"Should I continue with further studies? Most of my friends are planning to continue with their studies, however I want to start earning but am pretty much clueless when it comes what job to aim for," says an apprehensive Rohini.

So would a post graduate degree help freshers like Rohini Sankaran land a better job?

"Not necessarily," says Likitha Nanda, an Analyst from Alp Management Consultants, Bangalore.

If you plan to specialise in any particular field post your graduation, for example if you intend to specialise in software after BSc (IT), then a post graduation is effective.

Doing a Mass communication course post a BA literature degree can be effective if you are clear about persuing a career in Mass Media. Or for that matter doing a Chartered Accountancy course after BCom is a good idea because you are closing in on a particular career line.

An MCom, on the other hand, wouldn't add much to your resume or guarantee you a job.

"As a fresher today you are spoilt for choices in the job sector which does not really ask for educational qualifications, but is more personality and talent oriented," says Madhav Mehra, Team Leader with a leading BPO.

We asked recruitment consultants to name the leading fields where landing a job is sure shot and what to expect in terms of career growth.

Finding a job along with a lucrative package is no longer a distant dream for a young graduate. According to the latest market trends as noticed by the recruitment agencies in India here are some of the leading job domains.

ITES / BPO

The IT Enabled Services (ITES) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) are the fastest growing sectors and offers freshers from various backgrounds numerous job opportunities.

Although a BPO has become synonymous with call centre, it offers a much broader option.

"You can join either in HR, back office, customer care, tele calling or E-mail and chat based support services," informs Swapna, a recruitment executive from Shella Consultants, Mumbai.

Job Profile

As a fresher the typical role in a call centre is to make telephone calls to customers / prospective customers to make reminders for payment or offer them new services this role is performed well by any person who is fluent in English (the typical language of customers from UK/USA/Canada).

"The new joiners are given training for voice modulation and for handling various situations (like abuse) during a call. They are also led through the product so that they can speak knowledgably about it," says Madhav.

What is Expected of You

You can be a graduate from any discipline. However, more than your education, what is expected is an aptitude for communication and interacting with people.

Interpersonal skills, sales and marketing skills, a good vocabulary and language proficiency are the main requirements of this field.

Pay Package

"Most roles carry incentives based on performance, and so your take-home income is limited by your zeal to learn and perform, however - at par salary for a starter ranges from Rs.8000 - Rs.15000," says Madhav.

Growth-wise, it can be meteoric if you are willing to put in the effort.

"So if you are really good you can expect to be a senior agent within six months and a team leader within a year," explains Madhav.

The Negative Aspect

Although there is a good starters package and considerable growth, the work can get repetitive over a period of time. Plus, timings are US and UK centric, so night shifts are the norm.

Top Companies

• IBM
• Accenture
• Wipro
• HCL Technologies
• WNS