Dr Busrai has had 40 odd years experience in Industry. He has worked in various HR roles with Unilever in Kenya and India and was Executive Director HR Motorola for Asia Pacific countries. He worked with Shell Malaysia as Director Human Resources, Shell Malaysia and Managing Director of Shell People Services Asia Sdn Bhd. His last corporate assignment was with IBM India Limited as Executive Director Human Resources. He is currently CEO of Aquil Busrai Consulting.
Tripti, you have been wronged ? and that's a fact. Sexual harassment at the workplace is an offence and a complete taboo. No one indulging in it should be allowed to get away simply because they are in a position of power and authority. I note that you have left the job, presumably driven to an extreme point of frustration and discomfort. I would suggest you consider going back to the same organisation and meeting the CEO one-on-one. In that meeting, put your case of harassment with anecdotal evidence and raise a formal complaint against the offender. Also ask for an apology from the offender and more importantly, demand reinstatement, but in a different department. Be polite but firm. Hopefully, the CEO will see the seriousness of the issue and close the matter amicably. If he does not, then let him know you will pursue the matter through a formal route. You may be thinking, how will you ever ?fight? such powerful people. Put that doubt to rest. Approach a Women?s Rights organisation and let them take your case up. Do not worry - such things can and are handled confidentially. Avoid revealing this to other people in your previous workplace ? they will simply gossip. Later, share the outcome through this column. Best wishes.
Ankur, may I ask why this penchant for a public sector organisation? Are you presuming that they offer more job security? You are young and getting a right grounding in career should take precedence over unfounded job security concerns. You have tried your best and now there is no need to look back. Start looking for a job that fits in with your basic qualification of MBA. Admittedly without experience and with a three years lapse, getting the right-fit job will be a challenge. Do not lose courage. Try getting into a job that gives you experience. I do not know which field you majored in, but even getting into an entry level job could be a good option as it will get you an entry into the business world. Once you pass this stage, you will be surprised how quickly you could recover lost years ? provided of course you work extra hard and with diligence. Do not compare your career with those of your batchmates in MBA. Chart your own path and consciously avoid feeling remorse about lost opportunities in the public sector.
Surajit, it seems you are a thorough-bred commercial person ? MCom plus CA plus ICWA and now the organisation is transferring you from a technician role to one in finance. This is like a banner proclaiming ?Welcome home!!? You are now apparently where you belong ? so where is the dilemma? Does ?better offer? mean better salary? If so, may I suggest that you get yourself firmly established in the finance function leveraging the commercial qualifications you have obtained. The rest will fall in place over a period of time, if you sincerely apply your mind to your new line of work. It?s time to enjoy a career where you have the requisite qualifications.
Mayank, thank you for the kind words. It is common for MBA students to choose two divergent fields during campus days. A high number of students choose finance and marketing only to improve their chances of simply getting a job. It does not however, mean that they are suitable for both the professions simultaneously. Are you happy working in HR? If it is so, then what ed you to explore a career in marketing? Or is the word ?international? raising images in your mind of a globe trotting assignment? Ask yourself where your strength and interest lie and stay in that line of profession. Be objective.
Siddharth, I can see passion oozing out from every sentence. Keep dreaming big but at the same time ? stay focused. You have a technical background and a technical job in hand, so make the most of this good combination. After two to three years of quality work experience, go for a reputed MBA and you will notice how good your career graph looks then. If you also want to be an entrepreneur and have a bright business plan, then do not hold yourself back. Take the plunge. But most importantly - take one step at a time. Focus and then decide.
Abhishek, this is the sad reality of life. And a very painful encounter when one is young and eager to change the world, armed with enthusiasm and passion. Most of us have gone through it, if that is some solace. But look for a position of fresh trainees, preferably in a mid-sized or small organisation. Learning in such an environment is often better. Decide between mechanical engineering and software and then proceed in a concentrated manner. All companies do not look for references ? merit does matter.
Dhwani, a career in human resources could be one option you can consider. IT and ITeS industries need professionals like you who have a combination of technical knowledge as well as a passion for people. However, be cautious about the qualifications you collect ? especially through distance learning. Make sure they are reputed as well as truly a value-add for knowledge.
Pinaki, first ask yourself, why do you need a diploma at all? If you need knowledge, then explore short-term certification programmes ? but of good quality and those relevant to your background. With such a rich experience, supplement your learning journey by undertaking a few extra projects, if possible. Stay tuned to changes happening in your professional circuit through serious reading, perhaps writing and teaching. A combination of some of this will enhance your knowledge base.
Nikita, at your age it is natural to explore the unknown ? even in a career. There is nothing wrong with it. But first assess what type of career will excite you. Next, get a correct foundation through education in that field. Consult a few professionals, counsellors and teachers. Get a mentor. All this will help you assess what options you have and which one best suits your career aspirations. In the meantime, pay serious attention to your studies and get good grades. Dreams should not replace reality.
Hafizur, I fully empathise with your situation. In fact, your unfortunate experience should be an eye-opener for many who may fall victims to such fraudulent deals. Such foreign appointments should be verified with the Ministry of Labour. They are very helpful and quick to respond. In your case, have you considered going back to your previous employer? Even if they have a position at a slightly lower level, it is worth considering for re-entry. The insurance sector is growing rapidly and could be an option for opportunities for you. Keep faith ? things will work out.
Meghna, accept certain realities of life upfront. Getting married and starting a family are biological imperatives for women. Do not feel any need to justify them. Since you do not have any experience and three years have lapsed from the academic days - do certainly ensure that you have updated your knowledge. Look for a job opportunity in relatively smaller organisations that will give you a more hands-on experience. Avoid the tendency to feel attracted to a big organisation with high salaries - instead make up for lost time with practical knowledge. Consider those three years as a part of the journey - not lost years. You should also seek some choices that will help you in looking at career choices outside your present interests.
Pavel, why do you want to go to the USA at all? Is it mere glamour or perceived opportunities? Frankly, there are more opportunities in India and China than that part of the globe. Introspect to answer why you want to go - and even after that if you are besotted with the country, then try for opportunities in your own organisation. You could explore an opportunity in the US operation of your current employer. But most importantly - think of future growth and then decide.
With your rich experience and passion to remain professionally active, you could consider working for an SME or even an NGO. They need your expertise but cannot afford high quality talent. You will get the satisfaction of making a contribution while engaging yourself and they will benefit from your knowledge and experience - a win-win situation.
Roseleena, you already have three years of experience in a technical area. And I presume you want to remain in the same field. An additional qualification is a 'nice-to-have' but ask yourself whether it is a 'need-to-have'. An MBA may not be necessary at this stage to get into a good organisation. But if you want to think in terms of accelerating your overall career - and you can afford two years - then an MBA is worth considering. But here too, be very careful of which institute you obtain your MBA from. In my opinion, do not blindly chase an MBA degree for the sake of one.
Vijay, I can empathise with you - you have ideas and ideas but no one to buy them! You may be individually a brilliant professional but start thinking in terms of collaboration, which is the catchword of today's professional world. Publicise your ideas, invite critique and suggestions. Involve others. Do not be apprehensive that in doing so, you will be deprived of credit. An idea will get recognised if it is worth it. If you want to satisfy all - then be ready for disappointment. About shifting from HR to marketing or business development, simply remember - the grass on the other side is not always greener.
You have balanced your work and personal life well. And although, a six-year-gap is a bit longer than usual, you must have had a good reason to do so and that decision should be respected. You have taken a smart decision to utilise those six years to gain additional qualifications. This will certainly help you to re-enter the business world. Insurance sector is on the threshold of massive growth, so get into the same industry, may be through a smaller organisation. You will find that career growth will happen soon after you have settled down on re-entry. Regarding your option for nursery teacher ? I feel that could be an option in case you need a source of earning. In my opinion, you have good ten years of experience and now additional qualifications to make a mark in insurance industry. So focus sharply.
The days of bonded labour are over! In the first place, parting with the original certificates should have been avoided. Companies verify a copy from the original and retain that copy. Originals are always with the owner. Did you sign any ?Service Bond? for serving minimum of two years? Even if you did, such bonds have very limited sanctity. But, you need to determine what you had committed. Even then, no organisation can hold original certificates as ransom. Formally write to the CEO and HR of the organisation to return your original certificates. If they do not agree, then you could serve them a legal notice. It will be cumbersome, but you have very little choice in the matter. It will be near impossible to get the next job without these certificates in your possession.
Ankit, it appears that your educational background fits in well with the job in steel industry. You are perhaps looking for a change because your expectations of career growth or compensation or even job content are not being met. Have you first of all, analysed what is holding you back? You must have gone through at least two annual appraisals ? what is the feedback from the discussion? Are there any areas of development that have been highlighted and have you addressed them? It is important for you to introspect and find answers within you. Your type of skill and background is quite versatile, which means it will fit into non-steel industry too. However, while changing the job may seem like an easy option - it could also lead you ?from a frying pan into the fire? situation. Tread carefully.
First of all, determine whether your interest in HR is a passing fancy or is it a driving force? In any case, determine where does your passion lie ? not mere interest. Follow where your passion leads you to and you will never regret. I have a small plaque on my study table that reads ?Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life?. This has influenced me immensely and I will encourage you to think on this line too. At the same time, be ruthlessly objective in assessing your capabilities to pursue a chosen career path. Do you have the requisite competence? If not, how will you acquire? During your MBA in HR, learn the technical part of the HR profession. Get good quality knowledge of HR. When passion and knowledge come together, there is bound to be magic.