Looking for options after retrenchment

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Q. I worked at a computer-aided design/engineering (CAD/CAE) service company as a business development manager, having spent almost four years in that profile. I started my career as a sales engineer.

Currently, I am not seeing any growth opportunity. There are very few big companies into this business, so to join a big company requires at least 10 years of experience.

I have been laid off and I don't know what to do. Some friends suggested I do a product lifecycle management (PLM) course and join the technical field.

If I opt for a PLM course what will be my future growth opportunities. Also, please suggest which PLM software will be best to learn.

Career advice from Tay Kok Choon, head of strategic sales at JobStreet.com:
For you, a PLM course will definitely expand your career options and build on existing knowledge and strength.

Our feel is that it is a good time for you to pick up expanded skills and, depending on the opportunities presented, to ride on the next career wave.

Aligning yourself to a sales and marketing role is always the most monetary rewarding path. If financial reward is your main goal, sales and marketing, generally, would be most rewarding to you. It provides one with a very good chance to reach the corporate top echelon.

However, if targets and numbers are not what you are inclined to, than a technical role can be the most satisfying.

Many IT professionals began their careers along the technical path and then moved on to sales and marketing, while many others remained in the technical role which they find most rewarding.