How Can I Break into HRIS with a Non-Technical Background? Seeking Career Advice!

Hello all,

I am a graduate student of Human Resources and Organizational Development at a Midwestern business school in the US. I need some advice regarding career opportunities in HRIS. My previous background includes a BBA in Management. I don't have much HR experience as I started my masters right after the undergraduate. I would like to request you to please tell me how I can get into the HRIS field after my masters. There are no specific HRIS-related courses at my university except one which is "HR and Technology."

I want to start early for my HRIS career. Do I need to do some courses/certificates in SAP HR, PeopleSoft, or Oracle HR? At the moment, I don't have a technical or programming background, but I am open to new learning. Do you think that I need to take IS courses, and which courses should I take?

Thank you in advance.

Hello all,

I am a graduate student of Human Resources and Organizational Development at a Midwestern business school in the US. I need some advice regarding career opportunities in HRIS. My previous background includes a BBA in Management. I don't have much HR experience as I started my master's right after the undergraduate. I would request you to please tell me how I can get into the HRIS field after my master's. There are no specific HRIS-related courses at my university except one, which is "HR and Technology."

I want to start early for my HRIS career. Do I need to do some courses/certificates in SAP HR, PeopleSoft, or ORACLE HR? At the moment, I don't have a technical or programming background, but I am open to new learning. Do you think that I need to take IS courses, and which courses should I take?

Thank you in advance.

Hello Josh,

Finally, I have encountered someone who has completed an MS in HR from the US. :) I have a pile of questions!

Well, I am a software professional from India. I also want to pursue my career in HR.

1) Is it a good idea to pursue an MS in HR rather than an MBA in HR?
2) I hope there are some colleges whose MS programs are more reputable than their MBA programs. Please tell me about the future prospects.
3) I am not able to find anywhere the list of colleges that offer this course. Could you please provide the list of colleges that offer the same?
4) Although I am working in a software firm, I don't find myself very interested in technical stuff. Does this course include technical content?

Hello Josh,

Finally, I have encountered someone who has completed an MS in HR from the US. :) I have a pile of questions!

Well, I am a Software Professional from India. I also want to pursue my career in HR.

1) Is it a good idea to pursue an MS in HR rather than an MBA in HR?
2) I hope there are some colleges whose MS programs are more reputable than their MBA programs. Please tell me about the future prospects.
3) I am not able to find anywhere the list of colleges that offer this course. Could you please provide the list of colleges that offer the same?
4) Although I am working in a software firm, I don't find myself very interested in technical stuff. Does this course include technical content?

Well, that's enough for now. I can imagine you fainting now; I would be really grateful to you, and I am sure you'll help me out.

Thanks in advance. :)

Josh,

I guess my first comment regarding your goal to develop expertise in HRIS is which "package" you decide upon might be influenced by many factors. Do you have an industry segment that most interests you, like hospitality or healthcare, telecom, or what? I would look to see which packages are most used in the sectors that excite you.

Since your background suggests that you are more interested in the business applications of MIS tools, I don't think you need to consider in-depth IS courses unless you see yourself as a technical implementation guru. I would recommend that you track down some folks whose core work is in the various products you mentioned and have discussions on how they view the path for becoming an HRIS expert.

@kenita,

I am sailing on the same boat as you. I am doing my engineering, and now I want to pursue an MS in HR. Could you please let me know if your queries were answered? I am also unable to find a list of colleges offering MS in HR specifically.

Thank you.