Ementor

Recruitment

I’m 29-year-old and running my own software export company. In fact, I thought of learning computers when I was 17 and left studies after 10+2 thinking of pursuing further studies only after completing my self-learned courses in programming. I developed a multimedia title at the age of 20 which sold over 50,000 copies and that gave me exposure and contracts. I could never look back at studies.

I got some offers and joined a software development company in 1998 and then worked in three other organisations. I have worked on various state-of-the-art technologies like smartcard/biometric, network security applications, wi-fi, PDA development and several challenging assignments. I left multimedia way back in 1998 and started my own company with focus on exporting.

I’m still 10+2, but with 9 plus years of experience in development and management (I employ 15 MCA and BTech) and possess sound knowledge in international business. Seeing the cut-throat competition in outsourcing, circumstances may force me to return to a job if I can’t grow as fast as the industry is growing. I’m feeling a bit insecure ever since I’ve become the father of a baby son. Is there any job for my kind of people in well-known IT companies or Fortune 500 companies?

—Venkat R

Satish Doshi: It is clear in many ways that you are exceptionally talented and willing to travel the path less travelled. Surely you have an enviable track record. You will probably be more successful, if you attempt to create your own path and success, instead of trying to find success on the common path.

It is natural that you are feeling a bit insecure now that you have responsibility for a family. However, you can handle the financial insecurity by better financial planning, which would mean a combination of planned savings, investments and insurance. You also need to separate your personal finances from the company finances.

If you look for job opportunities in established companies, you will find it difficult. You will do well in career opportunities from organisations/ individuals, which approach you due to your successful track record. You must also take active part in professional associations. It could help you build a reputation as a technical genius as well as build contacts, which could help create career opportunities for you. Academic pursuits can be done at any age and stage of one’s career. Fortunately, a large number of distance learning and correspondence education programmes exist.

Heart to Heart

I am a 23-year-old IT professional from a conservative family working in Bangalore since two years. Ever since I have stepped into this city life has been fun...working, partying, drinking, friends, guys, etc. After partying we get close. Sometimes my mother’s face goes through my mind reminding me of being responsible. She does not know anything and would be shocked to see her daughter in a ‘cool’ state. I also feel guilty and used at times by my friends though the moments of fun are difficult to resist. What should I do?

—A D’Souza

Harish Shetty: The fun, chatting, laughing and meeting others helps many to unwind, de-stress and feel good. The freedom and the ease to meet also adds icing to the new found exciting life. The age, the setting and friends also provides an ambience for unhindered exploration. You feel guilty at times and you have to draw your priorities, limits and rules. No one would be able to articulate the same for you. The caged cocoon student you were once suddenly feels like living two lives in one...making up for lost time...or doing what all are supposedly doing.As you walk out of your hostel room to the cubicle of your office....walk a little more...feel the temperature the air...take time to acclimatise....and take your time....

The flashing of your mother’s face is understandable and is your cop This policeman is there in all human beings in different measures and definitions. Smaller doses of this cop in our conscience causes chaos, higher doses cause excessive guilt. Be sure, feel responsible, protect your heart from being hurt and enjoy responsibly...not recklessly. Share with a trusted senior friend or a cousin who has seen a more of life than you. Do not conform but confirm.

Training

I want to become a networking professional. Currently I am doing MCA (final year). Please guide me.

—E V Balaji

Prabal Mall: It is interesting that you have decided to become a networking professional after your MCA. There has always been demand of networking skills and the same is growing every year. But to get a good break, it is important that you equip yourself with the right type of experience and an international certification. After completing your MCA, you can either join one of the large IT multinationals as a trainee in networking or enroll for a networking course.

Microsoft Certified System Administration (MCSA), Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE), and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) are in high demand, along with A+, N+, and Solaris certifications.

A+ and N+ are the basic certifications offered by CompTIA for hardware and Networking. The CompTIA A+ exam consists of two exams—the A+ Core Hardware exam and the A+ OS Technologies exam. You become A+ certified by passing both exams.

The A+ exams test the following areas of knowledge: installation, configuring and upgrading, diagnosis and troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, motherboard, processors and memory, printers, basic networking, OS fundamentals and networks.

The CompTIA Network+ certification is the worldwide standard for professionals with at least nine months of experience in network support or administration.

A Network+ certification demonstrates your technical abilities in networking administration and support, and validates your knowledge of media and topologies, protocols and standards, network implementation, and network support.

If you have nine months of network administration and support experience after your MCA, Network+ is ideal for you.