 1. I am 24 now. Working for a leading recognized engineering firm in Sri Lanka for nearly 3 years. Last December I finished my CIM post graduate Diploma. I am now interested in doing a marketing job and to become a senior person in a company in future.
I do not have engineering/ technical background which is lacking in my CV. I don't feel that this industry will suit me to reach my objective. Since I joined here as a secretary.
If I apply for a marketing job will they ask for experience/ track record in the field? Or will they ask me to join as a trainee? Also I'm not quiet sure whether I have taken the right decision as well.
Also I'm wiling to do my higher studies as well in Sri lanka.
Can you please provide me guidance in this situation please to reach my goal
And what are the skills that I have to improve further.
Valenshiya.
Via Email
Dear Valenshiya,
Firstly let me congratulate you on the achieving the post grad diploma in marketing, secondly I see some gaps in the information provided, thirdly you need to get on rocket mode to build you critical skills , for this you need answer three questions:
n What sector do you prefer to get in to ,for example FMCG , ICT or consulting
n Do you want to start at the bottom and move up or move into a trainee position, for example you could start in sales and move up or move into brands or start as a management trainee
n Your marketing skill areas can be categorized for example in sales management, brands, business development, integrated communications as well as research, team building ,financials and project management, for example if you start in advertising you would gain specific skills in project management and integrated communications.
My objective for you is to build your CV and to do this you must be willing to sacrifice your EGO, I say this many times, where even in the case of the MBA there are many who have the MBA but lack critical experience of running a business unit, I point the finger at unethical marketing of these institutions offering the qualification.
For the moment your priority is to o prove that you can build value to organizations, higher studies can wait until you have achieved this.
Get to the right network, build the right contacts and get advice form the right people.
All the best
Failan
2. I'm 19 year old student who completed my A/L in Arts stream(geography, Econ, Logic) though I couldn't get myself qualified for university over here, now I'm looking for a qualified institute to complete my higher studies .
0 I'm more interested in subjects that are related to geographical science such as meteorology, plant ecology all so sociology, hospitality management and HR management streams.
I'm so pleased if you could help me to find suitable institution to do one of the above streams and more information's, details about above fields for me to choose my future carrier.
As I have relations in Canada I'm hopping to pursue my higher education over there. I appreciate if you could help me or show the correct path to select a good institute over there (web addresses).
Ruchira Perera.
Via Email
Hi Ruchira,
I am not in the business of spoon feeding your search for information, my role is to clarify, prioritize and justify your initial research. however to put you at ease you can talk to royal institute and the Ceylon hotel school for your initial research on geographical science and hospitality management respectively, you can back this up with research on the internet.
Three point plan for success:
n Identify your what you are good at and what you are passionate about, in that way you don't need to battle negativity
n Try to exemplify your core strengths ,by building experience in these areas
n Amplify your value through depth
Do your homework, it is the best start
3. Dear sir,
I'm a student from Matale and I'm 17 years old, currently doing
My A/L's on Commerce stream and I'm a first year student, now i have thought of an idea to do my degree in Human Resource Management in an well recognized American Campus ,my idea is to start the degree by the end of the second year of my A/L 's(while doing the A/L),so is it fruitful to start my degree along with my A/L's or what should i do for the good sake my future, please help.
Hazmin Ahamed
Via Email
Dear Hazmin,
I don't see any problem with this logic, as mentioned above if you are passionate about HR , then you should go for it and you can add to this by building vital experience after you're A/L's ,however you must not sacrifice you're A/L's, why I say this is that most of them would tell you that you are wasting your time. You will most certainly have to do a foundation course which would mean additional cost, however with you're A/L's you can skip this so check before you get in.
You have time on your side so stay focused
4. Sir,I'm 22 years old and presently employed in a local bank for the past 2 years. As I have to work long hours even on Saturdays the only day I have for myself is Sundays. As such I'm unable to do any further studies. I'm considering trying for another job and would like to do any Business management on external basis at the Jayawardenapura University. I do find it Difficult to do any Banking courses as I did my A levels in Math's and Science. Can you please guide me as to what you will suggest as the best option for me to further my qualifications for a better job.
Thanking you for your advice and assistance
Marina Bahar
Pita Kotte
Dear Marina,
I am glad you bought up the point on the long working hours demanded by the banks, I see this as totally unethical, where some of these so called banks have also won awards for CSR, I have no negativity with the banks, however the bank should provide a meaningful win win formula if they demand unfair time. My opinion does not mean that you should not commit long hours to an institution, but this should be done with your own drive to contribute.
Remember organizations do not have a heart they are just business entities they demand time, but are quick to forget when you need them to support you , therefore you need to balance your personal objectives.
I see two dimensions to your question, first getting a new job, I can help with that please send me your CV, secondly getting your career back on track with the necessary qualification.
To help you out with the next steps getting back on track, You may need to look at a five point plan.
n Identify your vision and your path of study preference, this can be a work related qualification or a academic.
Select the best fit course based on cost , time and recognition status, there are around 20 well recognized qualifications , a simple web search will show you the options available in business management.
Select the best based on research and advice from trusted relatives and friends
Try to scan for job opportunities that would amplify the qualification
Develop and action plan on how you are going to get about it.
You need to remodel you career formula, my target for you is at 26 you need to have a qualification and vital work experience. |
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