My Entrance in HR
- Like many of you I came into HR after being downsized. I had worked for a large Publishing Company for 28 years, first in Marketing and then in IT serving the Marketing Division, and was downzised in 2002. I was hired for my current position in HR by a small non-profit who had just invested in an HRIS and was looking for someone with Computer experience rather than HR experience. I have been at this position for five happy years and have learned so much. Because of our small size I get to be involved with other areas as well. Never a dull moment and always something new to learn!
- —Guest Judy N
Loving HR Inside Out
- I started as an inspectorate officer and was assigned to manage HR when the need arose. I subscribed to this page and read up all I could and met with some HR Managers for advice. Even without the experience or educational background (french graduate) there were some things that were done wrongly (e.g recruiting) which I tried to fix but my boss always told me he knew better than me because I lacked educational or experiential knowledge. I was moved to another department while an experienced HR manager was employed. I liked HR and wanted to work with him but was denied the chance. I have started my professional exams in HR and will soon be going for my masters. When I'm done with my masters, I will look for a better structured company to fulfill my career dream. (Susan says: I wish you all the best and much success as you pursue your dream.)
- —Guest Ozzy26
Something Similar
- Hi, All of the above posts are really inspiring. I am planning for a similar move in my career from operations personnel to an HR profile. I have earned my undergraduate diploma in HR but took up a job in the banking sector post my graduation. Now, 3 years down the line, I feel the need to align myself in line with the profession of my liking. It needs to be a well planned move because I would be having brows raised at this transition. All of the above described incidents have motivated me a lot though. I will pursue a course / MBA in HR shortly, but I want to do that along with a job (executive MBA) or at least a year of experience in HR. The real task now is to refurbish my CV in such a manner that it allows me to showcase the skills and talent I have in a way that it enhances my chances of getting a job in HR. If anyone has any suggestion or advice to offer, you can email me on the address given herewith. colourthyworld@gmail.com (Susan says: see also: Careers in HR: http://humanresources.about.com/od/hrbasicsfaq/tp/careers_in_hr.htm and Get a Job in HR - Fast: http://humanresources.about.com/od/jobsearchsites/tp/jobs_in_hr.htm Best wishes and good luck, BTW.)
- —Guest NN
Retail Transition
- After working in retail management for years, I was exposed to all aspects of HR recruiting, hiring, training, performance reviews, operations. My hobby was health and wellness and it bridged me into the medical field. There is a learning curve going into a different field, but it keeps your mind fresh! HR is great because you can explore so many different fields of interest. I strongly recommend college students to take HR classes.
- —japryan
Redundancy Brought Me to HR
- I was made redundant from the banking sector, so I applied for anything. I got called for an interview, and was advised that there were several jobs on offer, so I made a decision to pick the HR job. The incumbent was soon going to reach retirement in a couple of years and needed to train someone. I also like working with people. Four years later, I have just graduated with a BAHRM.
- —Nicola612
Social Scientist
- I am grateful for the shared stories. I have a postgraduate diploma in HR and I wish or hope to become HR one day in the future. Thank you for the inspiration.
- —Guest Abalo Rita
I'm Just Learning How to Be in Charge HR
- I just started to learn how to to be in charge in HR department, so I need more information regarding HR systems and how a company does HR work? Can you guys help me out?
- —sookyee
My HR Transition Story
- I was employed as a security manager to streamline an errant and rotten security department with over 200 security personnel. It took me only six months to clean up the security department and put all procedures in place. When things were running smoothly, my boss started to look for me for other thing to do. Then, the Human Resource manager, who happened to have a degree, was fired and I was asked to act in that position while they looked for deployment. Within six months, I came up with a Group Human Resources Manual which has never been seen in that company before. I also formed an HR committee which approved the manual. It worked so well, despite the fact that I don't have any HR related courses; I have performed better than the person who was in that seat and who had a degree.
- —Guest Thomas Gori
Transition to HR
- My transition occurred by first working in a retail environment as a store manager of a small store in a mall setting. Great HR experience: staffing, training, performance management, and operational experience is a great way to show a business partner that you get their challenges. Then you network, network, network.
- —kelleydickerson
I Used My People Skills to Get Into HR
- I never thought I'd be working in HR but it happened! I got involved in an arts and culture learnership project that involved lots of recruitment and assessments and at the same time project management. I started developing more interest after the project and got myself involved in various training projects assisting with assessments and project management. It didnt take me long; after a year I was involved in one of the huge call centre recruitment projects where I had to interview, conduct assessments and HR administration. Everything fell into place and I was offered a full time job as a recruitment consultant at an insurance company call centre. I had to start equipping myself and I registered for HR short certificate courses which have helped me a lot up to today. I enjoy HR and love every minute of creating and developing policies, processes, recruitment, employee wellness, graduate development programmes, organisational development, etc.
- —Guest Busi
HR Director Now
- I was working in a major hospital in the dietary department while attending college. After graduating with a teaching degree, I was unable to land a job due to a glut in the field. I took a full-time job as a clerk in the HR Benefits Dept. I worked hard, made myself known through good follow-up, great work ethic and communication with employees. I was soon promoted and worked my way up through the ranks. I have since earned a certificate in HR as well as my SPHR. I am now the Director of HR at the state's premier radiology company.
- —Guest Lynn
HR Generalist
- I went to work for a call center because they had great benefits and work hours. I need insurance for my family of 4. I started on the floor making calls to set up appointments. After 4 months, I was asked to go to confirmation to see if I liked that job. They needed a backup. That was great. Then, 2 months later, the HR Assistant decited to leave the company. I was again asked it I would be interested in that job as I seem to just get along with every one. Sure, I moved to that job, loved doing it, and learned all about day to day operations. Cindy, my boss and HR Trainer, we work so well together, I just soaked up all of the things she was doing in training, interviewing, and handling the personal issues. Last week she was given a promotion to operations manager. She went to the V.P. and asked if I could take over her job. I was given her job; I will be with the company 3 years in April 2010. I love this country. I love working with people. I am where I was meant to be.
- —Guest Laura Cavender
I got into HR by accident
- Actually, I got into the HR department by accident.I was working for the Coca Cola company, as an Account officer, when I had a personal problem with my Boss. He never liked me since day one,after his transfer to our Plant. There was a new position created in the HR department (wages officer), when the company was going through some re-engineering.Hence a vacancy existed in the HR department and they were looking for somebody with an accounting background.So my boss saw an opportunity to get rid off me and it later turned out to be a blessing for me.The HR manager I met gave me on the job training on virtually every aspect of Human Resources, Within a span of two years I became an Assistant HR Manager,and after 3 years, I was promoted to HR manager.In our weekly Management meeting, I now became a colleague of my former Boss,since he was the Head of the department of Finance and I, of the HR department. I really enjoy every bit of HR processes and activities.
- —Guest Hamza Zubairu
From taxation to HR
- I worked as a tax inspector for twelve years, but later realised I had to do a masters programme,and I opted to do an MBA HR option. My organization did not accept me because I was aiready in the field of taxation. I managed to secured a job as HR manager but was not successful with the organization for lack of work experience. I later looked for a job as an assistant HR to enable me to understudy my boss. Things are ok for me now, and I am on top of my job.
- —Guest Alex
It was self discovery that took me there
- I studied Chemical Engineering in College and I discovered in my fourth year that I would rather be an HR expert. This was as a result of the kind of person I am. I had to look inwards and asked myself questions. The answers I got revealed to me that I tend more towards working with people and developing them than working with machines. I began to read and surf the net to know more about HR.I used to tell my colleagues back then to study well to get the skills needed of a chemical engineer that i would work on placing them in the right positions. Immediately after I graduated from college, I walked into an HR consulting firm to offer voluntary service. I was tested and admitted. I was drafted into the delivery team the same week I resumed work. Now, it is your turn to find out if you truly fit into the profession because it is what would make all the difference. Ciao!
- —Guest Dupe Osho
