Export Sales / International Sales

I am a young professional building a career in L&D and OD. Looking for roles with 3 years experience but finding it hard. NEED ADVICE PLS.

I have a masters in anthropology and my undergrad is in psychology. Worked for three years in two startup’s as part of their HR teams. I want to now move into a stable corporate firm (preferably large conglomerates). Are there referrals available? Any certifications you’d recommend? Should I invest in an MBA? I’m willing to take a pay cut and be patient and am a quick learner.

"How to Navigate the 'Expected Salary' (ETC) Question After Career Breaks and Rejoining the Workforce"

Introduction For professionals with a varied career journey— characterized by industry experience, strategic shifts, and re-entries after breaks—the “Expected Salary” (ETC) question in interviews can feel nuanced. Here's a guide on how to approach this question, using my journey as an example. My Career Path I began my career as a game designer in 2006, with an initial salary of 1.8 LPA. Six months in, I was promoted to 2.2 LPA, and two years later, after my first job switch, I was making 2.6 LPA. Another switch within six months increased my salary to 4.5 LPA. By September 2009, I took a three-year break to focus on UPSC preparation, which I pursued wholeheartedly but ultimately didn’t succeed in. Returning to the industry in 2012, I secured a role with a 5.5 LPA salary, followed by a promotion to 6.5 LPA in 2015. Over three and a half years, I grew in my role, and my salary rose to 10.4 LPA. My next switch led me to a product management role at 12 LPA, which I held until 2019. After a brief return in 2022 for two months, I’ve taken time to reassess my career goals. How to Answer the 'Expected Salary' (ETC) Question When rejoining the workforce, especially after breaks or short stints, the Expected Salary question can be tackled in a way that highlights your value while remaining realistic about market standards. Key Points to Address: 1. Experience-Based Justification Drawing from my experience across game design and product management roles, I can leverage my skill set to make an immediate impact. In a response, I’d outline my years in the field, my promotions, and my salary history to showcase consistent growth. 2. Market Research Demonstrating awareness of current industry trends is essential. I’d mention recent research on salaries in similar roles to support my salary expectation. 3. Flexibility While stating a desired range, I’d also express openness to discuss, emphasizing my interest in long-term alignment with the company over immediate compensation. Suggested Response Example: "With over a decade of experience in game design and product management, and considering my previous role compensated me at 12 LPA, my expected salary would be in the range of [mention range, e.g., 13-15 LPA]. This aligns with my skills, expertise, and the value I aim to contribute to your team. However, I am open to discussing this to ensure mutual alignment." Conclusion Navigating the ETC question post-career break requires balancing past experience with present goals. By emphasizing flexibility, knowledge, and a results-driven approach, you can present an ETC expectation that demonstrates both confidence and adaptability. Let me know your opinion on my situation and the best way for me to handle it. --- Tags: #ExpectedSalary #JobInterviewTips #CareerBreak #GameDesign #ProductManagement #CareerGrowth

“Lost in Thoughts, Trapped in Time: My Mistakes and Battle with Productivity”

Hi, I’m just an ordinary person with extraordinary dreams — someone who wants to achieve things that are possible for me. But here’s the catch: I’ve spent too much time dreaming and too little time doing. I often find myself stuck in a cycle. I have so many things running through my mind — not physically, but mentally. Sounds familiar, right? We all experience this to some extent. But here’s the real problem: I waste a lot of time just dreaming, without taking action. It’s almost like the changing seasons — just as days turn into months and months into years, my thoughts keep shifting. I move from one idea to another, endlessly observing and consuming. You’ve probably seen that viral phrase: “Men scroll, men see, men happy.” That resonates with me on a deeper level. Sometimes, I feel like it was written for people like me — those who get lost in consuming instead of creating. I believe no one faces unique challenges in life; we all experience similar struggles. But am I wrong? Let me know your thoughts in the reply section because sometimes I feel like I’m stuck in a loop that only a few can truly understand. Self-improvement, productivity, consistency — these words inspire everyone, including me. I dive deep into new topics with passion, learning everything I can. I’ll research, analyze, and absorb information until I feel like an expert. But here’s the thing — I never implement it. It’s a strange feeling to be knowledgeable but inactive. I enjoy the process of learning, but when it comes to applying that knowledge in real life, I hesitate. Why? Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe it’s fear, maybe it’s comfort, or maybe it’s the illusion of progress without real results. Yet, despite all of this, I take comfort in knowing that I’ve learned something new. Looking back, I can see my personal growth, but it often feels like a meaningless loop without tangible achievements. Learning feels good, but achieving feels better — yet I struggle to make that transition. In moments of doubt, I remind myself: It’s all God’s plan. I believe my intentions are good, and I have faith that one day, everything will fall into place. Each day is a blessing, and I’ve learned to be grateful for it. Gratitude keeps me grounded, even when my ambitions seem out of reach. One of the biggest hurdles I face is managing my time. While everyone around me seems to have mastered it, I feel like I’m still figuring it out. Right now, as I write this article on my bus ride, I’ve realized something — I can make use of my daily commute. Three hours of travel every day can either be wasted in mindless scrolling or utilized for something meaningful, like writing. I’m choosing to write because expressing my thoughts might help me break free from this cycle of endless thinking. I don’t know if you’ll enjoy this article, but I hope you’ll appreciate the way I’ve expressed my thoughts. If you’ve ever felt the same — stuck between learning and doing — know that you’re not alone. We’re all figuring things out, one step at a time. What’s one thing you’ve learned but haven’t implemented yet? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear your thoughts.