September - 2001 - issue > Career Wize

CONTINUE STUDYING WHILE SEEKING JOB
I am a graduate student in computer science at a university in Oregon, US, on the verge of graduating. But I have developed interest in computer engineering and have decided to pursue another Masters in ECE. I was wondering about the credibility of my decision. I want to get a job in computer engineering field. Am I taking the right decision? Also would pursuing MS in ECE be difficult for a non-ECE average student. - SAVI

Since you have just completed an MS in CS, I don't think you should have too much difficulty doing an MS in ECE. However, you should look over the courses you will be taking in the school's calendar and make sure. I think one option you have overlooked is getting a job with your MS in CS and then while working, pursuing an MS in ECE. Many employers will reimburse your expenses if you take courses in a discipline related to your work. This is a taxable benefit, but could help you get your MS ECE with essentially no cost to you. What specifically attracted you to ECE that you did not find in CS? You might consider just taking those courses that interest you and then looking for an appropriate job instead of doing the whole Masters in ECE. One thing in your favor is that there is not much hiring going on, so if you can't find a job, an MS in ECE should keep you busy until the job market picks up again.

OPPORTUNITIES IN ACCOUNTANCY
A friend of mine has completed her Chartered Accountancy following a B.Com degree in India. She is expected to come to the U.S. on a H4 visa. What are the requirements for this person to be able to practice as a CPA in the U.S.? Will her B.Com degree be sufficient to practice as a CPA, once she clears the CPA exams? What is the employment scope once she completes the requirements? What kind of institutions can she be employed in? - Helen

For your friend to practice as a CPA in the U.S. she must meet the requirements of the state in which she wishes to practice. These requirements vary from state to state, and are administered by the state boards of accountancy. Typically they involve completing a course of study at a University and writing the Uniform CPA exam. You don't mention which University she graduated from so I am not sure whether her Bcom degree will be sufficient or not. Most major Universities in India are recognized in the U.S., but if she graduated from a lesser-known school she may have to re-do some courses. You can begin searching for opportunities for her by looking in the employment section of newspapers and by searching on-line job posting boards.
Accountants are employed at any of the major accounting firms or any company that has an accounting department. Excellent online resource is the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. They have job postings, detailed information on requirements, and other useful information. Check it out at www.aicpa.org.

CUSTOMER CARE
I have been at a major Indian corporation for more than nine years taking care of customer coordination, commercials, accounts and administration. I am more interested in taking up customer coordination or customer care as my career. How do I plan my future? My basic qualification is B.A. and I have working knowledge of computers - Sanathkumar

If you have been doing customer care both in your previous role and in your current role, I'm not sure what else to advice you in terms of a career in customer care. Make sure your supervisor/manager knows your career goals and helps you grow in that direction. Take courses that help you understand the issues of customer care and how to improve the customer's experience. Ask if you can take on additional responsibilities in this area in your company. Look for opportunities to enhance and improve. You are headed down the right path.

GRE? IT TRAINING? JOB?
I have completed my M.A in English in India. Moreover, I know Oracle and have qualified some brainbench certifications on RDBMS concepts, HTML, Windows Desktop Administration, Word, Excel, computer concepts. I am currently holding an H4 visa, looking for a job. I have applied for jobs through many Web sites, but have not gotten a response. I can speak Spanish, though not fluently. I am interested in working as a Web developer/software tester/technical writer/programmer.

Which course might help me the most? Which one would be better? Should I take a course at a community college, complete MS, or continue searching for a job?
- Debjani

You have to keep one fact in perspective: this is not a great time to be looking for a job. Massive layoffs have afflicted all major industries, especially technology, which has been the hardest hit. This has contributed to many qualified, experienced workers competing for fewer and fewer jobs. Therefore I think this is an excellent opportunity for you to go back to school.

First decide what you want to do. Do you want to do software programming and, if so, do you want to do Java/C++ or database/application programming? Or do you want to be a Web developer? Since you have an M.A., I'm not sure how much interest you have in "hard core" programming. Web design or database may be more suitable for you.

Next, locate a local college or university that has a suitable program. Perform due diligence by finding out what percentage of students are hired upon graduation, how much experience their instructors have, etc. Check the program requirements and then write the appropriate TOEFL, GRE, etc., exams.

Your Spanish could come in handy, especially if you are located in the Southwestern United States, that is California, New Mexico, Texas, etc. I suggest you take some courses to brush up on your Spanish if this is the case because some positions may require you to be bilingual. This would give you an edge over other candidates.

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