Furthering my Education

I have a B.E (Electronics) with nine years of customer service/sales experience, mainly in investment products for companies like Dow Jones and Dalal Street. I am currently based in Dubai but don't mind going back to India to pursue further education and experience. I would like to specialize in the financial services industry (the IT side of it). However, I am not sure whether I should pursue a full-time post-graduate diploma in software technology or focus on courses like Oracle Data and Seibel CRM. - Sanjay

I think you have experience in the financial industry and the connections to get to where you want. Ask your contacts and see if they have a hiring preference in terms of post-graduate software diploma or Oracle etc. Given your background, you might be able to advance by taking select courses. Full-time post-graduate work should be a last resort if you are not able to find anything from taking select courses.

F-1 to H-1 visa

I have finished my MS in human resource development in the US and have been approved for my optional practical training. Prior to my MS, I had four years of sales/marketing experience in India. What are the chances of getting a job with an employer who will be willing to change the status to H-1? Is there any online resource that would help me find such a job? I am looking for an entry-level position as HR generalist/recruiter. Also, I have heard that many employers refrain from interviewing candidates with an F-1 visa (in a field other than "hi-tech"). Is it true ? If yes, can you suggest a strategy when applying for a job ? - Sindhu