Navigating the Start of Your HR Career: Insights and Advice

Hey Seniors,
I have been reading many different articles and forums about individual's experiences starting out in HR. I'm very interested in a career in human resources. I have a number of questions that I would like answered:
1. I was wondering if you started your career in human resources as an HR assistant, or did you jump right into generalist/specialized job immediately after college?
2. Are internships the only way to get your foot in the door at big companies; is there another, or better way to go about this?
3. Also, I was curious in knowing if a large amount of people have to work at job temporary agencies in order to meet all qualifications needed to work their way up in the HR field?
I'm very open to all advice and/or suggestions.

Hi,

First of all, you have not mentioned what you are currently doing. If you have just finished graduation, I would advise enrolling immediately in a specialized HR course like MBA-HR or MPM from a well-known university or college. This will automatically bring you opportunities in HR.

Try to find a placement in recruitment consultants that are well-known in your city. From there, you can build good contacts and rapport with various HR professionals in the corporate world.

Regards,
yashswa

The question that you have asked is quite broad. Be specific. Your profile shows that you are in Ohio.

It all depends on where you do your Master's in HR. If it is from a good institute, you can be hired from campus at the level of Management Trainee. After that, they might promote you as Assistant Manager or Deputy Manager after the completion of your probation period. If you have not done your MBA from a good institute, then you will face some problems in getting a first job. You might need to start your career as a temporary employee or as an HR Assistant. So, that makes the whole difference. If you are good and learn fast, you can grow.

I think this will help.

Regards,
Sanjeev Sharma

Sorry I didn't clarify what I am currently doing, because it would make it hard for people to answer my questions. My fault, I thought it would be assumed.

-Yashswa

I am currently a student (senior) at The Ohio State University studying Communication Technology and specializing in Human Resource Management, I will graduate in spring 2007. I'm hoping to apply my communication knowledge of technology of different techniques to improve company productivity

-Sanjeev

I am interested in pursuing my MBA, but I have always read and heard from people, that it is better to go back to college for your MBA after you have experience in the field.

Right now, I'm currently thinking about applying for the position for a recruiting/staffing coordinator for a small company. However, I have no experience.

When you begin your career in Human Resources do you have to start at the bottom doing HR Assistant work or temporary recruiting/staffing work?

I have a 95% chance of getting an Office Assistant job, but I don't want to waste my time when I could possible get an HR Assistant job. Which would be better in pursuing my HR career? I've had the impression that an Office Assistant job was synonymous to an HR Assistant job, is this true?

Hi ScootzHR,

If you want to go into recruitment/staffing, then employment agencies and recruitment consultants would be the best option. Since your specialization in graduation is in HRM, I don't think there would be any problem with getting a job with recruitment consultants.

Sanjeev, what is your opinion? I don't know about the work culture in Ohio. I have given suggestions based on what we prefer here in India.

Regards,
Yashswa