Feeling Stuck in My HR Career: Should I Pursue More Studies or Stay the Course?

Hi All,

I am a bit confused about my career path. I am pursuing an MBA through distance learning from IMT Ghaziabad, and I am working with a recruitment consultancy firm handling senior-level and middle-level management positions. I wanted to know if I have selected the right career path or if I should look for something else. Moreover, as my MBA is a distance learning program, should I pursue a regular diploma in HR? If yes, please suggest some courses and institutes. I am highly confused; please help me.

Hi Sourabh,

Lots of us have started our careers with placement/HR consultants before we got a major break. A full-time degree/diploma is always considered better than a correspondence course, but as you would be in a position to show some experience, maybe that disadvantage would vanish. You might be meeting a lot of senior HR professionals while on your job, so talk to them about your MBA projects and take help from them. This would let them know that you are pursuing an MBA in HR and that you are really interested in the field.

Once you complete your MBA, get in touch with them. With the rapport you built in the years with the senior managers, it is quite possible that you could get a good break with them. Furthermore, as an ethical point, let your management know about your intentions. I am sure that your current employer would understand you and might also help you out once you complete your MBA.

Ajmal Mirza
mirza_ajmal@yahoo.com

Hi,

Thank you a lot for replying, and I really appreciate you taking the initiative in helping me out. Sir, as you told me that most HR people start their career in consultancy, it has somehow reduced a lot of tension from my heart and mind. Now one more thing which I wanted to ask you is if I pursue any short-term HR management course, is it going to help?

Moreover, my job profile in my current organization includes:
1. Searching the CVs
2. Contacting the candidates
3. Arranging the interviews
4. Taking feedback

Is this kind of profile going to help me in the future? Please reply.

Thanks a lot

To be true, that is the kind of work you might need to do if you join the recruitment team of a large organization. But to get deep into HR, you need to learn a lot more. Try to get in contact with your clients (normally, senior HR managers are in touch with recruitment consultants). If you create the right image with these contacts, they could help you in getting your break. As for your studies, try to relate whatever you study to actual practices and situations in the industry (since you are already working, this should be easier for you than for a fresher with no work experience). I have worked with an HR consultancy for around 2.5 years and have seen a lot of people moving to HR departments of our clients from my colleagues (of course, with our CMD's permission).

Ajmal Mirza
mirza_ajmal@yahoo.com