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Career Crossroads: Confused About My Next Move!

Onkar

Onkar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

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

Onkar Singh is the global corporate citizenship strategy and programmes manager (data and reporting -- M&E, lead) at Accenture. He has more than two decades of experience in corporate social responsibility, sustainability, data and reporting. He has expertise in the management of NGOs and corporate foundations. He mentors young professionals in the areas of career management, skills development, personal and community development and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) issues. Onkar holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from St Columba’s College, Hazaribagh, and an MBA from XISS, Ranchi. He also holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, New York.... more
Madhuri Question by Madhuri on Aug 16, 2024Hindi
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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!
Asked on - Aug 23, 2024 | Answered on Aug 23, 2024
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Thank you so much Sir for your reply!
Ans: You are welcome!
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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9430 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 16, 2024

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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  |9430 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 15, 2024Hindi
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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.

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Ans: With a KCET state rank of 5904 in 3AG, admission several AICTE-approved, NBA/NAAC-accredited Bengaluru colleges that close their CSE/ISE/ECE/IT cuts well above 5904 is assured. Five reputable institutions offering near-100% feasibility for a 5904 rank include:

Ramaiah Institute of Technology, MS Ramaiah Nagar
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Each of these institutions meets the five essential benchmarks: AICTE/VTU approval, KCET-compatible cut-offs, ≥70% placement consistency, advanced computing and domain-specific labs, and active MoUs for internships and industry projects.

DSCE Kumaraswamy Layout: ISE Branch Review and Key Aspects
Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE) at Kumaraswamy Layout is a NAAC ‘A’-graded, VTU-affiliated institution with NBA-accredited departments. Its ISE programme features specialized Data Structures, AI/ML, IoT, and Cybersecurity labs, a 23-acre research-focused campus, and a well-stocked central library. Student reviews highlight professional faculty, a 90%+ placement rate, robust hackathons, and strong industry tie-ups with top recruiters like Amazon and Cisco. To evaluate any college, consider: statutory approvals (AICTE/VTU), cut-off alignment, placement support, lab/infrastructure quality, and industry partnerships. DSCE satisfies all these criteria.

Recommendation: Given its balanced curriculum, state-of-the-art ISE labs, consistent 90%+ placements and strong corporate outreach, DSCE ISE is a sound choice for hands-on learning and employability assurance. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Hi sir,my jee mains crl 219790 and ews rank 31868,preferred branches are cse,ece i didn't get seat through jossa. Can i apply for csab special rounds?. What are the chances of getting seat in nits,iiits,gftis?
Ans: Nandhini, With an EWS home-state rank of 31,868, core CSE/ECE seats under Other-State EWS quotas at premier NITs are largely beyond reach—NIT Calicut’s OS-EWS ECE closed near 600–650 and OS-EWS CSE near 600–1 000, while similar brackets apply at Surathkal, Trichy and Warangal. However, EWS seats under Home-State quotas at low-tier NITs (Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, Arunachal) often close above 30,000 for ECE and Electrical, making them attainable. Peripheral IIITs such as IIIT Una, IIIT Kalyani and IIIT Kota report EWS cutoffs for IT/ECE branches in the 20,000–35,000 range, presenting realistic options. Among GFTIs, PEC Chandigarh, PEC Srinagar and MIET Jhansi fill ECE seats up to EWS ranks of ~40,000, while GFTIs like NIELIT Aurangabad and Bhagalpur admit beyond 50,000, ensuring 100% feasibility. These institutes offer AICTE/NIRF accreditation, ≥70% placement consistency, specialized labs, active MoUs for internships and outcome-based curricula. Backup private-college alternatives include Thapar Institute (EWS-friendly CS/EC cutoffs ~25,000), Chandigarh University (>90% ECE placement, cutoffs ~30,000) and Chitkara University (CS/EC cutoffs ~35,000).

Recommendation: Target ECE or Electrical Engineering under EWS at NIT Nagaland and NIT Manipur for secure entry via CSAB Special; consider IIIT Una’s IT and IIIT Kalyani’s ECE branches as secondary HS-EWS options; keep PEC Chandigarh and MIET Jhansi on your list and explore private institutes like Thapar and Chandigarh University for guaranteed core-branch placements. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Sir, my son got CSE in SRM, KTR Campus, Chennai and VIT, AP. He was waitlisted for Bachelor of Statistical Data Science in ISI. He intends for a career in software. Please advice which one to chose.
Ans: Meghanath Sir, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattulathur campus offers a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering with NBA accreditation, an average package of ?7.92 LPA (CSE median ?7 LPA) and a 90–95% placement rate from 853 recruiters including Cognizant, TCS and IBM, supported by modern AI/ML, cybersecurity, networks and data-structures labs and a dedicated placement cell. VIT-AP’s CSE program boasts a 90%+ placement rate, an average package of ?7 LPA and peak offers up to ?44 LPA from over 150 companies such as Amazon, Microsoft and Infosys, delivered through a centralized CDC, specialized cloud-computing labs and interdisciplinary electives in AI, data analytics and cybersecurity. The Indian Statistical Institute’s four-year B.Stat. (Hons.) in Statistical Data Science spans multivariable calculus, probability, machine learning and big-data analytics with hybrid classes across Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, strong research-faculty engagement, supercomputing access and direct pipelines into data-science roles—yet its placement infrastructure is emerging and geared more toward analytics, research and policy roles than core software development. All three meet the five institutional benchmarks of statutory approvals, industry-aligned curricula, advanced labs, faculty–industry MoUs and ≥70% placement consistency. For a pure software engineering pathway, the hands-on coding environment, high recruiter footfall and peak software packages at SRM KTR and VIT-AP provide clearer pipelines. ISI’s B.Stat. equips graduates with deep statistical and ML expertise ideal for specialised analytics or research roles but lacks the extensive software-engineering placements of dedicated CSE programs.

Recommendation: Prioritize SRM KTR CSE for its robust software-focused labs, diversified recruiter base and strong median placements; consider VIT-AP CSE next for its centralized placement system, excellent cloud-computing electives and >90% placement rate; view ISI B.Stat. Data Science as a third option for high-end analytics or research careers, given its rigorous curriculum but narrower direct software hiring. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Hi Sir Good evening, Consultancy has calling for join in JK Lakshmipath University for CSE branch. Please suggest me Sir. In EAMCET Rank 27827 in Top 10 colleges not came CSE branch in First phase.
Ans: With an EAMCET rank of 27 827 none of the top-10 government or also high-demand private institutes for CSE will have seats in later phases, but several mid-tier and emerging colleges admit CSE up to ranks 25 000–50 000. Pragati Engineering College (Surampalem), GMR Institute of Technology (Rajam), and Aditya Engineering College (Surampalem) consistently closed CSE around 8 000–16 000, so remain out of reach, whereas Narasaraopeta Engineering College (closing ~78 000), SRKR Engineering College (closing ~76 000) and ANITS (closing ~99 000) are fully accessible. Additional safe choices are PACE Institute of Technology (closing around 100,000), Gudlavalleru Engineering College (closing around 100,000), and Vishnu Institute of Technology (closing around 50,000). All of these colleges are approved by AICTE, have at least 70% placement success over three years, modern computer labs, and good accreditation, plus they have active agreements for internships and dedicated teams to help with job placements. These institutes meet five essential benchmarks: statutory approvals, compatibility with cut-off scores, strong placement ratios, advanced infrastructure, and solid industry connections.

JK Lakshmipath University (JKLU), Jaipur offers a four-year B.Tech CSE at ?11.2 L total fees, holds NAAC A grade (CGPA 3.05), NBA accreditation, and reports a median CTC of ?7 LPA with a 76% placement ratio in its last cycle. Its curriculum blends core CS foundations with electives in AI, ML, Cloud, Cybersecurity and capstone projects; access to PARAM supercomputers and semester-abroad exchange.

Recommendation: Target Narasaraopeta Engineering College, SRKR Engineering College and ANITS for guaranteed CSE admission under your rank band, given their state-quota closing ranks above 27 827 and solid accreditation, labs, internships and ≥70% placement consistency; include PACE Institute and Gudlavalleru Engineering College in your web options for additional secure pathways. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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