• You are here:
• Home
•  / 
• Interviews
•  / 
• Story

Advertisement

Interviews

What's your story idea?

One has to invest heavily on higher studies and that to in good institutes  (View Comments)

A correspondent

Posted On Friday, July 17, 2009 at 12:34:14 PM

Prof. (Col) A Balasuramanian, Executive Director, BIMM & Dean BITM, BIIB & BIMHRD President, Sri Balaji Society discusses the importance of enhancing one's skills in the current economic scenario by pursuing further educational/certification courses

1) During testing times like these with people getting laid off, experts suggest that now is the right time for such people to hone their skills by pursuing further education or certification courses. Comment.
   
It is easy to say but difficult to practice. It also depends upon the age of the employee and his/her economic condition. One should be positive about the future but cannot be sure about the return on such investments. Formal education does not come free. One has to invest heavily on higher studies and that to in good institutes, which has a track record of placements. Moreover, the workers in general are not affected in a big way in India. They are well protected by the social security legislations. Thus, we are talking about those employees like the software engineers in IT industries who may be affected because of the economic slowdown in the US and Europe. These IT professionals can certainly go for higher studies. But then, what are the various options available to them, except perhaps the management courses? Certification courses may help them to a limited extent.

2) With several organisations freezing recruitments, students (future employees) are highly sceptical about the fate of their careers. What tips would you give them to deal with the situation tactfully and maintain an optimistic approach?
   
Freezing of recruitment is a temporary phenomena and that indicates that they are more cautious now then ever before. But, there is nothing to be alarmed about. Let us note that, out of 430 million workforce, 94 per cent work in the unorganised sector and about 6 per cent work in the organised sector. On the new employment generated, 1 per cent are government jobs, 2 per cent are in the organised sector and the balance 97 per cent are in the unorganised sector. The government of India says, that, it is providing job to anyone who want to work for 100 days in a year. So the hue and cry is about the 2 per cent job in the industry only. The Indian economy is still vibrant and going strong.

The industrial activities are still expanding. More and more companies will keep on coming in different sectors. Fortunately, we have a stable government headed by a renowned economist who is capable of taking matured decisions which will accelerate the industrial growth. Let us not forget our SEZs which have to start operating very soon. Therefore, the job opportunities in the corporate world will have to increase very soon. But the companies will expect high quality MBAs who can perform more efficiently from day one. It means, there is nothing to worry about job opportunities. Infact, more job opportunities will be available. But the big question will be quality and personality of the job hunters. When a company recruits, they look at the ‘knowledge, skill, attitude and personality’. If they found these qualities, they will definitely give them an offer.
  
3) As an academic expert, what advice would you give to employees who have been laid off?  How can they make the best out of the situation?

Remember those laid off are qualified people.  Therefore, they will get alternative jobs automatically.  Many companies are helping to re-position them to the extent possible.  So, they should have patience and faith in themselves.  Where possible they can become entrepreneurs.  If possible, they should go far higher studies.  The experience which they gain will give them the strength and stamina to sustain this temporary setback in their corporate career.   

Most Searched Tags

Advertisement

Thought Pool

Here's your chance to be our 'Student Journalist of the Month', a contest for aspiring students to pool in their ideas and views on burning issues in the Human Resource space. It's simple! Post your article here and you could be the winner.

Topics of the month

• The need for CSR
• Role of EQ in a successful career
  

Terms & Conditions