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.

I am a management graduate from a premier institute with five years’ work experience in business development with a reputed company. I have now got a job offer from a well-known consultancy. Will the shift be good for my long-term career growth ?

This primarily depends upon your liking for the role. If both the roles appeal to you equally, a shift from management to consultancy may not be desirable. Companies are looking for doers, those who act on projects and get results. Therefore, many a time an advisory role may become subsidiary to the mainstream of an organization. However, if you feel an advisory role suits you better, go ahead. It may work well for your career growth. Take a decision to stay with the current organization on the basis of your preference for the role.

I am a graduate in arts from Utkal University. What are the career options available for me in the development sector?

Developmental jobs are available with the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). For government jobs, you need to pass exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, or state or Union governments. Different NGOs work on different themes such as housing, health, literacy, shelter, AIDS, energy and environment. Also, kindly bear in mind that a high percentage is notorious for misappropriating funds. Hence, following are the steps you could take to find a job of your choice: a) decide on your domain of interest, b) make a list of NGOs working in that field, c) consult someone of repute from these organizations and d) approach the shortlisted organizations to explore suitable openings. Opportunities abound in this sector. However, you need to carefully select the work area and an employer who is genuinely interested in the welfare of society.

I have been working for a regional bank in south India for the last 15 years. There is no scope for further growth here. I recently got an offer from a microfinance organization, for a national-level position. A job shift now would involve relocation to New Delhi. What should I do?

The decision to shift to a new job depends entirely on your personal interests. Strictly from the career point of view, it appears that this opportunity may provide you with an exposure to national level activities and future options in the growing field of microfinance. Not only does this offer you a change, but is also likely to improve your capacity to accept higher roles in future. Considering that your present job offers no growth, the change looks appealing in spite of the hassle of relocation.

Ajay Gupta is CEO of ruralnaukri.com. Comments and feedback are welcome at askmint@livemint.com