I need career advice. I have a background as a BI Analyst, with 10 years of experience in a service-based company in Bangalore. Currently, I am in my notice period and actively searching for new job opportunities. Recently, my family and I relocated to a place 150 kilometers away from Bangalore. Due to my daughter's studies, relocating is not a feasible option for me. I am facing a dilemma between continuing my job search and pursuing additional certifications. A few days ago, I came across Upgrad, which offers certifications. I would appreciate any guidance

Ans: Hi Abhijeet,

Let's consider each option in relation to your background and career aspirations. Upskilling in data analysis with Power BI or Tableau can be a valuable asset in today's data-driven business environment. These tools are widely used for visualizing and analyzing data, and having proficiency in them can open up opportunities in roles such as data analyst, business intelligence analyst, or data visualization specialist. Given your experience in customer service, leveraging data analysis skills can help you uncover valuable insights to improve customer experience, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.

On the other hand, if you have a keen interest in business communications and possess a flair for writing, content writing can be a rewarding path to explore. With your experience in customer service, you likely have strong communication skills that can be leveraged in this field. Content writing offers a range of opportunities, including creating marketing content, writing blog articles, crafting engaging website copy, or even pursuing freelance writing projects. Developing your writing skills further could complement your existing expertise and provide a platform to showcase your knowledge and insights in the business domain.

Considering your additional role as the ISO Coordinator and handling QMS/IMS Certifications, it's important to assess which upskilling option aligns best with your current responsibilities and organizational needs. Data analysis skills can support your ISO coordination role by helping you analyze quality-related data, identify areas for improvement, and drive data-backed decision-making. Content writing, on the other hand, can enhance your ability to communicate effectively in written formats, which is crucial for developing documentation, standard operating procedures, and other ISO-related materials.

To make an informed decision, I would recommend the following steps:

Reflect on your personal interests and passions. Consider which field excites you the most and aligns with your long-term goals.

Research the job market and growth prospects for both data analysis and content writing in your industry. Look for job descriptions, required skills, and salary ranges to gauge the demand and potential opportunities.

Explore online resources, tutorials, and free courses to gain a basic understanding of Power BI/Tableau and content writing. This can help you assess your aptitude and interest in each area.

Consider seeking guidance from professionals already working in the fields you are interested in. Networking through professional platforms or attending industry events can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.

Ultimately, the choice between data analysis and content writing depends on your personal interests, career aspirations, and the market demand in your industry. Both options have the potential to enhance your skill set and contribute to your professional growth. It's important to choose the path that resonates with you the most and aligns well with your long-term goals.

Best of luck with your decision-making process, and I hope you find a rewarding path for your career advancement.

Regards,
Abhishek Shah

Ans: Dear

Graduation is a basic ask in many companies so it would be good idea to complete that.

You can explore career as a soft skill trainer.

All the best.

Ans: Doing Masters or doing PhD from USA would be a great option, but considering your profile if may be difficult to get it. If you plan to self finance it, the cost could be very high and may not be worth it. My suggestion would be to first look for relevant job in India (Relevant job experience could help you to secure admission to a good college in US). If you are happy with your job then continue with it, else look out for other options.