Should I do CS or CFA?
New Delhi, June 2 - I completed my BCom (H) programme in 2007. If I clear the cost and works accountant (CWA) final exam, is the qualification sufficient for bagging higher (managerial) jobs? I need to do an MBA programme. But reputable colleges charge hefty fees. Therefore, I think, I should do CS or CFA which are correspondence courses and hold good professional value. Any suggestions?
- Rahul
While an MBA degree from a good institute can certainly brighten your career prospects, the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India's (ICWAI's) cost accountancy course also prepares you for a high-quality career in accounting and finance.
Cost accountants collect, organise and analyse financial information from all parts of an organisation to enable business decisions to be made. After completing the course, you can work in a managerial position in the financial departments of government organisations, in the banking and finance sector, in development agencies, education, training and research segment as well as in the services sector.
The CFA programme imparts training in corporate finance, investment management and financial services, like venture capital, leasing and hire purchase, project planning and so on, as well as international finance, and investment management. It is, therefore, a job best suited for those who want to enhance their skills in all areas of finance. If you are interested in a finance career, it is suggested that you work for a couple of years after the CWA programme, and then pursue the CFA qualification.
Moreover, it is important to remember that to be successful in management and finance, you need to have a good mathematical and analytical aptitude as well as problem-solving and organisation skills. You also need to have sound knowledge and interest in commerce and business and be good in decision making. If you possess these qualities, you can progress successfully in your career.
I am a BTech-IT student. I wish to pursue my Master's degree in logistics and supply chain management. Is it the right move? I am interested in this field. Is it the right time to specialise in logistics? Can I get a decent job after my Master's?
- Srikant
Logistics and supply chain management means ensuring that goods required by a consumer/end-user in a store or distribution outlet are available on time. The work involves monitoring stock levels, placing orders and managing the supply chain of products, whatever they may be, whether food stuff, clothes, or even engineering goods. With supermarkets and shopping malls coming up at an increasing pace, logistics and supply chain management is possibly one of the fastest growing careers. You can get into this field after graduation in any subject, and growth prospects are good as the demand for specialists is not only in industrial and consumer goods manufacturing companies but also in speciality shops, fast food chains, supermarkets and department stores.
I have taken engineering entrance exams but I do not expect a good score. What should I do now - MSc in maths from a good college, BTech from an average one or BArch?
- Upasana
There is no such thing as the best study option or best career. Otherwise, everyone would be going for it. The best option for you is the one for which you have the ability and interest. Before you think about the various study options after school, consider your career goal - what do you want to do for the rest of your life. A BTech will lead you into a career working with computers or tools in a technical or industrial environment. You should also have above average intelligence, numerical ability and be prepared to work wherever an engineering unit or factory may be located, sometimes in remote areas or industrial towns.
There are several specialisations in engineering, such as civil, mechanical, aeronautical, electronic etc. and you should be interested in the specialisation you choose.
If you are good at maths, have strong analytical skills and love numbers, then maths can be a good route to careers related to finance, banking, statistics, actuarial science and so on. On the other hand, if you are creative, have good sketching skills, creativity, a high level of practicality, accuracy, understanding power, capacity to observe and conceptualise, then you may think about a career as an architect. Post qualification you can work in a firm of architects, or set up your own practice. Even if you are unable to get into a top-level institute, as you are interested in gaining professional knowledge and skills, you can also consider institutes that may not be that well known but have a good reputation.
Source: HT Horizons
Date: 17th June, 2010
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