Career  Myths  Busted!!

Conventional wisdom always rings true, right? But, what if it does not complement your current goals? Experts discuss fallacies that one should let go off during job search and career planning.

Dr Sandeep K Krishnan, VP HR and Corporate Development, Acropetal Technologies Ltd

The myth: A degree from an Ivy league institution is an assurance for life-long success.
The truth: Ivy league institutions most definitely give a good start and help carve a positive impression of oneself. However, a lack of effective performance and an inability to leave an impression in the first five years will hamper prospects in the long-term.

The myth: A higher designation indicates success.

The truth: Designations are relative. There is no standard for designations across organisations and it is only responsibility, accountability, and results that one display s that are important.

David Lobo, senior VP, HR, GE India

The myth: You need to move to a new assignment every 18-24 months to be perceived as on a ‘fast track'.
The truth: Today, opportunities to move within the organisation or outside the organisation can result in skimming the surface in many areas versus developing expertise in a few. One needs to invest adequate time in a role to really contribute and learn.

The myth: Networking is not important. You just need to do your job well and the system will take care of the rest.

The truth: To be successful, one needs to be ‘plugged in' and visible. One needs to ‘market' oneself through opportunities to connect with the broader organisation.

Dhananjay Bansod, chief people officer, Deloitte in India

The myth: A recognised organisation/bigger brand implies a better career.
The truth: The image of a better organisation is also largely linked to the organisation's effort at external brand-building whereas the actual space available to a person to create value and experience success defines the level of career satisfaction.

The myth: Big organisations offer the best salaries.

The truth: The actual money paid is also dependent upon the organisation's financial ability as well as its ability to attract people. If an organisation is able to attract people, why should it pay the top salary? Most of the better organisations pay the market equivalent salary but will rarely pay the "best" salary in the market.

Kensaku Konishi, CEO and president, Canon India

The myth: Big fish swim in big ponds.
The truth: The fact that 64 per cent (according to a research) of the top executives shift to "smaller", lesser known firms is evident of the fact that individuals no longer believe that only  "big" organisations provide great career opportunities. People traditionally believed that a big fish can only be found in big ponds but today many big fish prefer to swim in smaller ponds.

The myth: Job hoppers prosper.
The truth: According to a recent survey, employees on an average stay for only 3.3 years in one organisation.  If someone wants to be professional, spending lesser time in an organisation may only scratch the surface for them. Whether such a short experience will bring true value to their career, is a point of concern.

Yasmin Taj
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