How to pick the right career for you

"There may be many career options available, but you must check your aptitude and then decide."

"Choose a career that motivates you and one that you are good at."

In an online chat with readers, Prof RSS Mani, education consultant and vice president-institutional development, ITM Group of Institutions analyses the options available and discusses how one can make an informed career decision.

In today's competitive world, getting the right education is just one part of the career enhancement process.

Besides having the right aptitude for the career you intend to pursue, it is important that you receive relevant exposure in terms of how you can apply your knowledge in the professional domain.

With multitude of options available at institutes across the globe, how does one make an informed decision?

What are the best career options for you?

Where can you pursue them?

How do you take charge of your career after completing your education?

To help readers, Rediff.com had organised a webchat with Prof RSS Mani, education consultant and vice president-institutional development, ITM Group of Institutions, on December 3, 2014 between 2 pm and 3 pm IST.

For those who missed the live chat, here's the transcript:

vishal harne: sir as you suggested store and purchase department related job, is there any new course which will add the x factor in my resume to get the job ASAP?

RSS Mani: check with the IIMM ..Indian Institute of Material Management ..get details from their website

Vishal Harne: Sir thank you very much for giving your valuable suggestion. This communication with you boosted my confidence. thanks.

RAJESH BHARGAVA: Sir besides BCA....what can I do after class 12 commerce in the computer field?

RSS Mani: BSc with specialisation in IT or computer science is possible in mumbai university .you must then move on to do your masters also

ameya vivek pagnis: Sir can you suggest some good commodity trading courses ?

RSS Mani: MCX india, BSE are good options ..you can find them locally in your city also. Sharekhan is also another good option

RAJESH BHARGAVA: Sir is christ university is a good university for doing BBA or bcom ???

RSS Mani: Christ university is a good university which has been in existence for over 40 years ..do choose the course of your choice based on aptitude & go ahead .

RAJESH BHARGAVA: helloo sir...!!I'm in class 12 commerce....I want to do something new and interesting career...can u suggest me something ?

RSS Mani: There are many options available BUT you must check your aptitude and then decide ..ELSE it would be a gamble and you would be playing with your career ..visit a career counsellor and do an aptitude test and then decide on the future plans

ASHUTOSH MISHRA: Can you suggest some good career options for economics graduates?

RSS Mani: You can explore a masters in economics and then get onto jobs as an economist or researcher. You could also do an MBA in finance and seek jobs in the BFSI industry

SMIT finserve: Best distance education college for MCA.

RSS Mani: Best to do an MCA in a college or university as the learning would be much much better. However, you may explore mumbai university,IGNOU, Annamalai to name a few options.

Narender Sabloak: Sir can you suggest for some good career counsellors in Mumbai?

RSS Mani: send me an email on profmani@hotmail.com ..I shall give you more details.

Hemanth: Executive MBA will be treated as a regular MBA?

RSS Mani: NO .executive MBA is a substitute that has its pros and cons. It is a good option for those who wish to do an MBA but cannot leave their jobs. Thus you learn and earn at the same time !!

ashok khurana: I am appearing class XII exams in 2015. My main interest is in international laws. Please suggest some good career plan for me.

RSS Mani: You may complete your 5 year integrated course in law after xii .this will give you a complete foundation on various aspects of law .You may then consider your specialisation in international law

vishal harne: I am diploma mechanical engineer experience of 2 years I am jobless from last 7 years suffered from DVT health issue. What should be my next step now if i want to get back to the profession? any suggest?

RSS Mani: You need to check with the doctor if your health problem of DVT will allow you to be a good engineer .ELSE move out to non technical jobs. You may explore options in technical stores & purchase , supply chain management & such

nova: I have writing disability, hence, can’t write fast enough. Most often I have to use a “writer” for my exams.Kindly suggest how to improve writing speed? Is there an institute which could help me to improve speed?

RSS Mani: Best to use a writer and concentrate on your thinking of the right answers. You must have practice sessions with your writer so that you both can tune up to each other ..this will help you improve your speed of writing . The Indo American society in mumbai has courses on speed writing ..

nova: Thank you sir!

Sandeep Garg: Sir, I am not getting proper response from career sites like naukari, indeed, shine etc. as they give only for other locations, whereas I wish to work near my residence. Experience of more than 25 years

RSS Mani: Since your search is local, register with recruitment consultants in your area and seek jobs ,you may also apply via company websites to those who are located in your city

mayank: Can I do an MBA without appearing for CAT? I have 12 years of work experience.

RSS Mani: CAT is mandatory for admissions into IIM's.Other institutions may allow you to apply with a GMAT or CMAT or XAT score and such entrance test scores .

BIJAY-KEJRIWAL: I complete my graduation in Comm.and subsequently join Hotel management course (since I have interest in cooking), may I request you to guide me the Prospectus in this industry (and which is better for me to join in India or outside India) after completion of my course.I just complete my six month Internship at U.S.

RSS Mani: Do decide first where you would like to work..you may accordingly do more internships in the country where you wish to work in.

Industry prospects are excellent both in India and abroad. Since you are interested in cooking , do look at doing courses in culinary sciences from reputed institutions such as IHMCT , ITM IHM to name a few.

Narender Sabloak: Sir I am confused over choosing my career in advertising or finance industry. I am stiil studying in FYJC and dont have a clear cut idea in choosing the right line. Can you guide me as to which line is more lucrative and has a better future prospects

RSS Mani: Do not go by lucrative options. Choose one that motivates you and one that you are good at..since you are only in FYJC.

You have time ..so don't decide in a hurry. Use the time to understand more about the roles in finance and advertising and then decide ..meeting a career counselor would help you get more clarity

hardik: Sir my problem is I have a sales/mktg job but I'm not liking it. I want to move to HR/admin department but since I dont have relevant work experience I am not able to get the right job. Kindly advice how to go about it.

RSS Mani: You need to at least do a diploma or a part time MBA in HR so that you understand the function well and are able to contribute. Do talk to your boss and gradually shift out after you are better experienced with the HR / ADMN ROLES

rittika negi: I want to improve my English writing skills. Pls recommend some good courses I can take up in Ludhiana.

RSS Mani: DO check up locally but options like KAPRI ,TWG are good options

rakesh: Sir I'm in second year of college and want to know if it's a good idea to take up a part time job in a call centre during the winter break? Do you think it will add value to my career?

RSS Mani: Yes, but only during the vacation. Do not let lure of money distract you from your studies.

Ratan Verma: Dear sir,I am working in Capital Market as Dealer , I want to know what to do for Investment Banking career .

RSS Mani: You may do an MBA course from BSE, UTI ICM , ITM IFM and then build a solid career in investment banking

Ratan Verma: Good executive MBA institutes in mumbai. Can you list them and the ones that provide placement

RSS Mani: Many assist in placement. The exec mba does not have a structured campus recruitment similar to the full time MBA as all are working executives .JBIMS , NMIMS ,ITM are good options to name a few

Ratan Verma: Thanks a lot.

sachin sharma: I have done BBA and have completed Post graduation in Economics......Presently I am working in govt sector since last 7 Years......What more options do I have?

RSS Mani: I am not sure about the nature of your work, an MBA may help you move on to managerial roles at the higher level. In case you are inclined towards research, then do your Phd.

guddy: What is the minimum work experience required for executive MBA in India?

RSS Mani: Most institutions insist on a 5 year experience. However you may get more details from the websites of institutions that you are applying to.

Narender Sabloak: Sir, I am studying in FYJC and am interested working with advertising agencies. Can you please guide what courses or colleges or any entrance exams can get me there.

RSS Mani: You may do your BMM after XII from Mumbai university and then pursue a masters in advertising and mass communication. All details will be available at the MU website.

jinny: I am a Chemistry graduate working in PSU for past 30 years. I want to do higher study in USA without much staying in US. Pl suggest

RSS Mani: Study in the USA for your level could be completed in a year .Do collect more details from USEFI and also register with a counsellor who could help you through this process. Also decide if you wish to study further in the technical or managerial area.

naman: Sir, Which coaching institute is best for preparation TIME, IMS or CL??

RSS Mani: All the classes mentioned by you are market leaders in MBA coaching. Hence you may choose one that is near your house and offers special coaching in your area of weakness .As a group of friends , you can share material with each other and benefit by the synergy

kaushal: Sir I have 20 plus years of experience as an accounts executive and now my company is employing young workforce who are well versed with latest technology. My boss is expecting me to work extra hours to match the young guys. What should I do?

RSS Mani: It is not the hours of work which matter but the quality of output .Do equip yourself with some of the latest software that your company uses for accounting purpose ..This is not a competition between you and them .you can learn the tips and tricks of technology from them and they can benefit by your wisdom and rich experience ..This synergy can do wonders fro your and your company

Jeswal: What is the scope of career after PGDM in HR? My friend who recently completed MBA in HR is currently working as a management trainee for a salary of 5k per month. Is that okay?

RSS Mani: There is good scope for a PG in HR. However, you must ensure that your academic performance is good and you have done your internships seriously .This will allow you to apply to good companies and also get a good salary .A starting salary of 3-4 lakhs per annum all inclusive is a healthy package you can expect ..

hezal: Is it a good idea to do a diploma in engineering after class 12?

RSS Mani: It is a good option BUT I would advise that you can join the bachelors degree as it is more recognised in the employment market ..

Saroj Khan: I'm a working professional with 10 years of experience. I want to start an IT firm in my hometown. I know some investors who are willing to help. How do I get the workforce?

RSS Mani: You mainly need software specialists, you may get them form the local engineering Colleges and software training centres. You may connect with the likes of CMC , CDAC ..

ganesh-nadar: My daughter has done engineering in Electronics and Communications. Does she need to do any more courses before applying for a job?

RSS Mani: She could get a job with her current degree also ..BUT I would recommend that she completes her masters degree before seeking a job ..either a M TECH or MBA depending upon her interests

Vinayak Tavade: Sir how do I know what is the best career for me?

RSS Mani: Ideal to visit a career counselor & do an aptitude test .also reflect on what interests you the most & choose a career option along those lines .

Aatish Jagmanani: I'm currently pursuing 2nd year BSC IT but I'm also interested in photography. How can I pursue both professionally?

RSS Mani: You may do your MBA with mass media or mass communication .alternatively you could specialize in animation , graphics and such and follow both your interests

Raju Vohra: I'm a final year engineering student. My budget is 15 lakhs. Should I pursue PGDM in India or abroad? If abroad, which countries or institutes are good to pursue MBA in finance?

RSS Mani: In case you wish to study abroad , then USA , UK , Australia are good options for the MBA .You need to complete your GMAT & TOEFL with good scores andAlso register with a career counselor who can put you across to some good universities

Mayank Mehta: Can you suggest some good career options for commerce graduates?

RSS Mani: Besides CA , which is the most preferred option , you can consider Doing the MBA. Alternatively , you may consider LAW or Corporate communication .Do decide based on your aptitude & interests .VISIT A CAREER COUNSELOR FOR GUIDANCE & PROPER DIRECTION .

kashish kapoor: I have a work ex of 4 years...soo I wanted to know when is the right time to do my MBA??

RSS Mani: This is the best time for you .Armed with your experience , seek a seatIn the IIMS or even ISB for a full time MBA ..alternatively some of the top notch B Schools .In case you can't quit your job, you may do a part time MBA with evening classes to enhance your learning quality

Sukhvinder Agah: How do I know what is the best time to look for a new job?

RSS Mani: If you have spent around 2 years and think your learning has reached a plateau, look for a change .In case you get signals about your company non performance such as closure of units , non payment of salaries etc

Ankit Dave: Sir,I have one experience in IT field as an engineer. But in present company not any growth.In future I want to go for interview in another reputed company. Then how can I prepare for it.

RSS Mani: Firstly read and research about the company that you applying for .You must also prepare well for the technical component of the interview. Be confident and present your candidature in a positive manner

RAJESH BHARGAVA: I’m very thankful sir..as you helped me so much...if I want to ask you again further in future....is there any way to contact you ???

RSS Mani: profrssmani@itm.edu

RSS Mani: Time is up folks. Any more queries are welcome at profmani@hotmail.com

Photo: Jo Yong Hak/Reuters

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