How Can I Honestly Explain My Education and Career Gaps to Recruiters?

Hi, I am posting here for the first time. I completed HSC (12th) in 1998 and joined an Engineering college. I found studies tough and quit Engineering after 7 years. I just managed to clear the 1st year of Engineering. Then I completed a B.Sc. in Mathematics via correspondence from MP Bhoj Open University in a single attempt in the year 2006. Apart from that, I took up an internet assistant job and did a course in Web Designing from a local computer institute. I worked there for about 9 months. This correspondence degree did not get me admission to any government-recognized college. So, I joined a 2-year Private MBA part-time course from WLC college. This wasn't sufficient either as the institute wasn't UGC recognized and was blacklisted as a Fake College/University. I received certificates for PGDBM in the year 2008. To overcome the lack of UGC recognition, I pursued a 2-year Correspondence MBA from Periyar University, which I passed with First-class in 2010. In addition, I learned PHP programming and used to freelance.

After dropping out from Engineering, I was also undergoing treatment for depression for about 6 years.

Now when I go for an interview, I tell the truth that I dropped out from Engineering and have completed a correspondence MBA and a part-time PGDBM. They put my resume on hold. I have thought of buying fake experience certificates and fake academic certificates OR studying MCA from Mumbai University through correspondence or joining some programming courses from NIIT institute.

How to Explain Educational and Professional Gaps to Recruiters

The question is, how do I explain my educational and professional gaps to the recruiter? Today, I have 1 MBA correspondence degree, 1 PGDBM degree with foreign certification but not recognized in India, and 1 BSc Mathematics degree via correspondence from Open University, and I am 38 years old.

Please help.

Dear Hemmeh, Dinesh-ji's response reminded me of an acquaintance who, just after acquiring a BA degree, joined ECE (a company making elevators, bulbs, tubes, etc.) and remained there working hard, continually learning on the job. By the end of his career, he had become the top functionary, and after retirement, he was a much sought-after lecturer by business schools. Even Raibahadur M.S. Oberoi, the founder of the Oberoi group of hotels, started his career as a clerk in a hotel in Srinagar. There are many such examples. Have courage, and I wish you all the best!

Best regards

I finished my SSLC in 1999. After the completion of SSLC, I directly enrolled in B.Com at KSOU in 2006. Currently, I am facing challenges as none of the recruiters are responding properly. It appears that most recruiters prefer regular students. What could be the solution for this issue?

Advice for Career and Education Path

First, congratulations to Mr. Divekar for the right advice. Do not worry about the past—look forward.

• Tell people the truth about your past—integrity is a rare virtue that every employer expects from employees. That is why I see in the thread, someone has asked for your resume.

• Continuous learning is important—please do not join any course without any purpose. Always look for institutions approved by the government—UGC, AICTE, or approved universities.

• Take up a job that you will enjoy working in—develop your competency, knowledge, and skill sets. Constantly strive to improve yourself.

Enjoy,

Regards,
R N Iyer
www.joyoflivingindia.in

This is further to what Dinesh has suggested. Though this may sound preposterous in the situation you are now in, never ever go for shortcuts like obtaining fake certificates or lying. Life has a way of catching up sooner rather than later, and if you happen to be in a high position at that time, the fall could be just as steep (one doesn't need to look far to understand how damaging this can be, considering the current news about some BJP leaders).

As the proverb goes, "The higher you rise, the steeper the fall."

I suggest you try this approach. While still being honest about the gaps in your education, you do not need to provide all the details. Summarize the story by stating, "I had some health problems (your depression can be considered one) which caused gaps in my education. Now, my health is fine." If you also faced any family-related issues (sometimes health and family issues coincide), you can mention that as well. The key is to convey that you are now doing well.

I also recommend aiming for positions where age is not a determining factor. Many roles today are age-related. Companies may prefer not to place you among those in the 20-23 age group as they perceive it could disrupt the general work environment or culture.

I am unsure about your verbal communication skills (your written skills appear good based on your post). If your verbal communication skills are also strong, consider pursuing a career in sales. Sales is more focused on meeting targets and interacting with outsiders, rather than internal colleagues or age. Overall, your performance in the field will likely be the primary measure, rather than as part of a team. I hope this point is clear.

You may want to explore other career options along similar lines.

All the best.

Regards,
TS