Dear Bandna,
Choosing the career path depends with one's interest and need, not merely the available opportunities. We normally take the decision of deciding the course to study, in turn, job to join by the influence of our parents, elders, peer group and the job opportunities available in the market. Normally people fail to select one's career which suits his inherent abilities and interest, that's why they find difficulties in succeeding or even continuing in the particular career. Though the subject matter-HR is same in both Education and Industry, the career will completely be changed once you migrate from Industry to Academic (Education). Now, you have to carefully analyze your potentials, skills and abilities to take-up a wise and right decision.
I understand that you don't have the problem of qualification requirement since you hold MBA-which is enough for entry level to both fields. But, you have to think what your passion is - either teaching or practice?! I can assure you that nowadays teaching is also a lucrative career as like as Industry (Please refer the UGC Pay scales and the salary structure of the MBA Colleges/Institutes). Here the most challenging part is producing quality graduates to meet out the corporate demands with good academic and placement records. In Industry, you will be facing daily pressures and targets to be completed in align with business/operations. It is more of a challenging job where you should be prepared for dealing risks. The education field is also nowadays having more challenges like Result, Rank, Placement, Industry tie-ups, Foreign collaborations, Research/project studies, Publications, etc. apart from ensuring the 100% admission every year to the Institution. Women mostly prefer Education field, since they think that it has less risk and they find more leisure time. But, I suggest you to go Academic field, only if you are passionate and committed, because if we look this as a job, then, we definitely will spoil a generation.
So, you have to now decide your career interest and then choose the particular path. One caution I can say you that it is too difficult to enter into Industry after having experienced in Education field; but the Academic will give good welcome for the Industry experienced people.
If you decide EDUCATION is your way, then go for UGC-NET Exams (Twice in a year, it is conducted for Lectureship and JRF) and further join for PhD for qualification up gradation. As per the AICTE Norms, your MBA is enough for Assistant Professor Job for MBA Institutes. But, if you decide INDUSTRY is your destination, then think of joining HR Module Courses like SAP, ERP, etc. in addition to the certification programmes like CIPD, SHRM internationally to further equip yourself. The best bet is, as Mr. Kumar stated, EXPERIENCE, that too in well established/reputed firms so that you can gain quality experience and lucrative career.
Wish you all the best for your prosperous career!
With Regards,
AZHAGESAN.P
Currently HR Professional (UAE) &
Formerly Professor of MSW and MBA (India)