Dear Mrs Kitson,

I read your article and was most intrigued. However, I must ask the question: How does one who is qualified in a particular field, but interested in another, present this on the résumé? It's been a bit frustrating for me as I have a degree in chemistry - which I consider totally useless as everybody usually disregards it and thinks it's limited to that industry only.

I now work as a teacher but hope to enter banking.

I have often been told the same thing - you are very qualified and have very little or no experience at all.

My ultimate career goal is to be a manager. I have started the ACCA programme where I have been exempted from several papers but lack any experience. I am now wondering, should I now disregard my degree altogether and utilise the ACCA only? I also often hate the repetitive nature of banking at the branch level. I await your response.

- Everton

Hello Everton,

First, I do not want you to dismiss your qualification in a particular field as all qualifications are valuable. One should not focus on (eliminate even) short deviations that one may have made from a particular career path.

Please do not leave your degree off your résumé. Although employers may seem to disregard it, it is the reason you have a job!

A first degree tells employers that you have the discipline and the ability to learn. Hence, a bank may even employ persons with a degree in chemistry. The type of first degree doesn't really matter. It's what it signifies.

I take it that you are dissatisfied with your current career and want to change to accounts. You have to account for the years of your life so you cannot disregard anything at this point. What you need to do is to emphasise that you want to change your career and use your new qualifications (ACCA) as proof of this desire. Be willing to take an entry-level position, if not offered better, in this new field.

All the best and do write again of you have further questions.

Regards,

Patricia Kitson

Patricia Kitson is a human resources and management consultant based in Kingston.

patriciaktsn@yahoo.com