MBA HR Freshers: How Tough Is It to Land Your First Job in an MNC? Seeking Advice from Seniors

Hi to all seniors,

Well, as per the posts that I have seen under this forum, they all seem to be of a very serious nature. However, I do feel that the question that I pose can only be answered by you seniors, as you would have faced the same.

The question is—Is it really difficult for MBA HR freshers to get into MNCs or companies as a first break?

I would be thankful if any senior could suggest ways for freshers to get into good companies, which would be helpful for many freshers like me.

I would also like to know how the market presently is for MBA HR freshers with a B.Tech background.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Rakesh

Dear Rakesh,

Frankly speaking, in response to your question, it is very difficult for fresh graduates to get in...

There are some specific observations:

1. Freshers aim for very high salaries and companies.
2. They lack exposure to the market.
3. They are reluctant to start their careers at low salaries.

Rakesh, the same thing happened to us when we left our business school with dreams of an ideal MNC and a handsome salary. To achieve something in your life, you have to work really hard.

As a senior, I want to convey something to you.

Don't go for the big names. Start your career at a place that is available to you initially. Stick to the company for a while, and after some time, as you learn through experiences, companies will start approaching you. Normally, MNCs hire freshers as MTOs, interns, etc. To achieve this, you have to pass their tests and meet the criteria.

Once you gain some experience, MNCs will definitely approach you because HR is a very demanding field.

Your second query is about a B.Tech background. I don't think that a B.Tech background will help you. These are completely different fields. B.Tech will benefit you if you work for any related technical or engineering firm.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further assistance.

Wishing you the best of luck for your future.

hassanalizaidi@gmail.com

Hi Rakesh,

My suggestion is that there are a good number of openings for recruiters. A few companies or consulting firms do hire fresh graduates. What you need to concentrate on is to secure a job in one of the functional areas and then focus on that area for a while before starting to explore your knowledge in other functional areas of HR.

Please don't jump to the conclusion that entering HR means you will take care of everything. Just focus on looking for jobs. It doesn't matter if it's in MNCs or not, but to be frank, you will gain great exposure working with small and mid-size companies to start with.

Please email me back if you have any questions.

Good Luck!

Hi to all seniors,

Well, as per the posts that I have seen under this forum, they all seem to be of a very serious nature. But I do feel that the question that I pose can only be answered by you seniors as you would have faced the same.

The question is - Is it really difficult for MBA HR freshers to get into MNCs or companies as a first break? I would be thankful if any senior could suggest ways for freshers to get into good companies, which would be helpful for many freshers like me.

I would also like to know how the market is presently for MBA HR freshers with a B.Tech background.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Rakesh

Hi Rakesh,

I can fully empathize with you, my friend! After completing my PG in HR, I had to wait a full 6 months before I got a break... but what a terrific break I got!

I would like to advise you not to get desperate and join some consultancy firm. From my own experience and that of my friends, once you get stuck into a consultancy profile, it is very difficult to break away and start in an MNC. Do not be disheartened; there are still quite a few companies that do take on HR freshers as trainees. I say it is better to get a break as an HR trainee in a big company rather than go for some small company that may be willing to take you on as an HR executive. You see, the opportunities to work in various diversified fields in HR and to learn are much more in a big MNC compared to a small company.

But do not wait if you do get an opening even in a small company. My point is to keep hunting but shun consultancies like the plague.

My best wishes to you for your career.

Regards,
Brandon

Hello Seniors,

Thanks to all of you for promptly replying to my question. I am genuinely very much elated to receive responses from you all.

Apart from the discussion that we had started in the above post, I would like to first share one interesting thing from my end. This query that I have written is the first query that I had posted on CiteHR. I must say that it really feels great to receive responses and help from completely unknown quarters. Seeing this, I have made a resolution stating that I would go ahead and post responses for people who need them in order to give them the same kind of happiness that I received. Thank you once again for inspiring me.

Regarding the issue in discussion, I do agree with what Syed has written regarding his observations.

There are certain observations:
1. Freshers aim for very high salaries and companies.
2. They lack exposure to the market.
3. They are reluctant to start their careers at lower salaries.

I somehow feel that I am sailing in the same boat as the observations that Syed has mentioned. My question again is, don't you think Syed and RK, that it's normal for a person who has done an MBA and B.Tech to ask for, if not high, at least decent salaries? When we approach consultancies, they sometimes pay us far less, especially in Hyderabad. As Brandon points out, even the exposure we get is mainly focused on recruitment. How would it be possible for people like me who are interested in other facets of HR to get those kinds of roles?

Syed and RK, it's not that I am speaking against your point of view, but I genuinely feel that healthy arguments always tend to bring out the best and valid points from both ends, whether it may be for or against the topic.

I personally feel that there are many freshers like me in the present situation, and I hope that this post of mine should actually be helpful in creating the right kind of impression in all those confused minds and should be useful for them in knowing the ways to approach corporates and also help them in their decision-making.

I would be extremely happy if you could provide me with your email ids. Firstly, it's because I need them as I want to personally thank you people for your responses, and secondly, it would be of great help to me for any advice in the future.

It would be great to see if more seniors could participate as every point of view given by you might benefit others in their careers immensely.

Once again, thanks in advance.

Regards,
Rakesh
([Login to view])

Hi seniors,

66 people viewed, and no replies... 🤔

Come on seniors, help us freshers.

Eagerly waiting for your responses.

Regards,

Rakesh.

Hi Rakesh,

Thank you for your valuable post. I truly empathize with you as I am going through the same problems. I have completed my BE and have been employed with a consultancy firm for 1 year, primarily focused on recruitment. However, I am keen to explore other aspects of HR. Currently, the opportunities I come across are all within consultancies. I am eagerly seeking opportunities in a company where I can be involved in recruitment as well as other HR activities. Please email me. Your post has been very helpful to me.

Simontiny
[Login to view]

Yes, it's seemingly next to impossible for MBA-HR freshers to get a break in a Generalist Profile. All one could find would be Consultancy Openings. But if you are an MBA from a top B-School, then you needn't worry.

Corporates don't take Freshers, since HR is a work of huge accountability and the need is of a person who has previous experience. Why would a company want to incur training costs on a fresher when experienced generalists are available in abundance?

Hi Vineeta,

Thanks for your suggestion. But does it mean that we should look only for opportunities in recruitment? Does it help if we have 1 year of experience in recruitment and then try to shift to a generalist role? I am confused. Please help me.

Regards,
Simontiny

Hi everyone,

First of all, thanks for replying to the post, seniors. As I mentioned earlier, let's discuss the actual problems that we, as freshers, face.

Many seniors emphasize the importance of gaining experience in HR first before climbing the ladder. This is what I gathered from the initial posts. However, what do you suggest for my friend Simonthy's situation? Despite his one year of hands-on experience in recruitment, he is still considered unsuitable for a generalist role.

Regarding Vineeta's point about posts being only for top B-Schools, I want to address the cost factor. While she mentions the burden of training HR professionals, isn't it true that graduates from reputed schools are paid significantly more and are often at risk of being lured away due to their expertise?

Moreover, what about individuals with talent but lacking experience? Isn't performance more crucial than experience? How can one gain experience without being given the opportunity?

Moving away from the previous discussion, I'd like to broaden our topic. In fields like engineering or production, we are familiar with what an HR round entails. However, what criteria does a Senior HR look for when hiring a fresher for an entry-level HR position?

I pose this question to understand what is expected from HR freshers if they receive opportunities from companies or corporations.

I urge not only seniors but also fellow freshers to join in and post their queries. It would immensely benefit us all to receive correct and timely guidance from our experienced colleagues.

To all freshers, let's make use of the guidance available from our seniors.

Regards,

Rakesh

Seniors...

We are waiting. Hope to get more guidance and input from you all and see more replies.

Regards,
Rakesh

Dear User,

You need to have patience, my dear. Looking for a good job in an MNC at a fresher level is not easy, as you are not aware of every aspect of HR. You have just read about it, not followed it. So, go for HR consultancy first, then for recruitment in any MNC, and finally for training. Start searching for a job in HR only, do not go for any other field if you have an interest in making a career in HR.

Anurag Sharma

Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Hi all,

Yes, I do also completely agree with all of you. As a fresher myself, I have had all those same questions and confusions in my mind. Being a fresher, with all those thoughts in mind, I am unable to decide whether to leave my hometown for a career in HR. What I have seen is that there are plenty of openings for recruiters with no future opportunities. After hearing all your experiences, I am now even more confused about what to do.

Regards,
Gipsy

Hi Rakesh,

I feel the job scenario for HR is improving now. But it's not always about the qualifications and roles. I would like to share my story here. I started my career as a counselor in a training institute, which is a part of a small private firm. Once I assisted the HR executive in some recruitment activities, and the management was quite pleased with my performance and thus promoted me to the HR department. Though I was only into recruitment, the tag of HR Executive of a company helped me immensely. And now, after one year, I am working in another company as an HR generalist. I am also pursuing my MBA in HR through distance learning.

All I wanted to tell you is that recruitment is fine, but even if you are doing recruitments and are a part of the HR team of a company, you do get the scope to learn the other facets of HR, which are not there in a consultancy. So try harder, but don't worry about the profile. HR professionals also have to be good at recruitments.

Thanks,
Sukanya

Hi seniors,

I completed my B.E in E.C.E. Now, I am planning to do an MBA through correspondence from ICFAI. I am currently working in an MNC. My doubt is, during the specialization in MBA in the final semester, which option can I choose - either Finance or HR? Which will help me in my career? I am interested in HR, while my friends are preferring Finance as it offers opportunities even outside of corporate services, whereas HR opportunities are mostly in corporate settings.

I am quite confused about this decision. Please help me with your valuable suggestions.

Thank you.

Regards,
Y.S

Hi, Rakesh,

I am also a fresher like you. I have attended many interviews, all through consultancies. The position is HR-Executive, but I have to handle recruitment. Moreover, they will not pay during the training period, which lasts for 2 months. Until now, I haven't received any emails, not even from small companies. As a fresher, don't expect opportunities in MNCs.

I have completed my HR project in a manufacturing company, and they have offered me a job as a Trainee. During the training period, there won't be any payment, and this period lasts for 3 months. I am in a dilemma about whether to join there or not. My sister is not accepting this because I got this project opportunity through a reference. What should I do? Please provide your suggestions.

Dear Mr. Rakesh,

As an experienced HR Professional, I would like to share some of my experiences because everyone has different experiences and advice to offer.

I would advise you to treat your first three years as dedicated to hard work and gaining experience. This is more important than your qualifications because it will form the foundation of your career. It is crucial to choose a better organization over a higher salary, as you may end up stuck in a small role within a large corporate entity. Starting in a medium-sized industry that exposes you to various HR activities and encourages participation will be an invaluable asset.

It is not sufficient to begin your career with renowned companies and adapt to their culture without developing skills that are transferable to other environments. Economic fluctuations will always influence your career trajectory, so it is essential to continuously enhance your skills to meet market demands. While job security in a multinational corporation may seem appealing, establishing your independence and skill set will provide more enduring security and prosperity.

I did not graduate from a business school or work in an MNC until 17 years into my career. I began in a small-scale industry in the late 80s, then transitioned to a medium-scale textile industry before joining a public sector organization as a Personnel Manager for a Government of India Enterprise. Subsequently, I moved to India's market leader before embarking on my first overseas assignment in Africa. For the past two years, I have been working in the world's largest oil producer, Saudi Aramco, as an HR Specialist in Policy and Compensation. Saudi Aramco accounts for 30% of the world's oil production with a capacity of 1.28 million barrels per day. I am stationed at an offshore site with a production capacity double that of the entire oil production capacity of India.

I share this to illustrate that while MNCs and business schools offer some security, your individual strengths provide more lasting security and prosperity.

Wishing you all the best for a successful career ahead.

With Regards,

Sawant

Hi Rakesh,

Firstly, though I am not a senior member to talk about the issue, still I dare to put in my comments here.

I have remembered those days of struggle in my initial days to show my mark in the market. To get a good break, one needs to have sound social contacts (it will help at least to get the interview calls, and from there, we need to show the mettle in the interview; it depends on us). Yes, I do admit that consultancy pays very little, but I have seen many people who jumped from consultancies to good companies (because being in consultancies helps in building up the rapport, hence getting good breaks).

Coming to B.Tech and then doing MBA, to my knowledge, these are two different fields, so it does not add much value unless it's related to the engineering field. HR needs more mature and responsible people, which only comes with experience, hence people look out for experienced individuals.

I suggest something here: in BPO fields, they are looking for freshers in HR, so this should help you in getting good breaks. I strongly believe having experience in BPO will be an added advantage because experience is different and will expose you to the world in dealing with different types of people.

It's not impossible to get breaks, but definitely, it is hard. But hard work pays off because I am a live example of it. Just after I finished my MBA in '06, I have been employed with one of the top ITES in an HR generalist role (it's my first company), and I am still with the same company.

So don't lose hope, dear. Just try out and be confident because opportunities come rarely, so grab it!

It's better to start with a recruitment firm because as a fresher, it is difficult to get a job as an HR generalist. At the end, if you have two years of recruitment experience, you can get a good break anywhere. But make sure you choose the right firm.

Regards,
Arya

Hi Rakesh,

It's common for everybody to get frustrated if they don't get jobs in MNCs. Wait for the opportunities to knock on your door. For that, you must have some experience in HR. There are numerous consultancies offering positions as HR recruiters for freshers. First, try for them. After a few months of experience (9 months to 1 year), you will get openings for core HR activities.

All the best for your future! 😊

Hi, @Simon

Let's understand, it's quite tough. One possible way, albeit slow, is to get into recruitments. Choose a good consultancy to gain solid experience, then start applying for recruitment profiles in corporates. Nowadays, corporates have diversified HR functions, and recruitment has evolved into a specific and separate function. If you land a break in corporate recruitments, with hard work, you can eventually transition to an HR profile.

If this doesn't interest you, focus on gaining good experience in recruitments. I have some friends who, being good and intelligent candidates with 2-3 years of experience in recruitments, have been selected for generalist profiles by companies like Eicher, Educomp, and HDFC Bank.

On second thought, the recruitment line isn't that bad either. In many cases, recruitment managers earn more than HR managers. So, if you are succeeding in recruitments, you might as well stay.

The rest is up to you.

Hi,

I have gone through the array of posts on the opportunities available for Freshers (HR). I agree all of us have gone through our small or big phase of start-up struggle, and one should not be scared of the same. Rather, you should utilize your time in strengthening your basics which we tend to pass by in our college days.

Recently, we had a couple of positions in our team, and we thought of hiring freshers but to my utter surprise, we could not find simple, down-to-earth MBAs who were good at their HR basics. It took us 4 months to close on these positions!!

And yes!! one thing I would certainly say, maybe the colleges and institutes paint the mind of their students about the corporate culture and expectations from them. I understand you might have to wait for the right opportunity, but it is good to wait and use this time properly rather than hurrying into any wrong place. A decent company with a good manager (who can teach you!!!) should be the best deal, I would say.

So, cheer up and all the best.

Monika

P.S. I am looking for some good summer trainees (07-09 batch)... so anyone interested??

Hi Rakesh,

Thanks a million for this thread!!!!

I am BBM, MBA (HR) graduate, a fresher, and am struggling with searching for a job with a profile other than recruitment. For weeks, I have been sending my resume across several consultancies and to companies operating in different sectors. I receive a number of calls from consultants for the recruitment profile, and every time I receive a call, I am in a dilemma whether to say yes or no.

The worst thing I feel about these consultancies is that they don't differentiate normal graduates from graduates specializing in HR or any other field, especially when it comes to pay.

According to a few research studies, the percentage of attrition among freshers is much lower compared to experienced candidates. Moreover, when it comes to the cost incurred by companies, especially MNCs, in helping experienced candidates unlearn their old practices and adapt to the new culture, it is reasonably high.

All we can do is wait and watch when our stars turn to our favor...

Thanks and Regards, Natasha P. B
natashapb01@yahoo.com

Hi Rakesh,

Looking from your point of view, it is definitely difficult to land a good job. However, what I feel is that one cannot expect companies to hire somebody simply because of a B.Tech qualification or an MBA in HR. What is more important is the way you sell yourself to companies. In HR also, it is important for us to find out the area that we are interested in, spend time and energy to gather the latest information on it, and finally network not just through websites but also by writing papers, submitting articles in HR magazines, and sending these articles along with the CV (in hard copy format) to HR Heads of companies!! Then see the response that you get.

The primary rule to getting selected in any organization is to let the organization know what is in it for them. Only then will companies even think of looking at the CV of a fresher.

However, all said and done, it is the hard work that we need to put in and some amount of luck as well that will determine the chances of getting your dream job.

Warm Regards,

Avinash T V Rao Learning Systems

Hi Vineeta,

Is it necessary for IT Recruiters to have an IT-related qualification background? Many HR freshers may not have the same qualifications as they may have graduated from different streams than IT, so they might face problems placing the right candidates in the right place. Please guide me on this question.

Thank you,
Regards,
Jyoti.

Hi Rakesh,

How are you doing? I must say that your posts are very informative. What I feel, Rakesh, after talking to the seniors, is that it takes almost 2 years for freshers or someone like us to make a full-fledged career in an HR Generalist Role. Freshers can start with recruitment (in corporates preferably) initially and slowly shift towards the Generalist Role.

The Generalist Role requires people like us to have experience in many fields such as induction, Training & Development, and many more, which we can learn gradually with a bit of experience. We can't learn all the HR facets at once. I guess I am correct. Seniors, please correct me if I am wrong.

I hope, Rakesh, my post helped you a bit in answering your queries.

Regards,
Simontiny

Hi Rakesh,

How are you doing? I must say that your posts are very informative. What I feel, Rakesh, after talking to the seniors, is that it takes almost 2 years for freshers or someone like us to make a full-fledged career in an HR Generalist Role. Freshers can start with recruitment (in corporates preferably) initially and slowly shift towards the Generalist Role.

The Generalist Role requires people like us to have experience in many fields such as induction, training & development, and many more which we can learn gradually with a bit of experience. We can't learn all the HR facets at once. I guess I am correct. Seniors, please correct me if I am wrong.

I hope, Rakesh, my post helped you a bit in answering your queries.

Regards,
Simontiny

Sawant Sir,

I genuinely from the bottom of my heart thank you for taking your valuable time out to share your experiences…. I truly feel proud to receive responses from so many people… that too from different places, locations and above all… highly experienced individuals who share in their part of struggle… I must say that posts from such experienced people of your stature will not only boost our freshers confidence…. but also I am sure… would encourage many of our seniors to build their own career…

What I really liked in your post was the advice which you gave in such simple words…

Instead of depending on MNC security of job try to stand on your own feet will be your permanent security and key to your prosperity.

And how you actually disproved the theory of top B schools phenomena… saying that B School has limited gurantee and your own strength provides more security and prosperity.

I sincerely suggest that everyone of you please read the post for self encouragement…


Hi Sujatha… as you told me not to lose hope… I think all this posts are given because we still have hope to get settled in better companies… and I sure with so many peoples best wishes… the day would come soon…. Thanks a ton for the post…

Hi Padmini… there is a point which padmini mentioned… with respect to the BPO's… i am sure to try my luck in that industry too what are other freshers doing… come on pull up your socks and get ready to wage a war on the BPO's … thank you…

Hi Aryan & Nanda… thank you so much buddies for your concern and your suggestion… I am sure many freshers are looking at this post.. and will decide what's best… its more important for me that you are ready for helping us… which is truly wonderful on your part…

Hi Vineetha… thank you so much for replying again and helping my friend… Unlike the earlier post… I am sure that this time no one can dare disagree with what you say… extremely pleased to listen again from you… do keep posting… and JOYTHI has a query for you…

Hi Monika… it was really good of you to make us understand and focus on not wasting our valuable time… ( in a way she has challenged that we are not competent :icon4:.. hmmm :mad:… come on freshers let us use our time in getting our basics right and disprove her… if done…. I think she would be the happiest amongst us… ) thank you…

Hi Natasha… Seniors… Natasha does have a valid point to be considered… WHAT DO WE DO WHEN CONSULTANCIES DON'T DIFFERNTIATE BETWEEN MBA'S AND NON MBA'S… eager to know more about it…

And lastly Hi Simonthy… happy to hear from you again… Vineetha has definetly shared views which were useful to all of us… I hope it was helpful for you… do keep posting…

Hi, Rakesh,

You are putting reality, but do not get frustrated with this situation. We all were going through this stage; we were also waiting for an opportunity. My suggestion is, do not expect only MNCs, but I would like to say don't miss/ignore any vacancy, whether it be in an MNC or a small-scale company. Register your name with consultancies and try to search for references. Be ready with your basic knowledge.

Wishing you the best of luck for your career.

Vikas Shinde

Sorry...

In the earlier post, I somehow missed the name of Avinash (sorry for that). Actually, this is one of the aspects that I want to focus on. I mean how we could improve our chances of getting the role we wish for. One of the points regarding article publishing was interesting. I would be happy if you could further elucidate on that area. I think it would be beneficial for students who are currently doing their course.

Hi Vikas, thank you so much for your wishes and all the best for you too.

Hi seniors...

I actually want to broaden the horizon of our topic by asking a new query. I did ask this in the earlier post, but only found a few posts related to it. It would be great to receive the same kind of response for this query too. The question is: We all generally know what an HR round comprises of for other fields like engineering, production, etc. My question now is, when it comes to the field of HR, what is it that a Senior HR looks for when hiring a fresher candidate for an HR entry-level position (whether it be for recruitment or generalist, etc.)?

The basic purpose of asking this question is to understand what is expected from an HR fresher if he does get an opportunity or a call from companies or corporates.

It would be great if you could suggest some topics in HR that need to be prepared so that it could help the person attending the interview.

Regards,
Rakesh

Hi Seniors...

With all these experiences that you people have shared with us, I am sure that there would be some change in the mindset and perception of freshers with respect to the first job or role, and this includes me also in that list.

I now wish to actually broaden the horizon of the discussion by asking another query. Actually, I did ask this question in the earlier post, but I guess many didn't go through it. Hence, I am repeating it once again.

We all generally know what an HR round comprises of for other fields like engineering, production, etc. My question now is, when it comes to the field of HR specifically, what is it that a Senior HR looks for when hiring a fresher candidate for an HR entry-level position (this may be for any position like recruiter or generalist, etc)?

The basic purpose of asking this question is to understand what is expected from an HR fresher if he does get an opportunity or a call from companies or corporates. It would be of great help to suggest some topics in HR that the interviewee must go through before going to an interview.

Expecting the same kind of solid response.

Regards,
Rakesh.

Hello Rakesh,

It's not that difficult to get into an MNC or a good brand as a fresher in HR.

The only requirement is to align real-time job responsibilities with your understanding of specific concepts.

The industry is broadly divided into three main phases:

1) Beginner: 0 - 1.5 years experience - Executive
2) Proficient: 2 - 4 years experience - Sr. Executive, Assistant Manager
3) Expert: 4+ years experience - Manager, Senior Manager, and so on

As you are a fresher, the third phase is not suitable for you at this time.

If we focus on the first and second phases, it's advisable to opt for the first phase initially.

Many people believe they can perform roles above their current hierarchy level, but it's about gaining the necessary exposure and experience.

As a fresher, you should first determine which HR profile suits you best:

a) HR Recruiter Profile
b) HR Generalist Profile
c) Both of these

Then consider the following options:

1) HR Recruiter:
Join a consultancy/recruitment firm full-time at the beginner level to develop skills like teamwork, resume management, communication skills, target orientation, and organizational values.

2) HR Generalist:
Join a Labor Law Agency either full-time or part-time to gain in-depth knowledge of the statutory obligations a company must fulfill.

3) Both:
If you aspire to excel in both areas, consider working with recruitment consultancies remotely, paying initial costs if required. Engage in assignments part-time, visit labor courts or redressal forums, and assist agents to gain practical experience.

Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes. Your success depends on your abilities and efforts.

Yours truly,
Param

Hi, Dear Param,

As a fresher, I am also facing the same problems as discussed/questioned in detail by Rakesh and all others here. However, none of the replies were to the point because everyone has his/her own individual experiences. I was, in fact, more confused by all the replies here. But in your case, I found it to be something that would be really helpful for us freshers. Now, I am somewhat clearer on what I should do, and I hope others would feel the same way.

I really would like to thank you for your concern and suggestions.

Thank You,
Regards,
Gipsy

Hi Rakesh,

I have not read all the comments, but I would like to share my experience. I am a 2007 passout. I started my career with a very small company, and my salary was Rs. 9500. I worked hard, learned a lot, and now I have changed the company, with my salary being Rs. 21000 within 9 months. In a small company, you generally get good exposure and learn all aspects of HR. :)

Hi Rakesh,

I've been following the posts given by the senior and other members. I'm in a similar place. I've got 2 years of HR & Admin experience. Currently, I am pursuing MBA (HR) in my first year. My HR experience was in a consultancy for MNC BPO recruitments, which provided me with a great opportunity to learn about recruitments. However, when it comes to a Generalist Role, I am still considered a Fresher. Therefore, the best approach is to take things as they come and simultaneously keep looking for bigger opportunities.

One thing to always remember is that there is no such thing as a "Perfect Job" or a "Dream Job". If a job fulfills all your dreams, then it may not really be a job, as "JOB" stands for "Just Obey your Boss" (on a lighter note).

Let's keep in touch. I am also new to citehr.

Regards,
Shweta

Hi Rakesh,

I went through your post, and although I'm not a senior member, I would just like to give my point of view. I started my career by working in a BPO. After 2 years of night shifts, I decided to do an MBA, but I didn't want to stop working. So, I decided to go for a part-time MBA, which was not possible if I were to work in a BPO. I started to look for a job. Fortunately, I met a friend who was setting up his own small company, and he asked me to join him as an HR Executive as I was doing PGDBM in HR. I handled recruitment, induction, salary, etc., but he didn't pay me for 3 months. After that, he just wound up his company and said he was not able to manage the resources. We somehow adjusted our employees in our clients' offices.

Again, my search for a job started. I was not getting any offers because I didn't have any experience, and I had just started my PGDBM. Then, I got a call from a different startup company, and they took my telephonic interview. I got through. Since 1.3 years, I'm working with this company, and I have learned a lot. CITE HR has really been very helpful to me. Whenever I had doubts, I would get my answers here. So, in the end, I would just say that you need to keep looking for opportunities, and MNCs wouldn't give you one without experience. I would suggest that you should try for small companies or startups and then jump to an MNC.

Hope I haven't bored everyone.

Regards,
KT

Hi Rakesh,

I have gone through your post. It is true that for HR Freshers, it is difficult to enter into a core, generalized HR role. It can be possible through college placements only, or sometimes on your own, but chances are very slim. I am also a B.Tech and MBA in HR. I was unemployed for 5 months after my MBA. I had many opportunities in consultancies, but I did not accept them. Finally, I got a chance to work for a software firm as a generalized HR. Though the firm is small, I am learning a lot and also have offers from big companies now.

So, the bottom line is to keep trying. Don't prioritize money; focus on the profile. Also, don't stay unemployed during this period. Accept consultancies or do marketing while searching for your desired profile.

Best of luck,
Yogesh

Hi Rakesh,

It's true that the requirement for an HR generalist is very low. However, if you search diligently every day, there are opportunities available, although they may come with lower pay. Once you gain experience, you can easily progress. Freshers may not always secure positions in MNCs, but there are many opportunities in middle and small-scale industries. Don't lose hope; maintain a positive attitude and keep moving forward. You will definitely succeed.

Regards,
Rekha

Hi Rakesh,

Let me share my experience from where I started and where I have reached now. I hope this will answer a few of your questions. I understand the desperation of freshers, but we can't help it. Let's be practical first.

Jobs in HR General are relatively fewer compared to areas of strength like sales, marketing, and technical roles.

When I joined college, there was a gap after my graduation as I was working at that time. I was initially in sales but later realized my competencies and opted for an MBA. Once I joined MBA-HR, it became my obsession and passion to be different. I took initiative in all areas of my college, even conducting surveys and OD workshops. For me, MBA-HR was not just about my future but also my bread and butter compared to the challenging phases in my past. I was awarded the Gold Medal for being the outstanding student of my academic year.

Since joining college, my learning has not been merely from books but from my own research. I got inspired by different functional areas of HR and started developing skills. After my MBA, I faced almost a year of joblessness despite approaching numerous industries. I even had job offers canceled at the last moment.

I then considered research but couldn't get into a fellowship program due to a lack of immediate teaching experience. My first break in HR came in the recruitment area, specifically in international recruitments. I worked hard on my weaknesses and excelled as a Recruiter, eventually being awarded the Best Recruiter of the year.

With three years of recruitment experience, I knew where I wanted to go next. I focused on understanding processes, general HR functions, and staying updated with market trends and policies. This helped me transition into a General HR role as an Assistant Manager-HR, leading to my current position as Manager-HR in a software development company.

Self-confidence, thinking differently, and being open to challenges are key for freshers. Knowledge of current market trends, effective communication, flexibility, maturity, and creativity are essential in HR. Patience, work ethics, following instructions, and adaptability are also crucial.

Remember, the start may vary, but what matters is persistence until your goal is achieved. Learning is continuous, and adapting to different career paths is necessary in HR.

Feel free to contact me at [email address hidden] for any further discussions. Good luck!

Hi Rakesh,

First of all, don't worry. Even I have completed my B.Tech (ECE) and then pursued an MBA in HR. It was a really good suggestion that you first get into consultancy in the beginning. I do understand that you will be worried about the aspects of HR. Generally, all HR freshers mention that they are looking for a Core HR role (just like I did).

Please take the time to understand the industry before transitioning to an MNC. I suggest exploring recruitment firms as you can gain valuable exposure and, most importantly, interact with many people. This way, you can understand various case studies.

Don't worry about salaries. Even if people are coming from IIM's, you can give them tough competition if you have one year of experience. You need to work more than what your manager expects from you. Never fret about the hours of work; your value additions make a significant difference. During interviews, you should be able to describe what you have contributed to the company beyond your basic KRA's (key responsible areas).

Even if you join at a lower salary, you can negotiate for up to a 150% hike once you have a better understanding of how to negotiate and the various aspects of HR.

I am sharing this advice based on my own experience :-)

Regards,

Ravi
Executive HR

Hi Rakech,

I am happy that you brought this up. I passed my MBA last year, and I turned down all the marketing profiles during my campus placements because I was steadfast in pursuing HR. Finally, I did get placed on campus for an HR profile, but my first job was a nightmare. Despite having 6 months of experience as an HR generalist, I am still searching for a job. Seniors advise not to join consultancies, but how will they tackle employment gap-related questions in interviews? If you leave a company in 6 months, the HR asks why you quit in 6 months. However, if you search for a job for 6 months (because you don't want to join a company where you won't gain any learning and might quit soon), they ask what you did during those 6 months.

Why is it that a marketing fresher gets 25 to 30k, but an HR professional only gets 15 to 20k? What actually happens is that talented and interested individuals also shift to marketing due to limited opportunities and lower salaries (which occurred in my college).

At the end of the day, all of us are social animals, you see.

Hello everyone,

I have got my first job after completing my online MBA in HR in a small company where I handle almost everything admin and HR as there are only 8-10 employees. However, I am not getting exposure to salary preparations as there are no deductions here. I am learning all other things nicely. Please help me to know whether this is a good start for me. If I gain experience here, will it be helpful to me in the future for HR jobs in big organizations?

Please reply.

Thank you.

Hi,

I faced the same problem, but I would suggest that if you want to pursue a career in HR generalist roles, consider gaining experience in a small or mid-size company for at least 2 years.

Best of luck,
Sanjay Sharma

Hi to all,

It's really good to see all the replies here. I want to give advice to all the freshers: join any company or consultancy as recruiters and for other HR activities. Join an institute that provides all HR functions. Once you complete 6 months in one company, look for opportunities. Make sure to add other HR activities in your resume that you learned in institutes. I hope this works for you.

Pranath
chadapranath@rediffmail.com

Hi Rakesh,

Gone through your post, and it's quite true that it's difficult for MBA (HR) freshers to get a generalist position at the first instance. I too faced the same situation last year when I passed my MBA from Mumbai University. I then joined an MNC consulting company in Mumbai and after working for 1.1 years in recruitment and client relations, I got a great opportunity in a retail company in a generalist role as an Asst. Manager-HR.

What I believe is that for MBA freshers, if they are not from any top B schools, they should grab opportunities in recruitment as recruitment is the beginning for an HR person. Try to get into some big consultancies that have a brand name in the market. Don't run after money first. What you should concentrate on is the profile. Money will automatically come if you are good enough. Even if you don't have any practical experience of a generalist role, try to get your concepts right. I followed this way, and today I am very satisfied in my position as an AM-HR.

HR is all about learning from scratch. Believe in yourself, be confident, and you will surely fulfill your goal.

All the best!!!

Regards, Deep [Login to view]

Hi Param... thank you so much... the way you explained about the phases in an HR career and the ways to achieve the role we want is truly excellent... this information was one of the things that I was looking for to gain clarity on... as to what we need to do to achieve the role we want... And I am sure that this post will be helpful for many freshers... to decide... as to what to focus on...

Hi Reetu... great going... and thanks for posting..

Hi Swetha... as Gipsy said... I really liked the way you abbreviated JOB (Just obey your Boss)... Thanks for posting...

Hi Jaggu, Kalpana, Yogesh, Rekha... thank you so much for sharing your experiences... It's really very interesting to go through everyone's growth ladder... it definitely instills confidence and more importantly hope in the minds of Freshers... thank you seniors and do keep sharing and posting your experiences....

Hi Rkandadai... First and foremost... I thank you for showing your concern towards us freshers which reflects in the way that you patiently have written that long post of yours... when things like these happen, it makes me feel so happy... I am really getting many points from all of you... and I am sure that this guidance of you all will definitely take not only me but also other people forward in achieving their dream roles...

Thank you, Ravi. It's overwhelming to see so many showing their concern towards us freshers' problems and giving their valuable suggestions.

Seniors, my friend Laxmi (Dance) has a query related to the discrimination of pay that we see when we compare the HR salaries with that of the other specializations in MBA. We would be waiting to hear about this from you people.

Seniors, another query waiting for you from Asha. She is asking for your guidance. It would be great to see you help her out as soon as possible.

Hi Sanjay (monicar80), Pranath, thank you so much for posting.

Hi Deep (Naharkatia), thank you so much for posting. It feels great to receive responses from highly experienced people like you. I am sure with so many people's best wishes the day will be near when I achieve the role I wish for. Thank you once again for your valuable suggestions and guidance.

Hi friends,

I am a fresher MBA (HR). I am also facing the same problem. I completely agree with Rakesh because most of the companies are looking for experienced candidates. So when will the freshers get opportunities.

Hi Rakesh,

Do not be disheartened regarding your career, and I do agree with your points and queries as a fresher. You people have been called Technocrats (having a technical background with management knowledge) and will be in high demand. You should not search for a job in the consultancy field or somewhere else. You need to concentrate in your relevant field of industry. Most of the constructions, telecommunications, electronics, mechanical, etc., MNC industries would be looking for these types of profiles only.

As per my knowledge, you can try these types of industries; certainly, you would get an opportunity. As mentioned by our seniors before, though it is difficult to get a job as a fresher in the HR field because you need to deal with people, analyze the company's requirements, and have a rapport with statutory bodies, etc. There would be no training department in any company on these aspects, so companies prefer experienced candidates as these activities need to be dealt with on a daily basis. It requires responsibility and accountability. Therefore, companies would prefer only experienced candidates.

Hi Rakesh,
First of all you should not loose self belief be persevere.I am saying you a fact about every company think any their prosperity point of view.You should know before geeting enrolled in any company freshers have raw skill after moving through the tough and crest situation they imbibe some lesson in particular gamut.so Be hopeful,be positive....thats leads to the fath of success..
To keep up your motivation level up I am sending you a poem of Edger A guest
The spirit of this project study can be summed up in the form of this abovementioned poem of Edger A Guest. The study on ‘perseverance' reveals one of the success mantra in personal & professional life.

Believ this post will uplift your persistance.
Regards,
Rakesh Ranjan
Email:rakeshh.ranjan@gmail.com
Contact:+91-9718209570

Dear Rakesh,

Let me introduce myself. I have completed postgraduate studies in Psychology with a focus on HR in 2007 and applied through a job portal. I was immediately hired by an MNC on a contract basis.

In my opinion, working in a large MNC may not offer the opportunity to learn as much as working in a developing company would. The work in a big MNC is often specialized and repetitive. On the other hand, working in a developing company can provide you with the chance to learn from the ground up.

:icon1:

1) At the start of a career, learning is more important than earning.

2) When you get into any company, you gain experience that counts.

3) Sometimes you will be lucky to get into your dream company; otherwise, you need to struggle.

4) In the end, talent, confidence, and your knowledge count to the maximum extent. Be confident; your destination is just a few meters away. Don't lose hope; it's going to be disastrous.

Hi,

I can see that you are desperate to find an entry into the HR field. Let's approach this holistically. I would suggest trying out in BPOs. Some of my friends may not agree, but I suggest this for a reason. BPOs are areas where they prefer to train people in their processes from the beginning and utilize them for a minimum of 4 to 5 years. These BPOs have great opportunities to offer.

You might be wondering, "Do I need to work night shifts?" The answer is yes, as you would need to work for US or UK clients. However, the exposure you gain will be more than in a consultancy. My sincere advice is not to join a consultancy where you might be limited to recruitment. As an HR professional, you should understand everything related to employees and employment. Working in a BPO may be challenging, but your market value will increase in a span of 2 years. Why not practice recruitment in BPOs?

Please let me know if you have any other queries. This is my personal view, and you are the best judge.

Ram

Hi,

This is Rashmi here. I do agree with Syed Hassan... I would like to add a bit of my thoughts along with Syed's suggestions.

First, sit calmly in one place, write down your goals and dreams on one page. You have to follow this if you're a fresher. For example, if your goal is to become an HR Manager at Infosys/Google/Wipro, etc., first, realize your strengths and weaknesses. Consider if it is possible for you to become an HR Manager at Infosys at the beginning stage.

I believe no one can become an HR Manager directly without any experience. If you want to become an HR Manager, follow the steps below:
- First, realize your weaknesses and try to convert them into strengths.
- If you get an opportunity to work in a corporate, then grab the opportunity and start working. If you don't get the opportunity to work in corporates, work in small companies. No matter the salary, you can learn many things in small companies. Try to stick for at least 2 years, and then try for a corporate job. You will surely become proficient.

Below are the things required for freshers:
- ATTITUDE (Attitude is really required for freshers. Attitude is more important than knowledge, to be honest.)
- 100% Focus (Whatever you do, do it with 100% focus.)
- Commitment
- Brush up on your theoretical knowledge that you have learned so far.
- Update your knowledge on current affairs.

I believe this advice will help you. It will not only benefit you but also all kinds of freshers. Leave your comments on my suggestions at mailto.rashmig@gmail.com.

All the best for your bright and upcoming future.

Regards,
Rashmi:)

Hi Rakesh,

Your question is really genuine. It is not always difficult for MBA freshers to get a job in an MNC. However, the majority of the time, it happens through campus placements. Could you please let me know if you have any such facility from where you have done your MBA? In my company, we hire fresh MBAs through campus as Management Trainees, and after the successful completion of one year, they get a designation and role as per their performance. I would advise you to look for such opportunities and grab them when they come.

Regards,
Mehul Mehta

Hi Rakesh,

I completely agree with Mr. Syed because when we completed our MBA, we faced a lot of struggle to get placement in an MNC. So, take the suggestion given by Syed and secure the job.

Regards,
KARTHIK

Hi Rakesh,

As many of the members have replied, I would like to support them but also would not like to demotivate you. Our job is to motivate buddies. Let me add something from my side. To be very frank with you, you should start with any placement consultancy so you can gain experience in scrutinizing resumes. Later, you will have an idea of which candidate fits the opening.

1- This is the basic requirement of any HR profile, which is "RECRUITMENT."
2- After gaining this basic knowledge, you can enter the field of pure HR.
3- Initially, you will be treated as a recruitment executive, but after building your image with your seniors, they will slowly pass on their work to you, and that's where your actual learning will start.

I may be wrong, but I know some new junior HR professionals in the industry. Feel free to contact me, dear.

Hi,

Thanks a ton, everybody. Your valuable suggestions helped me a lot. Now, I feel a bit relief from confusion and tension. Now I can decide what to choose and how to start my career in the field of HR. Thanks a lot :)

Sravanthi

Hi Rakesh,

I'm sailing in the same boat too after completing my MBA-HR, and I completely understand the confusion you must be facing. Many MBA graduates are facing the same dilemma.

It's really difficult to find companies hiring freshers for an HR Generalist profile. Even if they do, the package is very low. The present HR scenario in the market, especially in Hyderabad, is IT recruiting for the US process, which is almost looked upon as a call center job, wrapped with a new tag as "IT-Recruiter."

I really appreciate that you have taken the time to put forward certain questions which every fresher has in mind but doesn't know who and whom to approach.

Nevertheless, I'd like to say that don't lose heart and wait patiently; you will definitely get the right break. I would suggest here that don't make a wrong career choice, such as jumping to other fields other than HR, as it will be very difficult to get back, and you will miss out on many opportunities that await you as well as valuable time that could have been quoted as your experience in HR.

Just go through Naukri and update your profile regularly. I believe you will be placed very soon. All the best for your interviews, and don't forget to share the news with us.

Cheers,
Reni

Hi @Jyoti,

It's good that you're interested in IT recruitments. It has a lot of scope, avenues, as well as incentives (keeping aside the usual slumps in IT). I have a few friends who, after working for 2 years as technical recruiters in consultancies with a good performance background, moved into companies like Perrot, Techmahindra, and Sapient.

There are many consultancies that hire freshers, although many prefer individuals with a BCA or any IT degree. However, many firms also hire complete freshers, so don't worry. Just brush up on your knowledge about IT, and you can easily get into it. You should be well-versed in languages, ERP, various IT skills, technologies, etc. There is a wonderful presentation someone uploaded here on IT recruitment; it will be very helpful. I'll update you if I find a link.

All the best! :icon1:

Dear seniors,

What Rakesh has asked is what we freshers are facing in the job market. As Vineeta said, if we are from a top B-school or a normal B-school graduate, I think there is not that much difference between them and us as we are both freshers. We might be lacking in certain skills. As a fresher, every corporate company has to provide training for the freshers, whether it may be a student from a top B-school or some other.

Regards, Arunajyothi

---

Hi to all seniors,

Well, as per the posts that I have seen under this forum, they all seem to be of a very serious nature. But I do feel that the question that I pose can only be answered by you seniors, as you would have faced the same.

The question is - Is it really difficult for MBA HR freshers to get into MNCs or companies as a first break? I would be thankful if any senior could suggest ways for freshers to get into good companies, which would be helpful for many freshers like me. I would also like to know how the market is presently for MBA HR freshers with a B.Tech background.

Thanks in advance.

Regards, Rakesh

Hi everyone,

I too am a fresher like Rakesh and have faced a similar problem. I was expecting to crack an interview with some top MNC during my campus and to start my career with a generalist profile. Unfortunately, I had very limited opportunities. MNCs were looking for candidates with experience, and they hardly came for campus placements. All we had were consultancies and industries with IR profiles on offer. Most of my friends settled for the consultancies, but I did not want to start from there. Believe me, I had such a hard time waiting for the right kind of profile.

It is only recently that I have finally bagged an offer with an organization (not an MNC) for a generalist profile. But I have still not joined, so I do not know exactly what kind of work I am supposed to start with. Being a fresher, I do not have much choice. Can seniors shed some light on what a generalist profile exactly means? Does it mean hands-on experience in recruitment, HRD, and PMS? If I can make a choice, what area of preference shall I choose? Is it possible to switch from a training profile to a recruitment one or vice versa? I might not have started with a big name, but I definitely want to make it big. How much experience would I need in this organization before I can finally be considered by an MNC? What kind of attitude and focus shall I carry to my workplace? I am going to join very soon. Please help me with your valuable suggestions.

Regards,
Sameena Arif

Hi all, good to see the topic being discussed. Yes, I do feel what has been mentioned by Rakesh. And on top of it... what do you think would happen to the people who have talent in them though not experienced... Didn't we study that performance is more important than experience! And how can it be that a person can gain experience when he is not provided the opportunity?

Though it might not be relevant to the earlier question, I actually want to broaden the horizon of our topic by asking a query. We all generally know what an HR round comprises of for other fields like engineering, production, etc. My question now is, when it comes to the field of HR, what is it that a Senior HR looks for when he is hiring a fresher candidate for an HR entry-level position?

I have the same question. What do you look for in a fresher? And why is there no required profile for HR? In MNCs, it's seen they promote someone from Ops into HR no matter what's the qualification. What would the senior suggest to us? What shall we do as freshers in this field?

Hey Sameena,

Congratulations!

You should feel good that you have got a break in some company as an HR Generalist. It is a huge field; do not be concerned much that it's not a big company with less salary and all that stuff. A generalist can be made to do anything: you might start off with a simple data entry job wherein you may wonder why you specialized in HR at all... but again, be patient.

Compensation & Benefits, appraisals, policies, employee engagement, rewards & recognition: these are a few areas of major appeal... however, they generally fall under the corporate wing so it may be a while before you get to do any one of these. There are others, like induction, payroll, full and final settlements, general admin work, which come more under the Line HR field.

Personally, I would say if you eventually are upgraded to a role in the corporate field with responsibilities related to, let's say, Compensation & Benefits, policies, etc., you would be well on your way to a great career. However, HR is a tough field, where it takes not only hard work but also patience and 'smart' work to grow and excel. So, being a fresher, take your time, and try to add on some relevant certifications later on.

Best Wishes!

Brandon

Dear Rakesh,

Based on my experience, I would like to suggest that you not focus on salary initially, as the market for freshers is typically challenging, unless you are from a Grade-A Business School. With a B.Tech background, you may naturally expect a higher salary even as a fresher in HR.

My advice for you is not to prioritize a high salary initially, and if you have an opportunity in an MNC even on Off Rolls, do not dismiss it. Consider the profile you will be handling and the exposure you will receive. You could also consider starting with reputable recruitment consultancies.

If you find my suggestions too direct, please forgive me. Have you observed the current state of the HR market?

Regards,
Eshwar Reddy

Dear Rakesh,

As far as the entry-level HR salary is concerned, whether one has graduated from a B-school or a non-B-school, it completely depends on how they present themselves and the creative ideas they bring to the HR department.

Secondly, it is not entirely accurate to say that only B-school graduates are accepted by MNCs. They do give some preference to them, but it is not a strict rule.

I would suggest not focusing solely on big-name companies; instead, continue with any organization where you can demonstrate your capabilities and eventually negotiate for a higher salary.

Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Thank you.

Hi Rakesh,

I agree with RK as he rightly said that one needs to have patience. I am working with a manpower solutions company (For convenience - Consultancy) for 15 months. I joined the company on a much lower salary, worked hard, received 2 promotions, and am now a BDM with the same company, earning a salary three times that of my initial one. It's just a matter of time as I have remained composed to transition to a generalist profile. Let's keep our fingers crossed for an opportunity!

Regards, Girish

Hi all,

Rakesh, I agree with all as it's hard to get an entry for a fresh MBA as they need a high salary. For fresh HR, they should start at a low salary, but in recruitment, that is different. However, as per my views, there are a lot of companies that hire fresh MBA HR graduates. Even I know a lot of them. You can try at any HR outsourcing company; you can get one easily.

Regards,
Samarjit

Hi guys and girls,

It's not difficult to get into MNCs; they take you on the basis of your candidature, irrespective of experience if the opportunity requires a fresher. However, if you are solely interested in high salaries and positions, they may not consider you, as you have to initially prove that you are the best performer.

During our MBA, we do summer projects, which provide us with some experience of corporate working. Therefore, I don't think any MNC will have any issue considering that as your work.

All the best to all the aspirants. Go and get it; if you have the power, you are sure to achieve it.

Sadhana
HR Personnel

Hi Rakesh and all who replied,

It was indeed very encouraging to read about the reality of the job market. I am also sailing in the same boat, searching for a job that offers me more than just recruitment. I was on the verge of losing hope, but reading this has given me new hope!!

Thanks a lot

Hi,

Even I am facing a problem in landing a role as an HR Generalist or in a corporate position despite having over 3 years of experience.

Hi Seniors,

Thank you so much once again for your responses. I truly feel lucky to get so many people's valuable guidance. I just wish and hope that these posts must be useful to all the freshers who are confused with what they want. Indeed, it's no wonder that they are the best guidance that we could ever get.

Thank you all once again.

Regards,
Rakesh

Dear Rakesh,

I am not a senior member but felt like giving my view as this is the query which students bring to me a number of times. I think that as a fresher, any opportunity is good and should not be neglected. Waiting for a great break in an MNC will only delay your getting a job. Instead, if you start working even in a small consultancy, it gives you a chance to explore and practice what you have learned. After an experience of, say, a year, it becomes easier to get into an MNC. This is a fact that most students find difficult to understand.

It is finally you who has to decide whether you prefer to wait for the big break or get going with small steps towards your dream job.

Regards,
Rabiya

Hello,

I have noticed MBA-HR professionals applying for jobs. The MBA degree adds value to their qualifications, but they often overlook the importance of the institution they graduated from. Quality varies from institution to institution. Prestigious schools like XLRI and IIM are well-regarded due to their superior methodologies. In contrast, many MBAs from other institutions approach their studies like any regular degree program, focusing on passing rather than gaining practical skills. They should prioritize staying updated with market trends. What is truly needed is application-oriented education that includes case studies and simulations to provide real-world experience for effective learning.

In my interviews with MBA-HR candidates, many struggle to answer even basic questions, lacking in-depth subject knowledge. Some candidates come across as overly academic, offering stereotypical responses during interviews.

As Syed mentioned earlier, many fresh MBA graduates aspire to high salaries and immediate junior management roles without first developing leadership skills. They are reluctant to start as trainees and learn from the ground up. This attitude can partly be attributed to certain policies of major multinational corporations. Some MNCs pay high salaries, up to 30-40k, to HR Executives who primarily handle administrative tasks without contributing to process improvement. Consequently, these individuals may find it challenging to transition to roles in local companies that offer lower salaries. They also struggle to secure positions that align with their salary expectations due to their lack of experience.

It is crucial for these individuals to understand that theoretical knowledge acquired through study may differ significantly from practical application. They should seek guidance from experienced professionals and use their theoretical knowledge to innovate and improve processes.

By changing their attitude and approach, they will enhance their employability prospects.

Raghu

Hi Seniors,

Of course, MBA HR Freshers find it very difficult to get a job in an MNC. Just look at this job posting on one of the sites:

HR RECRUITER/GENERALIST:
Industry: xxxxxxxxxx
Industry Type: IT-Software/Software Services
Functional Area: HR/Administration, IR
Location: Bengaluru/Bangalore
Post: xxxxx@xxxx.com

Send the details: Resume, Notice period, Current compensation, Expected Compensation

Job Designation: HR Recruiting/Generalist Roles
Level: Senior Assistant
Job Location: xxxxxx
Years of Experience: 0 to 2 years
Qualification: Any Graduate Degree Or Postgraduate in any discipline (other than HR)

Job Description:
About xxxAcademy Programme:
xxx has joined hands with xxx (one of the most reputed MBA institutes in Asia) to launch the 'xxx and xxx HR Academy' in 2005 that grooms young talent to cater to its internal HR needs. The xxx and xxx Academy is a 24-month program. At the end of the program on successful completion, the participants would receive the 'xxx and xxx Certificate in Human Capital Management'.

Curriculum
The Certification Program consists of two modules:
Module One
Module Two

Module One consists of on-the-job training including Accenture HR policies, processes, and developmental training.

Module Two includes on-the-job training at Accenture along with classroom sessions by xxx. The core program will aim to lay the foundation of human resources concepts.
Desired Profile: Candidates are hired as full-time employees in Accenture during the course of the program.

Please advise me on how an MBA HR candidate can get a job in the market. Do not think about how nonsensical this idea may seem.

Thanks,
Harish
hsaphr@aol.com

Hi Rakesh,

I agree with the point that Hassan Ali has made. After graduating as an MBA fresher, you need to gain experience. You can work in a consultancy firm to gain experience as a recruiter. Then, if you have the opportunity to work in a small firm, seize it and do not focus on a high salary until you have two years of full-time experience. Once you have gained this experience, you can position yourself in the market and negotiate for a higher salary.

I am also following the same path. I used to work for a top BPO brand where I earned around 19k to 20k per month. However, I wanted to transition into HR, so I had to compromise on the salary aspect to learn the ins and outs of HR. With experience, we can then aim for a higher salary.

My suggestion is to work in a small firm with a lower salary initially. This will help you understand the work profile, learn how policies are developed, familiarize yourself with salary structures, understand how to create performance plans, and learn how to handle various issues. I am confident that one day you will achieve success.

Elias :)

Hi friends, I am facing a similar problem. I have completed PGDHRM and am currently pursuing MBA-HRM in my first year. I am eager to work in the HR department, but I am struggling to find opportunities. Can anyone suggest firms that hire trainee HR Executives?

Reply: [Login to view]

Regards,

Asha Manjunath

---

Hi everyone,

First of all, thanks for replying to the post, seniors. As I mentioned earlier, I want to address the challenges that freshers like us encounter.

Many seniors emphasize the importance of gaining experience in HR first before progressing further. However, what advice do you have for my friend Simonthy, who, despite having a year of recruitment experience, is still not considered suitable for a generalist role?

Regarding Vineeta's question about whether these opportunities are only available at the top B-Schools, I would like to bring up the cost factor. While training HR professionals from prestigious institutions may be expensive for organizations, these individuals often command higher salaries due to their expertise, raising concerns about retaining them.

Moreover, isn't it true that talent and performance should hold more weight than experience alone? How can individuals prove themselves without being given the chance to gain experience?

Moving away from the initial query, I want to broaden our discussion by posing a new question. In other fields like engineering or production, we know what qualities employers look for during the hiring process. However, what specific attributes does a Senior HR seek in a fresher candidate applying for an entry-level HR position?

By asking this question, I hope to understand the expectations from a fresher in HR and how they can stand out in the hiring process. I encourage not only seniors but also fellow freshers to share their queries as this collective discussion can provide valuable guidance for all of us.

To all the freshers, let's make the most of the guidance offered by our experienced counterparts.

Regards,

Rakesh

Hi, I am working as an HR coordinator, but I want to know if there are any institutes in Hyderabad that offer HR generalist training.

Hi everyone,

Thank you once again, everybody, for giving in your valuable advice and suggestions... and I am really happy to share one great news from my end.

The best part is that my patience has given me rewards because I have been selected not by one but by two equally good companies, and I am actually in a position to choose one of them.

All you freshers out there, don't worry at all, as my fellow seniors, and most importantly, I have to address them as friends, as only their suggestions helped me much.

Once again, I feel indeed that having hope with determination will definitely fetch us the desired results we wish for. So don't lose hope and work towards your goal.

Thank you so very much, all of you, for your precious guidance.

Regards,
Rakesh

Hello Rakesh Sir,

I am a junior member studying MBA 1st year at Guwahati. First, I would like to congratulate you many times for your two great achievements. Next year, I am going to specialize in HR and then have to face the problems that you all face in finding a job as a fresher. As such, I would like you (if you get time) to share your experience - how you got through the interviews, what tricky queries they asked, and so on. This may be helpful to many freshers as you are now a motivator for us.

Thank you,
Pmon

Hi Rakesh,

I am so happy for you. You got selected in two companies. All the best for your future. I hope I too get an opportunity like you. Keep mailing me.

Simontiny

Hi,

I have 2 years of experience in HR. From the very beginning, I have been working with small firms. Now the scenario is that I am not getting a break in any huge organization. The reason behind this is that I don't have exposure to working with various tools and techniques, following well-defined processes, even though I have the concepts. Hence, my experience is increasing day by day, but not the exposure.

Hi Friends,

A very wonderful discussion, and really it is very informative for me as I am a fresher in HR. Can anyone suggest to me how I can get a good job in this time of recession? What qualities do companies look for in candidates?

Regards,
kumudsandip.

People, when you are passionate about something, don't despair and don't fret. You shall get your due, just be patient enough, and don't bow down to temptations. Stick to your grounds, and you'll be happy at the end of the day. And take up any opportunity that comes your way, in your profile.

Dear Rakesh,

I agree with you regarding the importance of performance over experience. It is a real fact not only for the HR profession but also for any field.

Coming to HR, the kind of opportunities are very limited in India. Since HR practices in India are not given priority, as one of them has quoted, it becomes a burden to the company.

In this regard, I say that the career path for an HR qualified graduate is very narrow, and the only way to go is into recruitment, which some people accept by chance but not by choice.

I have joined the RPO of an esteemed recruitment consultancy and am now finding it very difficult to move out. All I get is openings from consultancies. It has been a year now, and I could not find a single profile in corporate. Can anybody help me with this?

Dear friends, this is a really helpful discussion for everybody. Congratulations to everybody.

I have completed my MBA (HR) and looked for a job for 6 months. It was a really hard time getting a job, but HR and other resources kept my spirits high. Finally, I got a break in a small company where I work as an HR generalist.

My responsibilities include:
- Salary processing for 150 people
- Statutory compliance
- Union handling
- Policy development
- Employee welfare, etc.

I had to visit many companies repeatedly, but eventually, I secured the above profile through perseverance.

I have learned a lot through this role as I had no seniors or assistants in the company. I had to undertake all activities on my own, which provided me with a great understanding of the human resource field and jobs, in general.

Now, I feel confident and am striving for a better opportunity. Each of us has a unique story, and it's not going to be ready-made for us in HR. Everyone needs to find their own path to start and grow in our profession.

All the best to everyone. I would like to end with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's quote, "Nobody is born talented, but with perseverance and hard work, one can make wonders."

Regards,
Pratap

Hi Everyone, Please help me out to join the position of HR in an MNC because I am presently working with a construction company as an HR Admin, and I want to transition to the corporate sector in the HR field for my better future. I have 2.6 years of experience in the construction field. Could you please advise me on the suitable sectors for me to pursue the HR role?

Regards, Vimal Jain

Hi everybody, I am going through the same problem. Most companies coming to my campus are consultancy firms. Can you please help me figure out in what other functions as an HR fresher I should try off-campus? What are the ideal profiles we should be looking for as a fresher?

Hi all,

Could anyone help me out with some good courses that will help a fresher secure a job in MNCs? Additionally, based on your experience, what are the essential skills that an MBA-HR professional should possess to achieve success in their career?

Hi Rakesh,

I agree with you; it is quite difficult for freshers to get into the MNCs as everyone is asking for a good amount of experience. So, you have to start your career with small concerns. Of course, it is a dream of every individual to start their professional life with good companies. Because I'm also going through the same situation. Surely, you'll find a career in a good company.

All the best.