With the economy growing at a robust pace, employment opportunities are multiplying, particularly in the rural sector, with companies focusing on the untapped potential there. Mint presents a fortnightly column on job prospects in the sector.
My son completes 10+2 in 2008 and wants to undertake graduation in agriculture. Should he go in for BTech or BSc Agriculture?
An engineering graduate in agriculture has relatively limited career choices compared with the one who completes BSc in Agriculture. Most engineering
graduates who accept a job after graduation join farm equipment companies or organizations that promote efficient irrigation technology. The industry demand for such professionals is low and is from small- to mid-sized firms, thereby offering relatively lower compensation. A graduate in agricultural sciences has far wider job options available in industries ranging from agri inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides), procurement of agricultural produce, rural banking, insurance, etc. It is important to keep your choices open and hence BSc Agriculture may prove to be a superior choice for your son.
I have started working for an NGO after obtaining a management degree from a premier institute. However, most of my friends have joined the corporate sector and are drawing better salaries. Can I shift to the corporate sector after five years’ work experience in an NGO?
You may need to think clearly on the kind of career you’d prefer in the long run. A low-paid job with an NGO can sometimes be far more satisfying in comparison with a highly-paid executive career with the best of companies. Seen from the perspective of organizations, an employee is positioned and paid considering the skills sets he or she brings to the company. The job requirement between an NGO and corporate is usually quite different and so is the learning. Hence, if you are determined to quit the development sector, the later you do so, the higher is the expected sacrifice in terms of compensation and hierarchical positioning. In case you are sure you want to spend the first five years for a social cause, leave the rest to chance and feel happy that a major aspiration is getting fulfilled. However, if you are not passionate about working for an NGO and are eyeing a good corporate career in the long run, it may be better to make a switch as soon as possible to avoid a struggle later.
Ajay Gupta is CEO of ruralnaukri.com. Comments and feedback are welcome ataskmint@livemint.com