Exploring HR Career Paths: Can a B.Tech IT Graduate Transition to HR with an MBA?

Hi friends,

I am new to this forum. I am a B.Tech graduate in IT, and I am a fresher. My interest is to pursue a Master's/MBA in HRM. I would like to know if I can pursue a career in HR. What are the available options? Do companies other than IT firms hire HR managers? I would like to know about the career prospects available after finishing my course.

Thank you.

Hello Mitta Reddy,

First, you can do an MBA in whichever line you wish to. In the long run, an MBA with BTech is always a good combination. But even before this step, be sure of the reasons WHY you want to do an MBA. Your reasons will turn out to be important if you shouldn't get disillusioned later, as every career line has its own hiccups and glory points.

Regarding the career prospects, it's definitely a good path. However, you need to correlate your temperament vis-a-vis the HR line—meaning, are you suitable for HR? You will need lots of patience and the flair to handle people and issues, much more than a techie. If you don't possess these skills, HR may not be the right fit for you.

Now it's for you to figure out if HR suits you or not.

Regards,
TS

Thank you, tajsateesh, but I would like you and the other seniors to guide me a little. Can you suggest good colleges in India (paid seats) or abroad? Which other sectors recruit HR managers (other than IT)? What is the average pay of an HR manager?

I am the wrong guy to guide you regarding the colleges, Mitta Reddy :p

Regarding the salary for an HR manager, I suggest you don't decide based on the money factor. Anyway, you will not be joining as the HR manager right away after your MBA... right? Focus on building your base in your profession, whatever it finally is, and then the money will follow.

Regards, TS

Hi Mitta Reddy,

The career path you have taken is mostly opted for by techies. An MBA with a technical background is always a good choice. One thing to make you aware of is after your education, which field you would like to opt for. If your option to start your career is in the technical stream, then you should be able to answer why you have done your masters on the management side. Alternatively, if you are going to start your career with an HR role, you will be easily observed within the organization since you have both technical and management backgrounds. I would like to add that if your choice is to start your career in a technical stream, then at this moment, you do not need your masters in whatever stream. You can do it later.

Please let me know if you need any clarifications.

Regards,
Valli

Hi Mitra,

As a graduate, you can pursue an MBA in any stream. Regarding HR, you can major in HR and minor in IT. This could be the best combination for you. Don't focus too much on the financial aspect in the HR field, as initial earnings may not be high. However, as you gain experience, your pay will increase significantly.

When it comes to colleges, it depends on your ability to secure admission to the best institution.

Regards,
Priya
MBA-HR and Finance

It purely depends on your interest in pursuing the field.

I know IT companies that are not particular in hiring an HR personnel with an IT background. So you cannot say that only IT companies will hire you. See what made you think about choosing HR. Is it the passion for that field? Your interest in deciding to choose HR will define the opportunities for you.

Hey, as you have a strong IT background, you can first learn about Human Resources and then introduce software systems to automate certain processes that can reduce manual work. So that does not mean only IT companies will hire you! And one more thing - if you have planned to achieve something - be dead sure that you will concentrate only on that, don't deviate. Many people would have not achieved that, but that does not mean you will have to make their failures as yours too.

Good Luck!

Hello Mitta,

As Asha has rightly said, the stream to choose depends on your interest. When it comes to an MBA, it involves understanding the business of the organization and people management. So, whichever sector you are in, you should be able to do this. Given your IT background, the IT sector may be more comfortable for you in terms of understanding the work and realizing the job of employees. However, this does not mean that other sectors will be difficult for you.

Regarding institutions, for HR, XLRI Jamshedpur and TISS in Mumbai are considered the best in India.

Regards,
Mithun

B.Tech with MBA is always a good combination where you possess both technical and soft skills.

Hey Mitta,

Mine is a similar case as well. I am a B.Tech fresher with specialization in bioinformatics. I have a deep interest in HR. Currently working as a Recruitment Trainee in RMG Tech Mahindra, thinking to go for a part-time MBA in HR. I am enjoying the work, and this is what drives me all the time.

A lot of people will scare you about changing the line and all, but I believe that there are no rules in the industry. You can make your own and then prove them right. So, if that is what interests you, definitely go for it.

Kindly contact me at [Login to view].