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laz_28 @sopuli.xyz

Career Path Advice

I'm currently pursuing an Econ(Hons) degree and have nearly completed a Data Analytics and Business Intelligence certification. I'm now looking to add Project Management to my skillset and would really appreciate your advice.

I'm considering a few certifications: CAPM, CSM, or possibly the Google Project Management cert. I'm also a bit unclear on Agile/Scrum – could anyone explain what that entails and how it fits in?

Beyond Project Management, I'm also interested in:

Supply Chain (CSCP certification)

Lean Six Sigma (Green/Yellow Belt – not sure what this is, or if it's relevant)

Financial Modeling and Analysis (further down the line)

I have complementary skills from using power automate/query and college skill courses in leadership, coms, digital marketing and financial literacy.

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options.

Any advice you can offer would be incredibly helpful.

Thanks!

P.S. For context, I'm based in India and studying at Ramanujan College, Delhi University.

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6 comments

  • No one has replied so I will give it a go, but take it with a grain of salt as I'm no expert.

    The first thing that stands out to me is that you're in India. India exports a lot of remote work to other countries, but I am not clear on how to get into this if that's what you are interested in. There is a good chance that what works in my country is not what works for yours.

    However, I think there are a few key things that probably apply.

    First, qualifications are what you use to get a job. The skills you need to do the job you will learn on the job. No qualification can replace experience, so I would suggest you try to get into a (relevant) job as soon as you can. Look at entry level jobs for people with your degree, and look at what they are asking for in the job description. Remember they will ask for everything they want but in most cases their perfect person doesn't exist so you only need to meet 50-70% of what they are asking for. If you have 50% I'd apply. Entry level jobs are tough competition so be prepared to apply for a lot of jobs to get an interview, and make sure you prepare for the interview (think about what questions they will ask, and come prepared with answers - ones that can be easily tweaked to fit different questions because they aren't going to ask exactly what you prepare). It can also help to do a practice interview with a friend, have them ask the questions and you give answers as if you are in a real interview.

    Education isn't a step that happens before you get a job, it's something you will continue through your career, so don't think you need to get the certifications first and then get a job. Get a job as soon as you have the CV that lets you get one, then continue on the smaller certifications based on what you feel you are missing. The job ads will also help you decide on further qualifications. If you're having trouble getting interviews, look at what is commonly listed as a wanted certification in different job ads, and start working towards one of them. Keep applying for jobs, put "Currently working towards X certification" in your CV if it's relevant to the job.

    If you are getting interviews but aren't getting the job, then the issue is not your qualifications. Interviewing is a skill, the more you do it the better you will get. I also like to recommend people apply for jobs with multiple roles going, if you can. That way you don't have to be the best candidate, just second or third best.

    Networking is also underrated. Make friends with people in your classes, keep in contact after you graduate. Learn what jobs they get, and ask for advice on getting in. Ask if their workplace has any jobs going.

    I'm hoping this advice is generic enough but you will have a better idea of how things work in India, and if you don't, make friends with those wanting to work in the same areas you're interested in and ask their advice.

6 comments