Seek opportunities to build your skills

Question: Sir, I'm 20 years now and did my A/Ls in the Commerce stream. My aim was to be a Legal Officer in a bank. I sat for the Law Entrance Exam but unfortunately I couldn't get through. And also I want to find out the cost approximately, if I want to follow the LL.B degree in Sri Lanka (Due to financial problems) in a Pvt Institution. At the same time I studied Banking and got through CBF and am currently following the DBF. I hope to complete my MBA in Banking & Finance within a very short period of time.
Sir, could you kindly provide assistance in the following:

01) Should I work in a bank to get experience and study at the same time?
02) Do these two career paths collide?
03) If I'm unable to follow the LL.B Degree, what are the other alternative degrees I can do along with the MBA in Banking before the age of 24?
Confused Student Via Email

Dear Confused Student,
Answer:
To answer your question you need to find answers to the following:

I see some conflict in your question, for example on the one hand you say you have financial problems on the other hand you want to do an MBA, if my research is right the MBA would cost you more

Do you want to practice as a lawyer or do you wish to for specific exposure, for example, there is no reason for you to follow a LLB if you don't intend practicing law , where you will be clubbed into a specific corner, there are many options available where you could look for courses in management with law or business studies with law

You may need to build depth in one area for example banking or Law and then progress to add on the top up qualification, for example we have students who have finished their exams at law college and follow marketing as a top up qualification based on their career objectives , my interaction with many students tell me that if you don't achieve this balance you would lack vital experience in a particular sector, I am assuming that you already work for a bank.

I see a hidden problem, where you are talking to wrong people, where they are probably telling you to get maximum qualification prior to gaining experience. Best practice tells me that you need to find balance with a qualification and most importantly vital experience.

My advice ,get your house in order and get the first qualification behind you belt the MBA can wait. You need to prove to yourself that you can perform in the business world.

All the best
Q: Dear Sir,
I'm 22 years old and currently following a Bsc in Natural Sciences at the Open University of Sri Lanka. As I have a special interest in artistic fields, I want to do a degree related to fashion design, interior decorations, mass communication etc.
But my parents can only afford 50,000 per annum for my educational needs. My previous research proved me that there are no institutions available to suit my budget. I'm in a real need to do an extra degree but I'm stuck with this problem.
Sir, if you can help me to find out the best way to solve this problem,
That will be the greatest help for me.
Thank you very much for your great service and I want to thank education times for putting up a page like this and giving all the students island wide to discuss their problems.
Nimali Fonseka.
Via Email

Hi Nimali,
A: The clothing industry training institute, provides many courses well within your budget, they do have around 25 courses related to Work study, Merchandising, Garment design; prices range from rupees 20,000 upwards and can be full time or part time.
My objective assessment tells me that you should also explore the following options:
n You need to get your Vision board right for example where is the Bsc going to take you
n I am sure you have free time left with you , may be you should explore a part time flexi time job in area that you wish to specialize, for example if fashion designing is your passion you look for options in this area ,but this is only a short term solution
n You also need to build your CV for future focus, where you may want to explore the job opportunities in your field of specialization this is easier said than done ,but stay focused and you will find the correct option Please fill me in with your final decision.

Q: I am a 21 years old girl and I have completed fundamental course in H.R.M at NIBM. Also I am planning to do certificate course in HRM at same place.
Sir please explain me that is it worth to do these type of management course and what are the available opportunities with these qualifications and is it necessary to do some other courses like IT in management or AAT to get a good job.
Also, can you please tell me about the recognized institution to follow AAT.
Udari Waidyasuriya
Via Email

A: Hi Udari

Knowing what you want to be is a critical first step to success also this has to be balanced with competence and practicality. I suggest you start at the bottom and take the initial phase as a learning process which will include a healthy balance between getting a qualification and experience. However the critical question is the recognition, you need to find if the prospective employers will recognize the qualification. If it's recognized then you should continue.
I also see a hidden problem, where you are cluttered in what you want to do with your life, I suggest that you do a critical check on winning areas and loosing areas.
Students get into a study option due to the following reasons:

Forced by the parents
Due to friends following the course
Objective choice

I will take wild guess that it is either of the first two, if this is the case you need to make a go no go decision and select the option that best suits your Vision.

Based on the assumption that you select the HR option as first step you may need to seek a job in HR , you could also consider working in a consultancy house where they do specific consultancy projects in HR.

Your journey is not going to be Tutti Fruity, Identify the Gaps in your skill set, seek opportunities to build your skills and then go on to Dominate. Remember competitive advantage has a very short shelf life.
Write to me with your decision.