Career Hotline

Pervin Malhotra

Q. I’ve recently completed my graduation —  Bachelor in Computer Applications (BCA). I have got a job in an MNC but it has a 5-year bond. Should I stay on or look for something else? — Radhika Khanna

A.      If it's a good IT company, the work atmosphere is conducive and it provides a good learning experience, stay on by all means.  If the company is investing in you, they too would keep upgrading your skills from time to time.

Moreover, you could always augment your skills with additional / supplementary courses/certifications if and when necessary.

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What will be my job prospects after Bachelor’s in English?

Q. I am doing my Bachelor’s in English (H). Could you please tell me the future prospects in this subject after graduation and postgrad? — Manish Mehta

A.      Since English happens to be the most widely spoken language in the world, there are plenty of things you can do after studying English Literature. The publishing industry for one, requires people with this background. You can get into the print or electronic media as a journalist, editor, web content creator, announcer, newsreader, anchor, scriptwriter, copywriter in an advertising agency, technical writer, public relations or corporate communications executive, etc.

English helps prevent communication breakdown owing to language barriers, enhances your ability to work in an English-based world, encourages valuable bilingual skills, saves money while retaining your own language.

With the proliferation of the media, there’s a growing demand for people who can communicate with style, ease and competence. However, today, a mere Bachelor’s can’t guarantee you a job. Hence, specialisation is advisable. An additional course at the PG level in English literature itself or in translation, linguistics, comparative literature, PR, corporate communication, journalism, advertising, publishing, script writing, or mass communication would give you the necessary professional edge.

Creative writing is yet another option, and so is translation content writing and blogging. Technical writing is another well-paying field.

Many students tend to gravitate towards the arts – especially performing arts i.e. theatre, film etc. With a good command over the language, particularly in spoken English, and basic computer skills you can also look at openings in leading international BPOs and KPOs. Starting out as an Associate you can move up the ladder to the position of team leader and business development manager if you have what it takes.

 

The fields of, social media marketing, search engine marketing, and community building are also booming.

If you have excellent people skills and a passion for training you can start working as voice and accent trainer or even a soft-skill trainer. Of course you could pursue a career in teaching at the school level (after doing BEd). Some international schools may hire you straight away or at the college level after clearing the UGC NET & after doing MPhil. Qualify and secure a JRF & pursue research (PhD). Try competitive exams and obtain jobs in Govt. & banks or prepare for the Civil Services.

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What is the case study method approach in MBA?

Q. In one of your previous answers you had mentioned that B-schools teach courses through the case study method instead of the traditional chalk-and-talk method. What exactly does this mean? — Alok Shukla

A.      The case study method is a major learning tool at the IIMs and all leading B-schools globally. Other methods, such as seminars, group exercises, role-plays, lectures, and discussions, are also used.

Cases are descriptions of actual management situations based on the experiences of organisations in a wide range of settings. They present facts known to the executives responsible for dealing with the situations presented, and through discussions of these situations, students learn how to solve different kinds of managerial problems. Both Indian and foreign cases are used.

The case studies are handed out to the students in advance.

You’re expected to read them up, do your homework on them in terms of formulating your thoughts and background research, so that you can discuss them intelligently in class with your colleagues and professors to arrive at possible solutions.

I want to pursue a mass communications course

Q. I completed my post-graduation in 2010 with MCom and ‘am serving as a government employee since then. Now I want to pursue a course in Mass Communication. Please guide. — Daksh Das

A.      Mass Communications is a broad umbrella term that includes various media — i.e., advertising, journalism (print and electronic), public relations, film, radio, television & broadcasting, theatre, communication arts and now digital and new media (e.g. Internet, FB, Twitter, Instagram) in its ambit.

Although communication remains the core element, the nature of work depends on the field you’re in.  A broad course in Mass Communications will give you a general overview of each of these fields at the macro level after which you can choose your area of specialisation.

However, if you’re sure about the particular field you wish to focus on i.e. Journalism, Public Relations (and corporate Communication), Advertising or perhaps Events, you can even go in for a 1-year diploma programme. Depending on the time you can spare, you can go in for a distance learning or part-time programme if you don’t wish to do a regular full-time programme. Just make sure it’s a reputed programme with a significant practical component. Otherwise it will be akin to learning driving or swimming by reading a text book!