Sharmilla was a telephone operator at the headquarters in a large corporation, A high school graduate, she had no other dills other than a pleasing voice and personality. Nevertheless sharmilla wanted very much to improve her economic position. Recognizing her educational limitation, she began to take accounting courses on random basis in an evening accounting education program. Unfortunately she did not have any particular plan for career development.

Sharmila also took advantages of the corporation's bidding system by applying for opening that were posted, even though in many instances she did not meet the specifications listed for them after being rejected for several times, she became discouraged. Mrs. Sushma, one of the department managers in the corporation, observed her depressed spirits, Mrs, Sushma invited sharmila to come to her office for a talk about the problems she was having Sharmila took full advantage of the opportunity to express her frustrations and disappointments. As she unburdened herself it became apparent that, besides lacking special skills and career objectives, during interviews she tended to apologize for having "only a high school education". This made it difficult for the interviewers to select her over the other candidates who were putting their foot forward. Mrs. Sushma suggested that Sharmila might try taking a positive approach during her interviews. For example she could stress her self-improvement efforts at night school and the fat she was dependable and co-operative person who was willing to work hard to succeed in the job for which she was applying.

Following Mrs. Sushma's advice, Sharmila selected a job for which she felt she could qualify. She made a very forceful and positive presentation during her interview, stressing, and the favorable qualities that she possessed. As a result of this approach, she was selected for the job of invoice clerk. While this job did not pay much than that of a telephone operator, it did offer an avenue for possible advancement into the accounting field where the accounting courses she was taken could be of value.

Questions:

a) Summarize the case and Why Mrs. Sharmila is frustrated and disappointed? Given the reasons for it? (10 Marks)

b) Suggest all possible ways that Sharmila can prepare herself for career advancement. (10 Marks)