplace (the profile wasn't to my liking either), and got laid off after 1 year. Since the recession was going on then (2009), my parents (who are in the civil services), persuaded me to give it a shot. I spent 1.5 years of my life in that process, but missed out in the Mains Exam. That really depressed me.

The attraction is the permanence of the job, the other frustrations you will also find in a private sector job. Use this as a springboard to join a foreign/private bank in future when there is a lateral opening. If the workload is low, why don't you look at adding to your qualifications in an area of your interest?

[Kwanza]

I've just completed my BSc in Information Technology from a reputed private university in Chennai and my brain is stuck in crossroads regarding the next move.

October 2012, in what I consider to be a true blessing, I was recruited into Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre (RNTBCI) in Chennai as an Associate Software Engineer Trainee. Was amongst only 15 students selected out of around 300+ applicants. The interview process was breeze, my passion for the auto industry oozed out very well, and I was confident I could make it. I got selected.

But now, I'm confused about whether to take up the job just after a BSc degree, or go for masters straight away since apparently only BSc degree might hinder my career growth prospects in a core engineering company.

1. Join RNTBCI, work for 2-3 years and pursue masters in the UK. But thanks to shady UK immigration, chances of landing a job will be almost nil, so I'd have to return. If I do, whats the scenario of landing a job in India with the little RNTBCI experience I will have gained? Also keeping in mind that 1 year UK masters degrees are not valid in India as per AICTE (silly rule). I deeply regret not taking up engineering. So this, seems like THE opportunity to land up a career in my passionate industry (no words to describe it).

2. USA does not accept 3 year degrees. Weird. Though I did my A levels (so in effect have a total of 16 years education, 13+3), and also have 145 credits, well over the US 120 credit bachelors requirement. Have mailed numerous universities regarding this, but none give a clear reply. Which means I will have to do a 2 year MSc (will add no literal value to my CV/brains), and go for an MS, mostly in MIS. "Forget the auto industry".

3. Choose a unique transfer program offered by the University of the Fraser Valley in Canada, wherein I can complete 1 more year and earn a North American BS degree, along with some Co-op (work) experience. Then masters in US or Canada. "Again, forget the auto industry."

4. I was thinking of an MBA after 3-4 years at RNTBCI, but unsure how my career will develop by then for a foreign degree, and same 3 year problem with US b-schools.

Adding to this, RNTBCI still has NOT sent the offer letter or any sort of document to any of the recruits, other than a list containing the recruited students names. Our placement officer was informed by the HR that they'll send the letters by end May. Given the stature of such a company, I think and hope they will.

However, I know no one working in, or connected to someone working there.
There is a 3 year bond. If I had to go with (1), how are the career prospects and opportunities for ASEs/science grads at RNTBCI? Any such programs where I can be allowed to/given a break to study masters, and rejoin the company at a better level?

Or am I being narrow-minded in not wanting to look beyond the auto industry job? I don't know! It's a life and death sorta decision, and I'm inexperienced.

Any suggestions please? Since most of you here are really experienced and share my passion too!
GTO, I think you know the education industry well. Suggestions?

[TKMCE]

Originally Posted by Kwanza

Since most of you here are really experienced and share my passion too!
GTO, I think you know the education industry well. Suggestions?

Well, I will start with a confession. I dont think I share anywhere near the passion on Automobiles most of you guys have. Well, then how come I am here in Team BHP? Well, I guess I did well in the initial written test to pass muster.

You must be then wondering why am I reverting to your post here???

Simple! I was in your exact same situation a decade or two back. Fresh from graduation, in a subject which I had not much interest. Was passionate with something else. And now I have ended up doing a job in an area I was passionate about from my younger days , And believe me , I have no regrets.


So first thing to remember is there is nothing wrong about your passion. However in these troubled times , it is best that you get a solid education behind you, which will give you an alternate career option if needed in tough times.

What I would suggest is you do an MCA straightaway from a TOP NOTCH institute (I cannot stress TOP NOTCH enough). It is hardwork, but nothing in life comes easy. Ok- that ties you up for next three years, but it also gives you a lot more career options for your future.


After you complete your MCA, if you still have the passion (and i am sure you will), it is time to go abroad and do a MSc from UK or US. Again go for a top notch university. University of Warwick and Cranfield University both in UK have both top notch MSc programmes in Automotive subjects . You will learn more practical stuff there in 1 year than you find what you have learned in your 3 year MCA (if you decide to go that path). It is expensive, but even if you dont get scholarships the expense is worth it.

Dont loose any sleep about 1 year MSc programme from UK not recognised by UGC et all- unless your dream job is to be a Motor Vehicle Inspector at the local RTO or other goivernment jobs or you want a PhD from an Indian University. PhD is never going to be an issue, your parent university from where you did your MSc in Automotive will gladly offer you a place in case you want to go that line and may even offer you resarch assistant position or financial help. And by the way not many people know that Warwick and Cranfield alumini are quite a few in many of the Indian automotive companies.

This is what I suggest. Attractive as your Renault/Nissan offer may seem, I would suggest you get a couple of other qualifications under your belt. With a MSc on the subject from one of the top universities (I STRESS you do this after your MCA or MSc), you will not have difficulty getting a good job either in India or even abroad . Graduates in specialised MSc programmes have better chance of getting a UK work permit. It is usually the MBAs from the cut price programmes who mostly come back and regret wasting their parents hard earned money based on some agents words.


Hope this helps

[Kwanza]

Originally Posted by TKMCE

What I would suggest is you do an MCA straightaway from a TOP NOTCH institute

Thanks for the suggestion.

But as far as my logic goes, whats the point of an MCA? Its three years. I'd rather do an MSc and get on with an MS, which will be only 4 years.

Besides, having gone through the MCA curriculums, I don't find it any bit interesting. So better to slog out a two year MSc and move ahead isn't it?

[TKMCE]

Kwanza

Does MSc make it any more interesting??? I suggested MCA because your BSc is in Information Technology which doesnt open too many doors. What most people doesnt realise is that the best BSc subject for a degree is in the very unglamorous or terrifying (to most) subject of "Mathematics". The number of options it opens up is fantastic.

Finally it depends on how committed you are in your interest in automobiles. And like any industry the automoile industry also has its up and downs as does the software induistry And since you are apparently too late for most MCA programmes this year, may be you better concentrate on getting hold of that as yet elusive offer letter from RNTBCI. Some companies have their own interesting interpretations of what sending out offer letters on "schedule" means. Refer to the recent fiasco where some freshers were agitating outside an IT major's office in Chennai for their long delayed piece of paper which was their passport to the glamorous world of IT jobs.

Try to get that letter quickly. Atleast you will have a job! A word of advice. Career or Academic breaks will need explaining for most interviews.So decide quickly and plan well.


All the best in your chosen career.

[Saanil]

Hi Guys,

I am looking for some advice from the learned and experienced people here. I graduated in 2011 from IIT Bombay as a civil engineer and took up a job in Equity Research in a big investment bank. In Equity Research, I have worked on 2 sectors - Telecoms (initially) and Banks. I was wondering whether would it be possible for me to shift to a retail bank say ICICI or HDFC. I was particularly interested in Risk Management or Corporate Banking. Would my 2 year experience count? Is there any other qualifications I can pursue to better my chances of landing a job in these departments? Or is MBA the only answer to land these jobs.

[mayankk]

Originally Posted by Saanil

Hi Guys,

I am looking for some advice from the learned and experienced people here. I graduated in 2011 from IIT Bombay as a civil engineer and took up a job in Equity Research in a big investment bank. In Equity Research, I have worked on 2 sectors - Telecoms (initially) and Banks. I was wondering whether would it be possible for me to shift to a retail bank say ICICI or HDFC. I was particularly interested in Risk Management or Corporate Banking. Would my 2 year experience count? Is there any other qualifications I can pursue to better my chances of landing a job in these departments? Or is MBA the only answer to land these jobs.

Sorry, this may be divergent, but why banking?
You have a fantastic qualification from a fantastic institution.
Why not put that to use for a few years, then look at management in the same field?
Or are you too disconnected from the field, or have found banking much more interesting?

[Saanil]

Originally Posted by mayankk

Sorry, this may be divergent, but why banking?
You have a fantastic qualification from a fantastic institution.
Why not put that to use for a few years, then look at management in the same field?

Hi mayankk,

Thanks for your reply. In fact I am open to Civil engineering jobs too. I am cuurently evaluating all my options. I am not sure if having worked in Finance, would I get a job in civil now. Of course I will be getting into an entry level job but that is good for me. I am not sure about the job scene in civil currently. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

[mjumrani]

Guys, I need some advice

I have 3.5 years of experience in IT and I have realised that its not for me. And I feel I rather be in management in a consulting firm.

Now I will, hopefully, starting my MBA abroad in fall '14. Until then I want to improve my profile by either getting management experience or Onsite international experience or both, primarily because I want some sort of relevant experience.
(As of now besides the IT work, I've had lots of direct client interaction with US, UK, European and Chinese teams, team mentoring, etc but all in/from India)

The best thing would be to start work internationally is a big firm and return there after the MBA, especially if its in a country I can live in.

Ideally I would've just gone Onsite to a European client through my company, but IT isn't doing so well in India ATM moreover European clients are limited. Though there are many US clients, I have limited interest in that country.

What I want to know is,
1. How do I shift into management line sans a MBA? (preferably through a certification or two, due to lack of experience or limited knowledge)
2. Since my experience is in IT, how do I look for relevant jobs in destinations like Singapore, UAE, Europe etc while I'm in India?
3. Would it possible to do both of the above?

I would really appreciate some advice on this, as I am on a crossroad and I don't really have anyone from whom to seek advice on these things.

Thanks

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by mjumrani

What I want to know is,
1. How do I shift into management line sans a MBA?

Given that you are in IT and Interact with clients, sales is one way to get into management.

That is by expanding the account. Though its not easy, but it is measurable contribution.

[bluevolt]

Is MBA after MCA a good option? What will be the advantage in terms of career growth? Right now I am in 3rd sem MCA (IP university) and not much interested in development (though I have sound knowledge of (c/c++/java et all).

I feel I can do much better in management field. What all options I will have after doing MBA? Or can I land into management jobs even after MCA and without doing MBA?

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by bluevolt

I feel I can do much better in management field. What all options I will have after doing MBA?

That depends on the collage you join for MBA. E.g. you get a chance to be interviewed with best of the companies at Tier 1 collages, and no options at all with bottom-rung collages.

[bluevolt]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

That depends on the collage you join for MBA. E.g. you get a chance to be interviewed with best of the companies at Tier 1 collages, and no options at all with bottom-rung collages.

Yes If I plan to do MBA then it will be from some reputed institutes only like some university schools etc.

[Eddy]

Management is too generic a word. Choose a field (sales, SCM, HR, Project Management etc) and work towards that.