Choosing HR Specialization in MBA: Can It Limit My Career Options in Marketing?

Hello to all my seniors,

I need your suggestion. I'm pursuing MBA (2nd semester) at Sikkim Manipal University in Guwahati. Starting next semester, we have to choose our specialization subjects. We have a single specialization option. I am interested in HR, but I am concerned about its limited scope in the northeast. I am really worried about my future job prospects, especially since our college does not have campus placements.

Another important query I have is, since we have a single specialization, can we secure Marketing positions even with an HR specialization? Or do we need to study Marketing separately after completing our MBA in HR to enter the Marketing field?

Please advise as I am feeling confused. I am eagerly awaiting your valuable suggestions by this Friday.

Hi,

There is nothing to worry about at all. An MBA is a comprehensive course that ensures you can easily handle all administrative jobs. Regarding HR, you could move to any of the metros and secure a job there. Additionally, you could also pursue a marketing position.

Hi,

You can confidently pursue HR specialization because, in my opinion, both HR and marketing jobs, from one perspective, require the same qualities and skills. Here are some similarities:

1. In marketing, you need to interact with clients. In HR, you need to interact with people in the organization.
2. In both marketing and HR, you need to have good communication skills and negotiation skills.
3. In marketing, you have to understand the changes in market conditions and adjust your plans accordingly. In HR, you have to understand the job market conditions and create employee retention plans accordingly. Of course, as an HR professional, you do not need to travel.

These are just a few similarities I have found in both HR and marketing jobs. However, I cannot say that these professions are exactly the same. Dear senior members, please correct me if my opinion is unclear.

Regards,
Anil

Hi,

I will not encourage you to take up HR as a specialization if you are planning to stay in the Northeast. I have been an HR professional for the last 5 years in the Eastern Region, and what I see is there are plenty of jobs to choose from in any metro near your home - Kolkata or Delhi, and relatively much fewer but still considerable numbers in Guwahati, Siliguri, etc., Tier 2 cities. Again, if you are looking to pursue Marketing, the opportunities might be more, but in the Northeast, it is equally limited.

The call is yours! Hope this helps.

Hello Pmon,

It is better to decide between HR and Marketing because when you go for placement, people will judge you by your specialization.

HR - lesser opportunities, lesser pay, lesser workload, lesser tension, lesser growth.

Marketing - All of the above are in excess.

If you are pursuing an MBA and aiming for growth, you may have to consider shifting from NE to Kolkata or Delhi.

Riyaz

Hi,

You need to be focused first of all. Decide whether you want to opt for Marketing or HR. Getting a job in both fields as a fresher is very complex. If in case you think that you are really good at people management, interaction, and interpersonal skills, then opt for HR. If you think that you are good at analysis, branding, and new ideas, then go for marketing.

Regards, Chanda