Feeling Stuck in HR: Should I Switch to Economics or Marketing Research for Better Career Satisfaction?

:D Hi !

I seek an important Career Suggestion/ Guidance from Dear Friends and HR Gurus. I shall be helped a lot for any feedback …

At present working in a BPO in the capacity of Executive HR (SBU HR Representative) in Mumbai, my Profile is of a Generalist HR. I learnt SAP r/3 HR on my own and have a deep interest in learning new technologies … working in present profile at the end of the day I don't think I am gaining much job satisfaction. Also, on the compensation front I think I deserve a little bit more .. :(

I do hold a Masters Degree in Economics, and always been within top 1% of merit rank holders at University level (a Central university of India). Wanted to go for a Ph.D. in my primary area of Interest (Economics) from a good foreign university, which, despite selection and completion of basic formalities never happened due to certain constraint. The reason for doing Masters deg. in HRD was my own interest, and the fact that it will be on a Govt. scholarship.

Having read so much in HR domain I hardly find any application on which I have ownership or freedom to contribute, and beg you pardon for saying this … working as ‘shadow' HR with limited or no responsibility from which I can learn. Even after sincerely working for organization, 80% of my energy is wasted to manage organizational politics and emailing … :icon7: does working sincerely for my internal customers (i.e. Human Resources) pay? The Organization is good, however I feel it's a kind of mismatch. Yes .. I've got a rare achievement .. compliments from my employees. Some of them do value my efforts ... :mellow:

I tried to write to good organizations, which might value Education … however ended up in disappointment :mellow: . Probably no organization wants to recruit a person without ‘good' experience … however, in the field of Economics I got surprisingly good offers from corporations in Econometric Research/ Analysis, being a fresher. :huh:

I lost touch in Analytical Economics since joined in HRD … however I have confidence that it will be possible for me to do justice with my competencies (however turned those offers down as of now!) :icon8:

I am 25, got a Grad. Degree in Economics in First Class First, MA (Economics) in First Class Second, and a Masters in Personnel Management & IR in First Class Second, Received a National Scholarship from Ministry of HRD (in Economics), University Merits' awards. … Experience is not much, around 8 months in HR …

I also received CSIR Letter of appreciation for Paper presentation (Expert Systems) in National Millennium Technology Leadership Initiative Prog. (Govt. of India, Ministry of Science & Tech.).

Just wanted to know from fellow HR Practitioners and Gurus … :icon1:

1. What is the prevailing Minimum and Av. CTC for a Generalist HR in ITES Company for this experience and qualification?

2. Should I leave HRD forever and enter into Economic/ Marketing Research?

I shall be helped if anyone could guide me on the following .. :arrow:

1. Any Organization, which is working in the interfaces areas of Economics-HR or IT-HR … what are their selection criteria?

2. Can a MBA HR fresher with exposure to Information Systems be taken for SAP or ERP implementation projects as Functional Consultant?

I am in a vulnerable stage of my career, and do understand that if I don't take a firm decision now, it may be fatal for career ... and Probably I wish to achieve things a little faster ... but I shall value your candid opinion and suggestion. :icon1: and shall be thankful for any and all feedbacks from dear friends and HR Gurus ...

Regards,

Thesysthink

Hi,

I think it would be better if you first decide what your priority is: money or work. In the initial phase of a career, gaining good experience is more important than monetary considerations. Considering you have a degree in Economics and HR, it is essential to be clear about where you want to build a career because if you enter a field initially focused on money, you might realize later that it is not the career path you want to pursue.

I am not an expert in these aspects since I am also new to HR. I hope my reply is somewhat helpful to you.

Dear Deepti,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, you are right. I definitely want to make a decision now, and a right decision. That's why I'm taking some time. However, I am confused because the difference in compensations is really high!

I just wanted to find out:
1. Am I underpaid?
2. Am I learning, if learning at all?

Can you please suggest what should be the present rough estimate salary range (lower & average annual CTC's) for an HR Generalist in a Mumbai-based BPO?

Thanks once again for your reply.

Regards and take care,
thesysthink

Hi,

Sorry for the delay in replying. In regards to an HR generalist package, I am unaware. I would suggest you get in touch with some consultancies as they have a wider knowledge regarding HR generalists packages, etc. As I have said earlier, I am a fresher in the field of HR.

Have a great weekend.