From the article: Transition to a Career in Human Resource Management
One of the most frequent questions emailed to this Human Resources site asks how to make a career transition into HR. Many people who work in Human Resources Management made a career transition to enter the HR field. In the article associated with this Reader Answers form, many of your colleagues and networking associates shared their stories about how they made the career transition into HR. This is an opportunity for you to share how you made the transition into an HR career. See More Reader Responses. Share Your Story
Finance to HR
- Kindly help me... I did my mba specialization in Finance. My results are awaiting, but now I have realized that if I would have done my specialization in HR, then it would be best for me. I am fresher. Now is it fine that if I diverted my career in to HR? Will companies consider me for HR job? Kindly give me the suggestions. (From Susan: This is my best advice. You need to find out about this where you live and attend school. I see Finance as a good contribution to an HR career, and you may be able to do both. But, I don't know what is recommended where you will be job searching. Take a look: http://humanresources.about.com/od/humanresourcesjob/f/jobs-in-hr-management.htm)
- —Guest Neha
HR as Second Option in my Choice
- Upon completion of BBA (major in Finance) I joined in the country largest (local) business organization as Management Trainee Executive. During probation period I worked in many functional departments, and at the time of probation evaluation, the management asked me to choose working area. I choose Finance as first option and HR as second option, and due to vacancy problem I was placed in my second option. I took it seriously though I faced some barriers and also was frustrated for sometimes. Now I am Passing 10 years of services in HR. In the meantime, I completed my MBA in HR and also obtained a HR Diploma. I am now HR Manager, which I was awarded 4 years back.
- —Guest M. Jahangir Alam
Laid Off to Soul Searching to HR
- My passion was in re-entry in the prison system but I was unfortunately laid off shortly after getting what I thought was my "dream job." I spent several years working 4 jobs at a time and doing a lot of soul searching to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I spoke to countless colleagues, did a lot of research and, by the end, was determined to make it in Human Resources. I asked the HR department where I worked for some responsibilities (non-confidential of course) then took a job recruiting for an agency. After some time I took the leap, while holding my breath, to a contract HR role in the hopes it would further my career. Long story, short, I am now the HR Manager at a fantastic custom manufacturing company in Boston and could not be happier. It can take years of time, leaps of faith, and a bit of luck as well but it can happen. Good luck!
- —Guest Shana Stuart
Desiring a career in HR/consulting
- I graduated from microbiology, but discovered that I wanted more than just food or lab analysis, I wanted something that had to do with people management and innovation development, so HR came to mind....reading your blogs, it's been inspiring and encouraging, looking forward to an MBA in HR and also CIPM courses.... Wish me luck. (Great good luck and best wishes to you. Susan)
- —Guest Edith
Will I make it?
- Am currently doing a diploma in b/s admn but I want to specialise on HRM. Your stories are so motivating but something is bothering me. Am wondering whether I really am fit for the task.
- —Guest stephen
Career Change
- I did mba in marketing and have 2 years of experience as a medical representative but it's not my cup of tea. I want to move in another sector. What you suggest about my career change? (See: http://humanresources.about.com/od/careereducationmid/Career_Planning_Education_Mid_Career_Change_and_Career_Development.htm Perhaps some info there will help you.)
- —Guest sahil
Just Started
- I studied engineering, than left my job for university and got a degree in psychology, later a certificate in Corporate Coaching. I realized that engineering wasn't for me and I was already reading psychology books and analyzing colleagues. I am 29 and I just started my career in HR. My idea is to just go out there and do what you need to let people know you, know what you do and how you work. HR is an amazing world and personally I have no regrets for having changed.
- —Guest Daniele Peluffo
Transition to Career in Human Resources
- I am a biochemist by profession. But I worked as a secretary for a period and later made the first human resources officer. I have not regretted the decision to continue in this field as the challenges involved encourages me to even desire more in the field. I am currently undergoing a postgraduate course in human resources management.
- —Guest lilian
Interested in HR
- I have been thinking for a while, what I really want as a career. I had a degree in accountancy years back and am studying ACCA right now, but am still not sure if I want to go into accountancy. Been doing a read up on career choices and finally today I decided I will go into human resources. Don't really know what first step to take, since I have no experience (worked in customer service and currently a cashier) and I will definitely have to step up for the qualifications. I must say I gathered more inspiration reading some stories on the blog. Really dont know what qualifications are best for the HR career. Would appreciate some opinions and guides to moving to the career. (Please take a look at http://humanresources.about.com/od/hrbasicsfaq/tp/human-resources-employment.htm and http://humanresources.about.com/od/hrbasicsfaq/tp/careers_in_hr.htm for next step ideas. Best wishes to you.)
- —valumah
A Milestone for my Career Change to HR
- I was thoroughly good in Communication, and the Political field and achieved an intensive expertise in such fields, but abruptly stand at the cross-road. Nevertheless, I wished long ago to engage in the HR field, but could not find logical rationals for my transition. Not too long, but soon when I am finished with the HR, and PPM papers in my MBA, and working background as CapDev building/HR adviser some years ago, I steadily returned to work in the HR field to make it my future professional field. I started as HR Manager, and experienced many ups and downs during my tenure but it seems to be successful. now, finally, I can say that, enthusiasim, academic background, and constant practice can make you an expert in the HR field and HR Programmer. Best.
- —Guest Said Intizar Khadim
Engineering to HR Director
- I was trained in Industrial Engineering and worked in a mail sorting facility as such. During my Industrial Engineering years, I have completed my MBA with a Finance focus. I continued working as an Industrial Engineer and Project Manager mainly in the Airline industry. My first exposure to HR began when I started constructing manpower models for various labour intensive processes and scheduling. Then I joined a company as project manager/industrial engineer managing the budgets and manpower planning of a very large HR division. This is where I have obtained the knowledge of how HR works as a unit and the technology required to run an efficient HR. In my next position in a start up company, I ended up putting on alot of hats in various HR positions and found out that I had the personality and common sense to be a good HR person. I became an HR Director within five years. If you are able to show case your ability to run HR, I think transition to HR is possible from any field.
- —Guest Murat
Interested in transition to HR
- I entered the transportation/logistics industry through a friend. I began in the payroll department like most who enter the company with no experience. After a year, I was asked to join the Safety Department and I helped with recruiting drivers and took over a position that is very similar to Human Resources. I have been doing it for five years and have become extremely interested in working in HR. At my current company, we are fairly small, and have one person who is over HR. There is no opportunity for me in our HR department and I am now interested in returning to school to get a degree in Business Management. I am now hoping to find an HR position that does not require experience or education to get myself started. Wish me luck!
- —Guest Judy
Marketing to HR
- I am an MBA student with a marketing specialization. Now I realize my passion is in HR. Can you please help me in this? (Here is my main career in HR information: http://humanresources.about.com/od/hrbasicsfaq/tp/careers_in_hr.htm Good luck. Happy New Year. Susan)
- —Guest Emran
A good starting point
- I began my career in HR when I answered an ad for an Administrative Assistant at a staffing agency. At first I thought it was a temporary job, however, after the interview they offered me a permanent in house position. Because we were a small office, each person wore many hats. Through this experience, I worked hands on with I9 forms, tax paperwork and HR software. Over time, I became trained in payroll, running new hire orientations and placing ads. When one of the Recruiters moved out of state, I was offered their position. I found myself excelling in this role and enjoying the interview and recruitment process. The experience gained there prepared me for the HR career I have now. Staffing agencies are a great way to get recruitment and employment law experience; they often have entry level positions that involve HR paperwork handling and assisting the recruitment staff. Skills gained in such positions are great resume builders and can lead to in house promotions.
- —Guest Jennie
Economics and Mathematics to HR
- I have been working in an R&D department and it has not been okay with me because I am not working in the department where my passion lies. I have almost rounded up with my CIPMN and want to move to our HR department but my boss is fighting me. What should I do.
- —Guest Blessing
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