Feeling Stuck in Data Analysis: How Can I Transition to HR Without Experience?

Dear Seniors,

I have been working in a dot-com industry as a junior data analyst for the past two years and want to switch my career to the HR Department. However, I have no HR responsibilities or experience in my current company, and I am currently pursuing an MBA in HR (1st Semester).

The issue is that my senior doesn't want to give me any HR responsibilities or HR-related work; he wants me to remain solely as a Data Analyst because there is no one else available to handle data-related tasks, and there is limited career growth in data analysis. Additionally, it is challenging to secure an HR executive position for two reasons:

1) I lack HR experience.
2) I have not yet completed my PGHRDM (MBA-HR).

If I were to transition to the HR industry after completing my MBA, I would feel like I had wasted four years in data management. I am feeling very puzzled and would appreciate suitable suggestions and solutions.

I am eagerly awaiting your response.

[IMG]https://www.citehr.com/images/misc/progress.gif[/IMG] [i]<link outdated-removed></i> (Search On Cite | Search On Google)

Bhuwan,

The best way to start your career in HR is to move towards Payroll processing in any company. Start small, get experienced in the activities like Payroll, Salaries preparation, and Generation of MIS. Set a target of one year. Complete your HR-related studies and focus on the future.

Good Luck,

Kumar

Please contact recruitment agencies in your locality, starting from small-scale industries where you can gain maximum exposure in all fields before you can become a complete HR generalist. Please leave your earlier company by finding out new options.

Thanks,
Pundalikhr

I will go with the solution that Pundalikhr has suggested.

I myself have worked in the BPO industry for 2 years and tried to pursue opportunities within the same company where I was working. Unfortunately, I did not get any chance to showcase my capabilities there, which was also the case while I was pursuing my MBA through distance learning.

Subsequently, I transitioned to a consulting firm as a recruiter, where I gained valuable exposure and received two promotions within 1.6 years of consulting experience. Now, I have attained a middle managerial position in a reputable organization with an attractive salary package.

I would recommend either joining a good consulting company or reaching out to consultants who can assist you in finding opportunities in the HR sector in a different industry.

I too have posted the same question as yours. If I were in your situation, I would start searching for a job in the HR field. Try any small or mid-level company where there is exposure. Networking is very important; just ask your friends and try to get into an assistant-level position. I hope the HR field is not like data processing, where you monotonously have to do the same task repeatedly. In the HR field, you have the opportunity to always prove yourself. Meanwhile, don't waste your time and enroll yourself in some diploma or certificate courses, like a Diploma in Labour Law from Annamalai University, and certifications related to payroll, etc. There are many resources available; just search CITEHR, and you will learn a lot.

All the best. Inform me when you get the job. Keep trying, and don't lose hope.

Consider a Career Shift to HR

It's better to search for a new job in HR because very few companies give lower-level employees the opportunity to showcase their capabilities in higher-level tasks. If you secure a job in the HR field, even at a basic level such as attendance monitoring, it will be more beneficial for your career than being a data analyst. Why do you believe your past experience would be wasted if you apply for a fresher position? You might have a better chance of being shortlisted for interviews compared to other fresh candidates.

Regards