Balancing Work and Education: Should I Pursue Further HR Studies or Specialize?

Hi all :)

I stumbled upon this site by sheer luck and am actually finding it very useful. Before posing my questions, I would like to introduce myself to the other members of the forum.

I hold an MBA in International Business and graduated last June. I chose International Business as my major in MBA, focusing on Organisational Behavior, Strategic HRM, cultural management, and similar aspects, i.e., the HR component in IB, rather than International Finance and International Marketing. After completing my industrial training and dissertation report in HR, I was fortunate to secure a position in a manufacturing company where I handle not only HR but also the Personnel aspect.

I have been working here for almost half a year now and I thoroughly enjoy my work. However, I wish to continue my studies to stay current. My queries are as follows:

1) Should I pursue a full-fledged distance education course in HR from Symbiosis or another reputable college? Or

2) Should I opt for a short-term course in a specific area like Training and Development, etc.? Or

3) Should I consider a course like MA in Psychology from a reputable institute? Or

4) Do you have any other suggestions for me?

I would greatly appreciate any guidance or assistance you can provide on this matter.

Thank you and Regards,

Swati

Dear Swati,

First of all, tell me, have you taken minors in HR during your MBA, and what exactly do you want to learn from these courses? Then I will be able to provide you with more information on this issue by utilizing my experience.

With best regards,
Sanjeev

Hi Swati,

As you have already completed the MBA, what I would suggest is that you pursue LLB with a specialization in Labor Laws (since you are handling the personnel department). This would not only benefit you currently but also be essential once you are leading the department, as having knowledge of labor-related legal matters would be crucial for the job.

Dear Swati,

It's nice to know that you did your Masters in International Business, yet you are interested in O.B. and even handling the Personnel department. As Ajmal said, if you do B.L., it will be useful for you in personnel matters. However, doing B.L. (part-time) is no longer possible as the practice has been discontinued (In Andhra Pradesh, it is so, and I think it is the same across the country). Hence, it will be useful to pursue any correspondence course, i.e., P.G. Diploma in HRM or a P.G. in Psychology from any reputed institutes. Since you have already pursued an MBA, it is sufficient to have a P.G. diploma than a regular MBA course with H.R. specialization. Doing a degree in Psychology may help you become an independent consultant in the future.

If you are looking into any specialized courses for Training and Development, please inform me as I am also interested in enrolling in such a course, as at present, I am in Training activity.

Regards,

Srinivas

Hi Swati,

It seems your interest is in HR, and there is a good scope for HR professionals compared to Personnel & IR. I think you should consider pursuing a specialization course in HR or Training.

With best regards, KC Paliwal

Dear Mr. Venkatesh,

I am a CA currently pursuing an MBA with a keen interest in HR. Your post regarding the SHRM certification and the opportunity to pursue it in India excites me.

Could you please provide me with more information on this?

Thank you.

Hi Shivjeet,

I think that the qualifications you are gathering are good enough to get you a start in an HR department of an IT company. I believe that some laws are being modified or enacted for IT firms post the Delhi BPO scam. It's important to keep track of these changes as they may play a vital role in your interview, whenever that happens. Additionally, stay updated on the latest happenings in the IT sector in India, especially related to HR issues or any other issues that might affect HR in the industry.

Hi all,

Now, I am a little bit of a reversed case in regards to people who have completed their MBA and are now considering psychology. I am currently pursuing my master's in psychology with a specialization in O.B. The dilemma I am facing now is whether or not to pursue an MBA. How critical is it? Moreover, I am inclined towards enrolling in a reputable institute since it will mean investing another two years of my life in obtaining a double postgraduate degree. This decision is crucial for me, whether or not to take up an MBA. I kindly seek guidance and am looking forward to some advice on this matter.

As an HR professional, would you consider hiring a Psychology Graduate and a Postgraduate (specializing in O.B) for a vacancy in HR at your organization? A sincere response to this inquiry would assist me in evaluating my position and making an informed decision.

Thank you for your help.

With Regards,
Pragati

Hi Pragati,

I think that you have good qualifications, and it might not be essential for you to get an additional MBA degree to land a job in HR. You could try applying to some well-known corporates as well as some good MNC call centers.

As for an MBA, if you feel inclined, you can pursue an Executive MBA alongside your job to gain a broader perspective.

Thank you.

Hi Pragati,

I fully agree with Ajmal's views as you are studying Psychology, which would prepare you well for the future compared to an MBA in HR. In the upcoming years, there will be a demand for specialists in areas such as assessments, psycho-profiling, etc.

All said and done, HR is about three things - people, people, and people! I am sure you wouldn't have any problem.

Regards,
Rajat

Hi Azmal,

Thank you, Azmal, for your valuable suggestion. I also want to know where I can get information about the laws that are being modified or enacted, and the latest happenings in the IT sector, especially related to HR issues. Can you suggest some sites?

With regards,
Shivjeet

Hi Swati,

I have gone through your mail and feel that you are lucky to have started your career by working in a manufacturing concern where you will get the maximum exposure and experience. You will also gain a lot of experience in the statutory/labour law field.

Firstly, in case you wish to pursue your education further, then it is better you take the option of distance education, perhaps with majors in the HR field.

Secondly, Training and Development is also a very good field. With experience, you can even become a professional trainer catering to the training needs of corporates, wherein you will be your boss.

Thirdly, you can do a diploma or a degree in MSW, which is in very great demand today in India.

As a senior member on the site has already suggested pursuing a course in Law combined with labour law is also a very good option, which will play a vital role in your job since you are handling the workforce in an industry.

All the very best to you!!!

Regards,
Sadashiv Rao :D

Hi everybody!

I am in the second year of MBA-HR. Can anyone suggest a topic for the HR presentation at my college? This presentation carries 4 credits. I am looking for a topic that is:

1. Related to HR
2. Very interesting
3. Something new to this subject
4. Full of learnings
5. Something different

I want this presentation to be very interesting, creating a lifetime experience for my teachers, friends, and myself. Can anyone help, please?

Life is not easy.

I went through the websites referred to and think that the option of getting certified as SPHR is really good for people who can't attend regular classes and obtain qualifications like an MBA. Would you mind giving me some more ideas, like the value of the same as far as the job market in the Middle East is concerned? Also, please advise me on the topics to be covered and the time to be spent on preparation for taking the exams, and how tough it is to clear.

Hi Venkatesh,

Please tell me about anyone who is PHR certified or if you can help me with more details, that would be fine. I have gone through their handbook and am planning to take the exam. How difficult would it be to clear the exam? Would you mind sharing some personal experiences related to learning and SPHR certification? If you have any tutorials related to it, please do share them with me. I am currently in Dubai and am considering taking the exam at the Prometric center in Dubai. Please help.

Thank you.

Hi All,

I am a new member of this site and must say a lot of interesting activity is happening. I hold a Master's Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Organizational Psychology and have been teaching the subject for the last nine years. Recently, training and development have caught my interest. I am already engaged in holding training programs for schools but am keen to enter other industries as a soft skills trainer in the future.

Can I enroll in any HR courses now to master skills for corporate training?

Regards,
Bhavna

Hi,

I do not know whether you have a minor in HR. I never recommend correspondence or distance learning courses since you have completed an MBA; there is no point in going through such a rigorous effort. I would suggest taking a program on HR offered by the Institute of Personnel Management or Training & Development, which will be really helpful. If not, a postgrad in HRM would be good. So, think along these lines and make a decision. You can also participate in professional short-term HR workshops conducted by professional organizations.

Cheers,
Shamil

Hello Swati Jee, Namaste.

I have seen your message posted on CiteHR. Since you have an MBA in International Business and are already engaged in a good organization handling HR and Personnel portfolios, it would be beneficial for your career advancement to continue gaining experience and pursue higher education in the same field to add more feathers to your cap.

Hence, I suggest that you consider upgrading your career in HR and Personnel management. You could pursue a higher degree or a master's degree in HR or Personnel from Symbiosis School of Management or consider programs offered by other reputable universities such as Amity School of Management or a Master's degree from TAPMi Institute.

Thank you for considering my suggestions.

Best regards,
Gourisankar S.
Assistant Professor HR OB
ICFAI

You can reach me at:
gourisankarrao@yahoo.com
prof.gouri@gmail.com

Thank you and best of luck.

Dear Swati,

It's nice that you have taken an MBA in international studies, and I would like to advise you to consider obtaining a certification in HR through a workshop. This additional certification will help enhance your skills and performance in your job.

Regards,
Andyraj

Hi Amit,

Can you please send me details of colleges from where I can do a diploma in labor law?

Regards,

Hi All,

First of all, I would like to say that this site is really enlightening.

My query is that I am currently pursuing my PGDBM from Symbiosis. However, I want to know which institutes offer a 1-year diploma in HR - correspondence. I have checked Welingkar, NMIMS, TASMAC, but I really don't know which institute will be beneficial.

I am looking at a career in HR, and I would also like to know which other courses will benefit me in my HR career, e.g., HRIS or industry relations, etc.

If you all could please help me, I would really appreciate it.

Thank You,
Christabel. :P

Hi Shivjeet,

Dude, please help me with the details of your course in Diploma in Labour Law. My research says it's only offered by Annamalai University, which I am certain about its validity. What about you? Please help me.

Thank you.