Should I Switch to a Specialist Officer HR Role Despite Lower Pay and Career Risks?

Hi all,

I have received an offer from a premium scheduled bank as a "Specialist Officer HR" at scale I, with a salary ranging from 13,000 to 15,000 Rs per month. Currently, I am earning more than this and working in the field of Training & Development. My interests also lie in T&D.

However, my family and friends are advising me to accept the offer because it is prestigious, coming from an old-generation bank and is considered better than my current position. I have learned that the minimum period for promotion in the bank is around 5 years.

I seek guidance on choosing the right option. I would like to understand the career prospects of a "Specialist Officer HR" and the duties I may be required to perform. My husband suggests joining and working for a few years, with the option to quit if I lose interest. However, I am concerned that leaving the T&D field may make it difficult for me to return in the future.

I would appreciate your help and advice on this matter.

Thank you,
CV

Hi cvadhana,

Choosing the right kind of career entirely depends on your attitude and aptitude. A Specialist Officer-HR position in a bank is not a bad proposition at all, especially considering the current boom in the financial sector. In terms of job security and comfort, opting for a bank job is a sound choice without any second thoughts.

If your career aspiration is to become the Head of T&D in an MNC one day, you can certainly achieve that goal by preparing yourself with a holistic approach and dedication. It all depends on your enthusiasm and determination. Take the time to think carefully and make a wise decision that will ultimately lead to your own happiness and contentment, as well as that of your family.

Regards, PRADEEP

Hi CV,

This decision has to be made by you irrespective of the comments by me and Pradeep. However, we would just share our perspectives. 😊

Your present brief profile as we understand:
- You are married.
- Working in Govt Deptt with exposure in T&D.
- You must be around 25-28 years old.

Desire: To become a Trainer.
Present option: Specialist Officer - HR in a scheduled bank.

Since we do not know the job profile as such, it is assumed that it would be a generalist one.
To be a successful trainer, one must have hardcore line experience, such as sales, procurement, HR, etc. Then leverage your experience to gain credibility and add value in the training imparted to the participants. Look around the profiles of successful trainers, rather than just parroting the points from PPTs is not what makes one a successful trainer.

As I said, it is not right to influence your decision, but you have to think it out well from your perspectives, your SWOT, and your Goals.

Best wishes,
Rajat Joshi

Hi Vadhana,

If the assignment is going to offer you an elevation at least once in 5 years, it is good. As you may appreciate, the banking sector is progressing by leaps and bounds and marching towards a complete "Officer-Oriented" company. Many old-timers and freshers have bright opportunities to sharpen their skills, and a lot of transformation will take place. Your real role as a T&D specialist shall by default bestow on you a special responsibility to face this challenge of "Organisational Transformation" wherein your expertise will directly reflect on OD. As I believe in banks, there will be Staff Training Colleges everywhere, and your T&D expertise can mold many budding starters to reach heights in their career paths. Being a Faculty in STC is a wonderful opportunity. Though immediately it may not happen with you, in due course of time, you can impress upon Bank Management to give you a shift to T&D, thus posting you in STCs. I strongly suggest you take up this assignment, which, as a lady, is not only comfortable for you but also will help you in meeting the organizational goals too at the hour of need.

Regards,

Srinivaskvmk