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Confused About My Career Path? (20+ Years Experience)

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10860 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 16, 2024

Nayagam is a certified career counsellor and the founder of EduJob360.
He started his career as an HR professional and has over 10 years of experience in tutoring and mentoring students from Classes 8 to 12, helping them choose the right stream, course and college/university.
He also counsels students on how to prepare for entrance exams for getting admission into reputed universities /colleges for their graduate/postgraduate courses.
He has guided both fresh graduates and experienced professionals on how to write a resume, how to prepare for job interviews and how to negotiate their salary when joining a new job.
Nayagam has published an eBook, Professional Resume Writing Without Googling.
He has a postgraduate degree in human resources from Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Delhi, a postgraduate diploma in labour law from Madras University, a postgraduate diploma in school counselling from Symbiosis, Pune, and a certification in child psychology from Counsel India.
He has also completed his master’s degree in career counselling from ICCC-Mindler and Counsel, India.
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Madhuri Question by Madhuri on Jun 11, 2024Hindi
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Career

Hello Sir! I have total versatile experience of 20 years in Back Office Operations (5 years), Procurement Manager (5 years), Program Manager of Content Development Team (4 years), Marketing – Onboarding companies for placing our students for a 3-year internship (Earn and Learn) (2 years) PA to JMD along with Recruitment Officer (at present) in one company only, working from 2003. However, when I received the role of Recruitment, I found it interesting and quite challenging and to discover new networks and studying the vast topic of HR. After 2 years of recruitment (self-learned the process), I enrolled in two certification programs viz. HR Analytics (from CHRMP) and HR Generalist (Payroll, Talent Acquisition and Strategic Human Resource Management) – (from Protouch with SHRM and HRCI Certification). I am trying internally for a shift in my present company however, I can’t proceed here. Simultaneously, I am looking for Talent Acquisition or Recruiter positions outside my office and applying the same but could not succeed. I feel and think, that companies might be thinking why she is shifting now and secondly, my overall experience is good, but core TA experience is 4 years. I am looking for a CTC of Rs. 18 Lakhs. I request you to please guide me how I should proceed further – should I stay in my company or look outside. If looking outside for the opportunities, then what measures I should take for receiving a good job offer and salary package. Thanking you Regards, Madhuri Shinde

Ans: Madhuri Madam, You have NOT mentioned about your Current Salary Package.

Please note, as you have correctly mentioned that your Core TA (Talent Acquisition) Experience is just 4-years, for which it is very difficult to get a job with 18.00 Lacs CTC. (almost 1.5 lacs/month). Also, please note, you have been handling only one of the functions of HR i.e. Recruitment/Staffing. If you expect 18.00 Lacs CTC, you should have had PRACTICAL experience in maximum number of HR functions such as Pay Roll, Training & Development, Staffing, MPP (Manpower Planning), Performance Appraisal, Labour Law Compliance, Employee Benefits, Knowledge of about various Labour Laws such as Industrial Disputes Act, Workmen's Compensation Act, ESI, PF, Gratuity etc.

As you have been doing 2-Certifications & have worked in the 'Staffing/Recruitment/TA' Function, you might be well-aware that 'Line' Function attracts more salary than 'Staff' Function.

Suggestions:

(1) It is better to continue with current employer and keep upgrading skills and researching about all Functions of HR/Personnel Management/Industrial Relations.

(2) Have a Professional LinkedIn Profile, Connect with HR Professionals (not to ask for jobs) but to gain knowledge/views from them, Keep writing views/articles in LinkedIn on 'HR', put Job Alerts for Senior HR Position, get notifications & if you feel, your profile matches with the JD of job vacancies in HR, you can keep applying for the same.

(Views based on my experience: Having Completed PGDIR/PM from Delhi, Labour Law from Madras University & Diploma in Training & Development from ISTD-Delhi & Worked in Delhi/Muscat/Chennai in HR/Administration Department).

All the BEST for Your Bright Future, Madhuri Madam.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10860 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 15, 2024Hindi
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Career
Hi ! I am a multi-skilled professional with specific education in Sports Medicine from USA & experience based skills in Admin & HR. In 1993, i was hired as a consultant in the best health clubs in South Delhi & in 1994 hired as a Consultant to design & manage Fitness Centers by DDA Sports wing, New Delhi. By 1996, my performance in DDA Sports Complexes was considered exceptional & based on my unique contribution I was offered a Sr. Mgr. position, a permanent position by DDA, which I politely declined, as being an entrepreneur in Fitness Industry, I didn't have the mindset for a Govt. Job that time. I did qualify many interviews Sr. position jobs in 5 Star Hotel Health Clubs in Delhi & Mumbai & the biggest Weight Management Centre chain in Delhi from 1993 to 1999, but didn't take up these assignments, as they seemed a cake walk for me. In year 2000, I had applied for Sr. Mgr. position jobs in Hotel Burj Khalifa, Dubai & other 5 stars in middle East, I was conveyed by the HR of these world class 7 star hotels that I qualify technically but need more Managerial Experience. That's how, I landed up management jobs in private Manpower co's in Admin & HR, worked very hard and progressed from Sr. Mgr to CEO positions within 10 years. I am 57 years now (but as Fit as a 30 yr old guy) and currently function as HR Consultant for a major Educational Institution in South Delhi & a few private firms. I want to qualify a Sr. HR position full time in some big private company. But, my resume sent to any big company does not yield any response. Either positions don't open frequently in big co.'s or resumes are never looked at? I fail to understand. By the God's grace, I have never failed an interview in my life, but unfortunately not getting the right opportunity now. Pls. advise further to achieve my dream job.
Ans: Sir, Your age is a major factor, why most companies do not shortlist your Resume or call for an interview to recruit you as a Permanent Employee.

Secondly, through which sources you are applying? Newspapers? Job Portals? LinkedIn? Please fine-tune your Resume and your LinkedIn Profile. Put Job Alerts in LInkedIn for Sr. Position in HR/Administration Department. Keep applying for jobs whenever you get notifications of job vacancies, matching your profile.

You can also try for 'ADVISOR' post for HR Functions (or) try at Manpower Consultant Firms.

All the BEST for Your Bright Future, Sir.

To know more on ‘ Careers | Education | Jobs’, ask / Follow Us here in RediffGURUS.

..Read more

Onkar

Onkar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Career Management, Skills Development Expert - Answered on Aug 23, 2024

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Career
Hello Sir! I have total versatile experience of 21 years in Back Office Operations (5 years), Procurement Manager (5 years), Program Manager of Content Development Team (4 years), Marketing – Onboarding companies for placing our students for a 3-year internship (Earn and Learn) (2 years) PA to JMD along with Recruitment Officer (at present) in one company only, working from 2003. However, when I received the role of Recruitment (from April 2021), I found it interesting and quite challenging and to discover new networks and studying the vast topic of HR. After 2 years of recruitment (self-learned the process), I enrolled in two certification programs viz. HR Analytics (from CHRMP) and HR Generalist (Payroll, Talent Acquisition and Strategic Human Resource Management) – (from Protouch with SHRM and HRCI Certification). I am trying internally for a shift in my present company however, I can’t proceed here. Simultaneously, I am looking for Talent Acquisition or Recruiter positions outside my office and applying the same but could not succeed. I feel and think, that companies might be thinking why she is shifting now and secondly, my overall experience is good, but core TA experience is 4+ years. Present CTC is Rs.14 Lakhs and I am looking for a CTC of Rs. 19 Lakhs. I request you to please guide me how I should proceed further – should I stay in my company or look outside. If looking outside for the opportunities, then what measures I should take for receiving a good job offer and salary package. Thanking you Regards, Madhuri Shinde
Ans: Hi Madhuri,
You have impressive experience and a great mindset of constant learning. My suggestion would be to continue looking for relevant roles inside your current company, where you have greater chances of success. There's no harm at all in trying outside. I would suggest reaching out to relevant folks within your company and even outside using platforms like LinkedIn. Your expectations are realistic, and you should soon land a role and the package that you're aiming for. All the best!

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10924 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 23, 2025

Money
Hi Sir, I started a SIP of 3k from 3months investing in Nipon India Small Cap fund. I started investing via \xis bank mobile app. Please suggest me if thats the safe way to do through bank app. And I am willing to start another SIP of 3k per month. Planning to do it on groww app. Please suggest some good SIP plans and guide me on how good and safe to start via groww app.
Ans: I appreciate your early step into disciplined investing.
Starting SIPs shows long-term thinking.
Beginning small builds confidence and learning.
Your willingness to ask questions is healthy.

» Your Current SIP Action Review
– You started SIP of Rs 3,000 monthly.
– SIP duration is three months.
– Investment is through a bank mobile app.

This shows good initiative.
Early habits shape future wealth.

» Understanding Your Chosen Fund Category
– The fund belongs to small-sized companies category.
– Such funds are high risk.
– Such funds give high volatility.

Returns can be uneven yearly.
Patience is very important here.

» Suitability Of Small Company Funds
– Small companies grow faster sometimes.
– They also fall harder during corrections.
– Not suitable as first-only investment.

Exposure should be limited initially.
Balance is essential.

» Starting Early
– You started without waiting for perfection.
– Many delay investing unnecessarily.
– Action matters more than perfection.

This mindset helps long-term success.

» Risk Awareness Is Necessary
– Small company funds fluctuate sharply.
– Short-term losses are common.
– Emotional control is required.

Three months is too short to judge.
Time horizon should be long.

» Minimum Suggested Time Horizon
– Such funds need at least seven years.
– Shorter periods cause disappointment.
– SIP helps reduce timing risk.

Consistency matters more than returns initially.

» Bank App As Investment Platform
– Bank apps are generally safe.
– Transactions are regulated.
– Holdings are stored with registrars.

Platform safety is not the main risk.
Investment choice matters more.

» Limitations Of Bank Apps
– Limited guidance provided.
– Product pushing is common.
– Advice is not personalised.

Banks focus on convenience.
Planning depth is usually missing.

» Bank Staff Support Limitations
– Staff change frequently.
– Knowledge levels vary.
– Long-term accountability is absent.

This affects continuity of advice.

» Safety Of Investments Versus Platform
– Funds are held in your PAN.
– Platform failure does not erase investments.
– Units remain safe with fund house.

So platform safety fear is minimal.
Decision quality matters more.

» Planning Another SIP Thought
– You want another Rs 3,000 SIP.
– Total SIP becomes Rs 6,000 monthly.

This is positive growth behaviour.
But structure needs correction.

» Platform Comparison Perspective
– You plan using another app.
– Such apps promote self investing.
– Guidance quality is limited.

Ease should not replace planning.

» Direct Platform Reality Check
– Such apps promote direct plans.
– Expense difference looks attractive.
– But hidden costs exist.

Cost is not only expense ratio.
Mistakes cost more.

» Disadvantages Of Direct Plans
– No personalised advice.
– No behaviour guidance during falls.
– No portfolio review support.

Investors act emotionally without guidance.
This hurts returns badly.

» Decision Errors In Direct Investing
– Panic selling during market falls.
– Overconfidence during rallies.
– Frequent fund switching.

These mistakes destroy compounding.
They are very common.

» Lack Of Accountability In Apps
– Apps do not call you.
– Apps do not stop wrong actions.
– Responsibility lies fully on investor.

This is risky for beginners.

» Why Regular Plans Add Value
– Guidance helps discipline.
– Asset allocation stays balanced.
– Behavioural mistakes reduce.

Value is beyond commission.
Support matters during volatility.

» Role Of MFD With CFP Credential
– Certified Financial Planner gives structure.
– Advice aligns with goals.
– Long-term handholding exists.

This improves investment experience.
Returns become smoother.

» Cost Versus Value Perspective
– Direct plans save small percentage.
– Wrong decisions lose big percentages.

Net outcome matters more.
Peace of mind matters too.

» Your Current Portfolio Concentration Risk
– Only one equity category exposure exists.
– Risk is concentrated.
– Diversification is missing.

This increases volatility risk.
Balance is needed urgently.

» Importance Of Diversification
– Different funds behave differently.
– Market cycles impact unevenly.
– Balance reduces shock.

Diversification improves consistency.

» Ideal SIP Structure For Beginners
– One aggressive component.
– One stable growth component.
– One flexible allocation component.

This spreads risk evenly.
Comfort increases automatically.

» Why Avoid Multiple Apps
– Tracking becomes confusing.
– Discipline weakens.
– Reviews become difficult.

One guided platform is better.
Simplicity improves adherence.

» Data Security Perspective
– Apps are regulated.
– Data security standards exist.
– Risk is minimal.

But advice quality remains missing.

» Behaviour During Market Corrections
– Small company funds fall sharply.
– Beginners panic easily.
– SIP stoppage becomes tempting.

Guidance prevents wrong reactions.

» Emotional Support Value
– Markets test patience.
– Fear appears suddenly.
– Someone must guide.

Apps cannot replace humans here.

» Why Starting With Only Small Companies Is Risky
– Volatility is high.
– Returns are uneven.
– Confidence may break early.

Balanced start builds trust.

» Gradual Exposure Approach
– Start with core stability.
– Add aggression slowly.
– Increase risk with experience.

This improves journey comfort.

» SIP Amount Increase Strategy
– Rs 6,000 is fine initially.
– Increase annually with income growth.
– Discipline matters more than amount.

Time creates wealth here.

» Tax Awareness Brief
– Equity funds tax applies on selling.
– Long-term gains have limits.
– Short-term gains are taxed higher.

Holding longer improves efficiency.

» Avoid Frequent Changes
– Switching funds harms compounding.
– Costs increase silently.
– Discipline reduces regret.

Stick to strategy firmly.

» Monitoring Frequency
– Review once a year.
– Avoid monthly checking.
– Noise causes confusion.

Long-term vision matters.

» Avoid Social Media Influence
– Tips are often misleading.
– Past returns are highlighted.
– Risk is hidden.

Structured advice avoids traps.

» Role Of Goal Mapping
– Define why you invest.
– Time horizon matters.
– Risk choice depends on goals.

Without goals, investing feels stressful.

» Emergency Fund Reminder
– Keep emergency money separate.
– Do not mix with SIPs.
– Liquidity is essential.

This prevents SIP stoppage.

» Insurance And Protection Check
– Health cover should be adequate.
– Life cover matters if dependents exist.

Protection supports investment continuity.

» Long-Term Wealth Mindset
– Wealth grows slowly.
– Patience beats intelligence.
– Process beats prediction.

Consistency wins always.

» Common Beginner Mistakes To Avoid
– Chasing last year returns.
– Using too many apps.
– Ignoring allocation balance.

Awareness saves money.

» How A CFP Helps In SIP Planning
– Designs suitable allocation.
– Reviews yearly changes.
– Guides during volatility.

This partnership adds value.

» Confidence Building Perspective
– You already started investing.
– You are learning actively.
– Improvement is natural.

This journey will get smoother.

» Platform Safety Final View
– Bank app is safe.
– App based platforms are safe.
– Investment safety lies with fund house.

Decision quality matters more.

» Final Insights
– Starting SIP is a good step.
– Small company exposure is risky alone.
– Diversification is necessary now.
– Avoid self-direct platforms initially.
– Regular plans with CFP guidance add value.
– Consistency and discipline build wealth.

You are on the right path.
Correct structure will improve outcomes.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |6753 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 23, 2025

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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