Q DURING my school days in an institute of technical education (ITE) and then a polytechnic, I worked part-time in a customer-oriented industry. I worked in a well-known bookstore and had the chance to meet and serve people from different countries.

In 2006, at age 24, I graduated from the polytechnic with a diploma in accountancy and finance. I found it hard to get a job related to accounting. I was told I had no experience and could not speak Mandarin. Not being able to work in a field related to my studies has been a letdown.

After searching for five months, I eventually landed a job as a customer service officer (CSO), partly because of my earlier work experience. This job required that I work shifts.

I worked as a CSO for a year before resigning because I wanted to pursue a bachelor's in accountancy on a part-time basis.

Since I already have a diploma in accountancy, I feel that it is only wise to extend my knowledge in this area. Working as a CSO with shift hours was not conducive to my plans to further my studies. My intention was to find a 9-to-5 job.

I have been working as a finance officer for about three months now. I find the job dull and the environment very quiet. I work with accounts, and from my point of view, this job could be done by anyone with O or A level qualifications.

I understand that maybe this job is a first step towards establishing myself in the accounting world. But I find meeting people much more enjoyable than sitting at my desk for hours. But I do not like working shifts as it affects my time with my family.

I want a job that allows me to meet people and yet has regular hours. But I do not know what kind of job fits that description.

After my degree, I may want to go into human resources (HR).

A I BELIEVE that you need to decide what career you wish to pursue before deciding what degree course you want to take up.

Although you have a diploma in accountancy and finance, it does not necessarily mean you must obtain a degree in the same discipline.

Given your interest in finding a job that will allow you to work and interact with people - and also the fact that you feel accounting is not your cup of tea - you could consider a degree in other disciplines. This could allow you to move into areas you are interested in, for example, marketing or HR.

Your diploma would still be useful in whichever career you choose as you would probably be required to do planning, budgeting, cost analysis and so on, even if you eventually become a sales, marketing or HR practitioner.

You should note that not all accounting or finance-related careers are desk-bound or mundane. Holders of finance and accountancy qualifications have successful careers in front line positions within the banking and finance industry or finance positions in other sectors that require them to meet and interact with people as well.

On the other hand, a career in HR does not necessarily mean you will get to meet many people. It depends on the aspect of HR you specialise in and the job scope. An administrative HR role could also be a desk-bound position.

Also, you need to remember that as an HR professional, the people you deal with would usually be 'internal customers', namely, a firm's employees.

Similarly, a customer service role does not always entail shift work or working on weekends. You were required to do so at the bookstore because you were in the retail line.

There are many jobs that allow you to meet people and these are not confined to customer service or HR.

You need to determine exactly what career you want and from there pursue a degree in a discipline that can get you closer to your objectives.

Evelyn Teo
Managing Director
HeadStart

Advice provided in this column is not meant as a substitute for comprehensive professional advice. E-mail questions to a1admin@sph.com.sg.

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