Transitioning from Indian Air Force to Corporate HR: Should I Train First or Apply Directly?

I have 10 years of experience in the Indian Air Force in HR, Admin, and Liaison. I resigned from the IAF in January '09 and am now looking for an opportunity in the corporate sector. Could you please suggest how I should get started? Should I pursue some training/courses first or directly apply for a job? If there are any training/courses available, please let me know the details. I am from Delhi. Thank you.

Hi Sarita,

I am too young to suggest a career path for you, but I would like to inform you about a placement agency that assists retired Indian armed forces personnel in finding suitable opportunities. You can register your resume with them as they provide free services for ex-army personnel.

Thank you.

You can contact them for placement at the Air Force Association Placement Cell. They specialize in all categories of ex-Air Force personnel and their families only. The company has been in operation for 10 years.

Address:
Airforce Station, Race Course Camp
New Delhi - 110003

Contact Information:
Phone: 23011211; 23011208
Email: afarcnd@bol.net.in
Fax: 23792415
Website: [Air Force Association](http://www.afa-india.org)

Sarita

Thank you, Sarita. I will surely contact them. Do you have any idea regarding some HR training courses?

Hello sector15,

You can do a short-term course like an executive course in Social & HR. Many universities provide this type of course for working professionals.

Manoj Singh

Well,

As per course concerns, a SAP course in HR has tremendous demand and opportunity. I don't know your basic qualifications so I can't provide complete advice, but if you have an interest in computers, consider taking this course. However, you must not start your studies expecting immediate results. Professionals with experience are always in demand in the industry. You can search directly for a job and start a short-term correspondence course. IGNOU would be the right option for you. You can obtain details of the course by contacting them directly or simply writing a letter. They will send you the course details.

Thank you

Hey Sector 15,
1. Of course, start applying for jobs immediately with your target salary in mind.
2. You are a perfectly fitting profile for an Admin and HR Assistant Manager position.
3. Of course, with your IAF background, you can find good openings in Administration as Assistant Manager, Head, or higher if you are able to make a win-win case for the company.
4. The HR field in the corporate world is a bit different from your area of expertise, but I am sure with time you will master it soon, even faster.
5. Suggested course: First, search Citehr. There are thousands of advice around, and I am sure you will gather what you have to do and specialize in. If you still need to do something immediately to satisfy your inquiring mind, do a short-term course in HR certification, etc.
Regards, ukmitra

My two cents' worth.

Corporate HR is different from Defence Admin. You need to prepare yourself for it. You may get a job without it, but it may not be as well-paying. Additionally, you will need to learn on the fly, which will hinder your normal progress.

I suggest that you pursue a 1-year Executive MBA from any reputable colleges in Delhi such as MDI, Amity, FMS, etc. This will better equip you and enhance your job prospects. By the end of your studies, the recession would likely have eased out, and you will be able to find a good job.

All the best.

Hi,

I really feel you can start applying for a job, as I have family members who are working in the Air Force and I find them far smarter and very good at their work. They have managed to get very good jobs in the so-called corporate world.

Firstly, register with Monster, Naukari, and Times Job site, as many corporate people are looking for individuals from the Defence sector as they are very sincere, trustworthy, and hardworking. Please prepare a good resume and start applying. If you want to pursue any educational qualifications, you can do a correspondence course in HR, for example, from Symbiosis, NMIMS, etc.

All the best.

Anita:icon1:

Hi,

I think some kind of bridging course is essential. You have options like a six-month executive management course at one of the IIMs or XLRI, which is sponsored by The Director General Resettlement, and a one-year executive management course only at IIMs.

Take care,
Tunar

Welcome back to this world. I was also in the IAF for 20 years, and after coming out way back in 2000, I lead Fin (my bread and butter), IT (my passion), and admin (No man's baby) in a company of 400+ staff.

Here are the rules of the game to win in the corporate world:

- Forget what you were in the IAF (the faster, the better).
- Do something you enjoy and build specialization, like labor, statutory, recruitment techniques; do the job for the sake of the job (not for the sake of money).
- Build politeness in you, be a good listener, and understand others' points of view.
- Last but not least, junk Air Force English and learn Corporate English.