dated 18th Sep. 2002

I have just completed MBA (Andhra University) with Decision Support Systems as my specialisation. Some of my friends advised me to look out for jobs in Bangalore, while a few others have suggested Hyderabad. Kindly suggest which place will be better for me and the various job opportunities for DSS.

Achyut

Srikakulam

DSS (Decision Support Systems) is one of the more advanced areas in systems management, and is used by very few organisations in India, although their number is growing with every passing day.

Function-wise, the finance and operations departments in Indian companies mainly use it, though gradually it is finding acceptance in marketing and HR departments too.

This is being used by companies, which have a large network of operations such as RIL, oil majors, HLL and so on. For a fresher in this area, the initial focus will be on the use of SQL and/or strategic-level MIS before graduating to the use of DSS as a strategic tool. Bangalore will be the ideal choice for such positions both from the development and deployment point of view.

Can you please provide me information about the latest in IT and mention a few websites (which tell us about "Troubleshooting", latest / hot news from IT) includingcomputerrelated word meanings and definitions? I am also pursuing MCA from IGNOU, New Delhi, can you suggest some career tips for my future?

Pradeep Kumar Drall

New Delhi

For computer related word meanings and definitions, log on to http://64.4.16.250/

http://whatis.techtarget.com/.

It covers all the latest information on terms and acronyms in IT. For the latest news in IT,

you can visit these sites: http://www.cnet.com, http://www.infoworld.com/ etc. For topics like `troubleshooting', `how-to', the following sites are good:

http://64.4.16.250/

http://www.pcworld.com/, http://64.4.16.250/

http://www.ciol.com/

Also keep abreast of the latest software packages and applications, and look out for jobs that are most in demand in the software industry. For better career prospects it will be advisable to do a course in business management (a diploma course will also be useful).

I would like to know the job opportunities for irrigation and water management (kind of companies).

Akhilanand Kulkarni

Baroda

Some of the organisations that have openingsin irrigation and water management are water management corporations DVC, ICRISAT, NABARD, environmental science and research institutes, etc. Academics (as teaching faculty) are also another option open for you.

What kinds of jobs are open for candidates with an M. Pharma in industrial pharmacy?

D. Ashok Kumar

Via Email

Industrial pharmacy offers a wide choice of career options both in large, innovative pharmaceutical companies and smaller support organisations.

With a degree in industrial pharmacy you can apply for posts in industry/hospital pre-registration.

Such jobs depend upon the nature of an individual company's business and would typically be in pharmaceutical development functions, such as formulation design, commercial or clinical trial manufacture and supply. You can also use your industrial knowledge and experience to move into secondary level jobs away from pharmaceutical development, eg, regulatory affairs, clinical research, commercial manufacturing/quality assurance or medical sales, marketing or information.

I'm a B.Com graduate and wish to pursue I.C.W.A. I would like to know if cost accountants are treated on par with chartered accountants and will they be considered for the jobs in accounts and finance?

Parthasarathy

Chennai

As far as public sector enterprises are concerned, yes, they are treated on par. But with private sector firms, it depends on the firm, and the kind of job involved.

If you want to get into public sector, you will need to think about what kind of career you want. ICWA involves getting involved with corporate finance and the operational aspects, while CA is more to do with accounting. CAs have got a wider scope in a way, as they can set up their own practice.

There are several other options for B.Com graduates like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and other courses offered by ICFAI.

What are the job opportunities open for biotechnology graduates?

Abhinaya

Hyderabad

Since biotechnology is an interdisciplinary science that can be combined with various disciplines such as biochemistry, microbiology, tissue culture, molecular biology, students from a wide range of academic backgrounds qualify for postgraduate studies in this highly specialised field. Biotechnology procedures have wide applications in forensic science, in the detection of criminals or parentage, especially now, with our better understanding of DNA fingerprinting and genetics.

The FAQ column addresses career concerns sent to CnK Management Ltd, PO Box NO. 2178, Secunderabad-50003, or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com

What are the job opportunities for a person with an M.Sc in digital media?

Ravindranath

Chennai

Digital media is essentially the convergence of media, infotainment, technology and the Internet through articles, discussion and links. As it is a web-based mode of defining the role of the media, the openings in the same will include some of the following posts in the IT enabled media sector:

Graphic artist, web developer, network engineer, online customer support, software/hardware engineer, Internet developer, network administrator, database technologist, content developer, research analyst, visualiser and so on.

I hold a graduate degree in geography and am now working as a secretary for a private company. I would like to know the future prospects and job opportunities after I complete my M.Sc in geography.

Sheela

Mumbai

Depending on their area of specialisation, geographers may be employed as forest managers or can work with agricultural or as demographers with government and research organisations. A background in geography is also an asset to pursue a career in travel and tourism, particularly for travel journalism.

Will my career prospects be enhanced if I take up an M.Sc in finance and computer application?

Boopathi

Hyderabad

It depends on where and as what you are working at presently.

With an M.Sc in finance and computer application, you can find employment opportunities in the software industry that is involved in developing financial software for insurance and banking sectors, financial institutes etc. You can apply to companies like Satyam, Kindle systems, Infosys, BAAN etc.

I am an accountancy professional. I have been finding it very difficult to get a job in a good company since I stammer. How do I rectify the problem?

Ramesh,

Chennai.

Try to look beyond the problem. Concentrating too hard on this setback will only aggravate it, which will then become even more pronounced during interviews. Relax, and try to think of the correct answer to the question.

Take your time and try some simple relaxation techniques to overcome your tension and nervousness during interviews. Stammering can be overcome if the sufferer seeks professional guidance and is ready to work towards achieving speech fluency through regular practice and therapy.

What are the career prospects for an agricultural scientist?

Lakshman

Chennai

As an agricultural scientist you could work in industries that are into vegetable and crop production, processing farms, food storage plants, poultry farms, grain mills, semi processed, fully processed food plants, etc. Opportunities also exist in the farming, processing, research & development, and marketing functions.

Government agencies like the Food Corporation of India and various Central and State government ministries and directorates employ agricultural scientists.

Recruitments are generally made by Union Public Service Commission and State Public Service Commission.

Some of the job positions are as an Agricultural Extension Officer, Seed Production Officer, Agricultural Assistant, Plant Protection Officer, Soil Conservation Officer, Farm Superintendents or Technical Assistant.

How should I respond when an interviewer asks me, `Why would you like to change your job?' Please tell me how to tackle this question.

V.P. Manivannan.

Chennai.

When asked on an application, "If presently employed, why do you wish to change positions", one of the answers could be: `I am changing positions because the company I am applying for is known nationwide I want to work for a company with their background and one that I can retire from.'

This same question is sometimes asked during job interviews as well so it is important to have a good answer.

Additionally, if you decide to leave your current employer, it is also wise to have consensus as to the reasons.

Use your research to put forward several points about the company that you feel will be a great match and suit your particular skills and experiences.

Emphasise the fact that you are looking forward to working for them and would not want to lose the opportunity and explain the several ways in which you can add value to the organisation.

Present yourself as a vital, enthusiastic employee who can use his valuable experience for benefit of their organisation in the years to come. Hint at a long-term commitment with the organisation you are applying at.

The FAQ column addresses questions regarding career concerns sent to CnK Management Ltd, PO Box No 2178, Secunderabad-500003, or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com