Dear Seniors, I have a BA in Psychology and a Master's degree in Mass Communication (Audio-Visual Production) from SIMC. Post this, I have been working in the documentary film sector. However, I have a strong urge to return to my base field of psychology as I feel that is my calling. I am contemplating an MBA in HR.
Questions about HR career path
I have two questions. Are my present credentials good enough to join any HR firm considering I have a communication degree from Symbiosis? Will that help? Secondly, should I pursue an MBA in HR or gain some work experience here before enrolling in an MBA program? What would you suggest?
From India, Mumbai
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Questions about HR career path
I have two questions. Are my present credentials good enough to join any HR firm considering I have a communication degree from Symbiosis? Will that help? Secondly, should I pursue an MBA in HR or gain some work experience here before enrolling in an MBA program? What would you suggest?
From India, Mumbai
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Dear friend, every person has likes and dislikes. Every person has a pull toward some subject. Possibly, you are being drawn toward HR. However, before allowing HR to become the magnet for your career and being attracted to it, it is worth conducting market research.
Do HR professionals find jobs easily?
Please speak with HR professionals who are considering a change and inquire how long they have been seeking a change. You could also engage with unemployed HR professionals to determine how long they have been searching for a job in their preferred function.
Please conduct market research to ascertain the ratio of HR professionals versus non-HR professionals in the average company. Also, find out the total employee count in your company and the number of HR professionals working there.
The reality of HR careers in India
In India, the life of the average HR professional differs from what is depicted in HR textbooks. For some, it remains a utopian ideal, while for others, obtaining an MBA in HR does not guarantee a good job. Due to sheer frustration, some end up taking on the role of a recruiter.
The role of psychology in HR
Regarding a background in psychology, in most companies, HR professionals are not required to utilize it. Employers typically expect HR professionals to be knowledgeable in areas such as recruitment, payroll processing, and labor law. While there are companies that incorporate psychology-based recruitment or employee training, they represent a minority. In the majority of companies, these concepts are merely seen as idealistic.
Versatility of psychology
Psychology is a versatile field of study, and the tools and techniques of psychology can be applied across various disciplines, including marketing or your current role in audio-visual production. Studying psychology does not have to be limited to HR. Your current position is unique, and you have the potential to excel in your functional area. With the increasing influence of the internet, audio-visual media is gaining prominence daily, often at the expense of print media.
Choosing the right career path
Against this backdrop, I suggest prioritizing entry into a function that is considered primary in its industry. Conversations with typical HR professionals reveal that they often feel secondary within their companies. Many express discontent at not being on par with Finance, Marketing, or Production/Operations. Therefore, consider whether transitioning from a primary to a secondary function is a step backward that could take years to rectify.
After reading my comments, please do not interpret them as being against HR. I have interacted with HR professionals for over a decade due to my profession and involvement in this forum. HR is a dynamic field, and when HR management principles are effectively implemented, they contribute significantly to shaping an organization's culture. Unfortunately, Indian employers often underestimate the value of HR, viewing it as traditional personnel management in a new guise.
All the best!
Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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8074Do HR professionals find jobs easily?
Please speak with HR professionals who are considering a change and inquire how long they have been seeking a change. You could also engage with unemployed HR professionals to determine how long they have been searching for a job in their preferred function.
Please conduct market research to ascertain the ratio of HR professionals versus non-HR professionals in the average company. Also, find out the total employee count in your company and the number of HR professionals working there.
The reality of HR careers in India
In India, the life of the average HR professional differs from what is depicted in HR textbooks. For some, it remains a utopian ideal, while for others, obtaining an MBA in HR does not guarantee a good job. Due to sheer frustration, some end up taking on the role of a recruiter.
The role of psychology in HR
Regarding a background in psychology, in most companies, HR professionals are not required to utilize it. Employers typically expect HR professionals to be knowledgeable in areas such as recruitment, payroll processing, and labor law. While there are companies that incorporate psychology-based recruitment or employee training, they represent a minority. In the majority of companies, these concepts are merely seen as idealistic.
Versatility of psychology
Psychology is a versatile field of study, and the tools and techniques of psychology can be applied across various disciplines, including marketing or your current role in audio-visual production. Studying psychology does not have to be limited to HR. Your current position is unique, and you have the potential to excel in your functional area. With the increasing influence of the internet, audio-visual media is gaining prominence daily, often at the expense of print media.
Choosing the right career path
Against this backdrop, I suggest prioritizing entry into a function that is considered primary in its industry. Conversations with typical HR professionals reveal that they often feel secondary within their companies. Many express discontent at not being on par with Finance, Marketing, or Production/Operations. Therefore, consider whether transitioning from a primary to a secondary function is a step backward that could take years to rectify.
After reading my comments, please do not interpret them as being against HR. I have interacted with HR professionals for over a decade due to my profession and involvement in this forum. HR is a dynamic field, and when HR management principles are effectively implemented, they contribute significantly to shaping an organization's culture. Unfortunately, Indian employers often underestimate the value of HR, viewing it as traditional personnel management in a new guise.
All the best!
Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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