Programming career?

I have been into core programming at a mid-sized company for 2 years, and I am looking for a career change into Business Analyst/Development. How practical and sensible is my decision?

• Question Posted on : December 14, 2013 I am working on PHP language since 2 years+ and I have started believing that programming 10-12 hours a day behind the screen is cutting my social life. I am sure this is the worry of many programmers out there. I am 24 and it's almost 40 years next, I would be sitting on my computer, and imagining this; considering that my social life is going to be zero in very next few years kills me. I want to make a career change into Marketing or Business Analyst or Business Development that basically involves more of client interaction. I am okay with interacting with people though I still am unaware of the fact of big gossipers and first-impression makers are out there in these similar fields, so I have a fear whether I would excel and prosper or not; But yes, one thing is I am not an introvert. Considering my fears, my 2 years of experience and fast growth (money and MNC vise) do you think one like (ME) make a career change? If yes, then how should I proceed? If no, then how must I cope up with my present career? Also MBA is still a good option, but which one? I guess Executive is for one who wants to excel in his own career, but regular is for one who wants to make a change. So 25 would be a good age to do MBA? Need experienced and expertise advises here. No jokes. This is a concern for many people out here.

• Answer:

  There are no jokes - This question is directed to me to answer so I am answering it.  1. You are 24 - 40 years down the line - I don't think the world will be as it is and programming will be as you are watching and social life will be as it is now. You need to adjust, connect and evolve yourself to the current trends. You can not and should not worry / concern about some thing which is present and then make sure-shot plans for the next 40 years.  You simply can not and you need to be flexible and  rather innovative to convert the changes into opportunities. I am okay with interacting with people though I still am unaware of the fact of big gossipers and first-impression makers are out there in these similar fields, so I have a fear whether I would excel and prosper or not; But yes, one thing is I am not an introvert. I am afraid you are thinking too much about yourself or watching people / or TV too much - and may be the PHP programming made you dream / assume too many thing while you are busy before the computer.  When you want to get into Business or Sales or Marketing you should be one among those people you described above. You are not an introvert but you are a kind of person who is worried about challenges and also changes.  You want the world to be as it is after 40 years and you want to prepare for that also. Considering my fears, my 2 years of experience and fast growth(money and MNC vise) do you think one like (ME) make a career change? If yes, then how should I proceed? If no, then how must I cope up with my present career? Till you are 32 or 35 you can make all kind of experiments with your career but when you change from one to another there must be growth - that is in designation.  Do not change - in order to run away from present; Do not look for some other job to escape from present one.  Do always on the  look out for good opportunity.  Like Colgate Tooth Paste - you always update your resume and send it to good positions - may be who knows - some where at some company they are looking for you.  One warning : There is no right career in our life. We need to change ourselves to make that right job. How to proceed?  Look for good jobs and prepare your resume according to the job profile and send them.. Forget what they ask in interview and attend 3/4 interviews and you will know how to handle interviews. Also MBA is still a good option, but which one? I guess Executive is for one who wants to excel in his own career, but regular is for one who wants to make a change. So 25 would be a good age to do MBA? If you want to go for  marketing - you take MBA Marketing - or MBA admin. If you are asking about "which university" then brand sells in MBAs.  Your guess that "Executives and regulars"; from where you got this notion and how? Need experienced and expertise advises here. No jokes. This is a concern for many people out here. Forget about many people out there.. worry about you and that too without informing others. You don't consult with others / discuss while applying or going for interview.