Thinking of a career in IT? You need to read this

Luis Moniz answers your questions on career-related issues that have you flummoxed

All of us who have walked the professional road know the challenges and the pitfalls that come with the territory. What we do not often understand is how to navigate these roadblocks. In a fortnightly column for Business Standard Online, I will answer your questions on career-related issues that have you flummoxed. As a professional career coach and author, I have worked with hundreds of professionals over the years, have understood their dilemmas and supported them to achieve their career aspirations. I will bring my understanding of what it takes to manage a successful career to the column 

HARI HARA SUDHAN:  What is your opinion about software industry job growth for 2017?

While I am not an expert on the software industry, my personal view is that there are two major factors that are currently impacting software jobs growth. Artificial Intelligence, which is automating many processes and thereby reducing jobs and the geo-economic reality that countries like US and UK have become more insular when it comes to employing non-residents. However, rather than looking at the macro picture, you should look at emerging opportunities as well as likely threats to your own job prospects (based on your own credentials and circumstances) and focus on continuous learning / upgrading your skills. This will let you take advantage of new opportunities and take corrective action as soon as you see the job threat looming.

SHYAM SUNDAR K: How do I pursue a career in investment banking? I have completed a BE in mechanical engineering, and have an offer from a company as an analyst for nine months? Can rating credentials help me build my investment banking career?

If your role in the rating agency gives you exposure to financial analysis of companies and/or capital markets, it could be relevant for an investment banking career. I hope that you also aspire to do your MBA or a master’s degree in financial management from one of the better ranked institutes, after a year or two, because you will need these qualifications to be selected by any of the well-known investment banks. Investment banking is a profession that values pedigree and therefore, the institute where you do your post-graduate studies later will impact your chances of being selected by a top-tier investment bank

JAYANTA BAIDYA: I want to move from my regular 9-5 job and start a consulting and coaching business. I think that is my forte, but I face a starter's block, primarily due to low capital. By nature, I am a risk-averse person, in the automobile domain. How do I start is what's bothering me. Please advise.

Consulting and coaching are service-related businesses that don’t require much capital. However, there could be a long gestation period if you don’t focus on your business model properly. Your success is determined by clients who find your services to be valuable and therefore, you need to choose niches where there could be a demand for your expertise. Also, focus on building your business brick-by-brick. Think about who in your network of professional contacts could be your first few clients. Get feedback from these potential clients on their interest to engage you and you can launch your business once you have some good possibilities for your services. That way you are reducing your risk and could also have a shorter gestation period. 

To send your career queries to Luis Moniz, click here.

Career coach, Luis Moniz is the author of Uncornered – Learnings from the Corner Office (Published by BS Books and Bloomsbury). In his book, Mr. Moniz has interviewed over 40 professionals from diverse sectors to identify several career strategies that super achievers have deployed to overcome turbulence in their careers.