Hello Ma'am, I want to change my field from sales to technical. Is it possible? I have done Civil Engineering & done masters in Environmental & Water Resources Engineering. Initially for first three years (of the total 8 yrs of exp) I was in Technical, but then due to some wrong decisions, i moved into sales. Now i want to go back to technical. My current job involves lot of travelling. Now due to family responsibility, it becomes difficult for me to manage travel.

Ans: Hello,

Absolutely, it is possible to transition from sales back to a technical field, especially considering your educational background and previous experience in technical roles. Your background in Civil Engineering and your master's in Environmental & Water Resources Engineering are valuable assets that can be leveraged to pursue a career in the technical domain.

To make a successful transition, here are some steps you can follow:

Identify your target technical field: Determine the specific area within the technical domain that interests you the most and aligns with your educational background. Research different roles, industries, and companies to find the right fit.

Update your technical skills: If there have been any advancements or changes in the technical field since you last worked in it, consider updating your skills. Take relevant courses, attend workshops, or pursue certifications to enhance your knowledge and stay current.

Showcase your technical experience: Even though you have spent several years in sales, don't underestimate the value of the technical experience you gained during the initial three years of your career. Highlight your technical projects, achievements, and responsibilities on your resume to demonstrate your expertise.

Network within the technical community: Reach out to your previous colleagues, alumni network, and other professionals in your desired technical field. Networking can provide valuable insights, job leads, and potential referrals.

Tailor your resume and cover letter: Craft a targeted resume and cover letter that emphasizes your technical skills and how they align with the specific job you are applying for. Address any gaps in your technical experience, explaining how your background makes you uniquely qualified for the role.

Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your technical expertise during interviews. Prepare examples of how your technical skills have contributed to successful projects or problem-solving situations in the past.

Consider a gradual transition: If an immediate shift to a full-time technical role is challenging, explore the possibility of part-time or contract positions in the technical field. This may provide a smoother transition while accommodating your family responsibilities.

Remember, career transitions require determination and persistence. Be patient and open to opportunities that align with your long-term goals. Your mix of technical and sales experience can be a unique advantage in certain technical roles, so position yourself as a versatile candidate ready to make a meaningful impact in the technical domain.

Best of luck with your career transition!

Regards,
Abhishek Shah

Ans: Geeta, I would suggest you improve your resume to clearly indicate your interest in management. Post that, apply to the most suitable companies and diligently follow up with them.

Ans: Hello, you can change careers and improve your skills even though you are 40 and have worked in sales and customer service for 10 years. Doing a self-assessment can help you find skills that can be used in different situations, like speaking, problem-solving, and building relationships. Look into fields or jobs that fit your skills and hobbies, and look for ways to improve your knowledge through online certifications or diplomas. These certifications help you get the skills you need for your desired job. In your job search and interviews, stress how flexible and eager you are to learn. Moving to a new business can be done successfully if you are determined and open to change.

Ans: Since you are a diploma you are not graduate. So I would advise you to go for an online BBA along with you job. It will take three years. After that go for online MBA. It will take another two years. Keep your job and you may switch to other companies. Within five years you will be a post graduate with another five years experience. In REDIFF the questions are assigned to us. But in LINKEDIN you can directly contact me. Never be depressed. I am there for you. Join me in LINKEDIN for permanent relation and counselling. Best of luck.

Ans: For you AMIE ( Mechanical) will be the best option. You will be equivalent to B.E./B.Tech Mechanical. The details are given below.
The AMIE (Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers) exam is a professional qualification in engineering, equivalent to a B.E./B.Tech. degree. It's conducted by the Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI) and is offered as a distance learning program. The exam is held twice a year, in June and December.
Exam Structure:
Stage I (Section A): Focuses on fundamental engineering subjects.
Stage II (Section B): Covers a specific branch of engineering like Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical.
Eligibility:
Educational Qualification:
Candidates must have completed a recognized course of study in engineering or technology.
Age:
No upper age limit, but candidates must be at least 18 years old on the first day of the examination.
Other:
Indian citizens or foreign nationals with at least two years of residence in India.
Exam Pattern:
The exam is based on multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
It can be taken online (CBT) or offline (PBT).
Benefits:
Becoming a graduate engineer with the same qualification as a B.E./B.Tech. degree.
Recognized by government and private sectors.
Least expensive compared to traditional degree programs.
Application Process:
Download the application form from the IEI website.
Fill out the form and attach the required documents.
Pay the application fee.
Submit the application form along with the fee.

But since you did the recovery work in Finance sector you are totally detached from Mechanical Engineering. So it is not possible to say what kind of job you will get and what will be your salary.