Considering a Move from Engineering to HR: Is This the Right Career Shift for Me?

Hi all,

I would like to ask for your help ASAP. I'm an engineering manager and have my MBA in HR. I have an opportunity to join HR as a recruitment manager within my company.

- Does it a good move?
- Are engineers preferable to work in the HR field?
- What are the market opportunities for me if I join?

I still have 2 days to make my final decision, please advise.

Thanks

Check out the resources you have for recruitment - portals, outsourcing facilities. How much is allowed to spend on advertisement? Any assistance? Then go for it.

Dear Swarnalata,

Resources I have: good relationships and communication channels with 2 universities' staff, plus many other resources. I'm not afraid of resources, but I am asking only for the mentioned 3 questions.

Recruitment is a very tough job to manage in any organization, especially in the new economy segment where there is a lot of attrition and new recruitments. The organization's interest in your delivering on their manpower requirement according to their organizational ethos and mandate has to be fast. Most organizations want top rankers with low job hopping and excellent credentials at a salary which may or may not be bright, especially when a big organization asks you to sell the company's brand value to the candidate shifting laterally in the hierarchy of the organization. You would have to unlearn whatever you have learned in your entire career and relearn yourself. It would be exciting.

Mr. Yousif, as you said you are an engineering manager but you did your MBA in HR. I want to know how many years of experience you have in your job.

Recruitment is a very tough job today. As an MBA (Finance, HR) final year student, I am now appearing for campus placements. Most companies are looking for toppers for their organizations, focusing primarily on educational qualifications. However, often these selected individuals are toppers just because they memorize lessons without understanding their real-life applications. They study solely to be on the top list.

I am curious to know why companies overlook students who may not be on the top list but possess the ability to speak confidently in front of many people and fearlessly take on challenges. These students may outperform the toppers, yet they are denied opportunities due to their lower scores, resulting in them being eliminated from interviews.

Can anyone provide insight on this issue?

Dear Mr. Yousuf,

I am an MBA final year student, and I completed my graduation in BBA. Regarding your three questions about job experience and switching careers, my opinion is that if you have many years of job experience and desire to explore something new by transitioning from your current job, you should go for it. An experienced individual can often assess situations and people better than someone with less experience. Once you are familiar with your company's environment, especially in the HR section, you should definitely consider making the switch.

Thank you.

Hi Hany Yousif,

Welcome aboard. I have worked in various engineering fields for more than 10 years and am presently in HR after completing my MBA. I personally believe that it is a wise decision/move, especially working in the Telco Service industry. This is because many HR personnel do not fully understand the challenges personnel actually face - such as needs, requirements, and problems. Therefore, individuals with engineering experience who transition to HR would be a valuable asset to organizations that are technically oriented in nature.

Regards,
Dennis

Dear Hany,

As you mentioned having 10 years of experience in Engineering, could you specify the particular field of engineering you worked in? Additionally, what was your motivation for pursuing an MBA specifically in HR after dedicating a significant period to the engineering field?

Amit Chaudhari

Hi,

Based on my experience, it is not a wise decision to change fields at this juncture. Because you would need to start everything from scratch, in addition to losing the experience in your current field that was gained with a lot of effort. This is my perspective.

Regards,
Gopal

Dear Hany,

Greetings!

I am an Engineer Graduate and currently pursuing my MBA in HR. Presently, I am working as an HR manager. I really enjoy this profession a lot. I don't believe that an engineer couldn't choose the HR field. HR plays an essential role in any company.

If you are content as an Engineering Manager and passionate about your work, there may not be a need to switch fields. However, it is important to note that HR requires significant experience. The real benefits come with a minimum of 8 years of experience.

I assume you have valuable experience in the engineering field. If you decide to transition into HR, you will need to refine your skills. Opportunities in the HR field may not be easily accessible until you have substantial experience in a related area.

Therefore, the decision is yours to make. Ponder carefully and act wisely. All the best.

Regards,
Amrita.

Dear Hany,

Greetings!

I am an Engineering graduate and currently pursuing my MBA in HR. I am working as an HR manager at the moment. I really enjoy this profession. I believe that being an engineer should not deter one from opting for a career in HR, as HR plays a significant role in any company.

If you find fulfillment as an Engineering Manager and love what you do, then there may not be a need to switch fields. However, please note that HR requires substantial experience to truly benefit. It is advisable to have at least 8 years of experience in the field.

I assume you have significant experience in engineering. Should you decide to transition to HR, you will need to refine your skills. Opportunities in the HR field may be limited until you gain substantial experience in the same domain.

Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. Ponder on it carefully and I wish you the best of luck.

Regards,
Amrita.

Hi Hany Yousif,

Please try to answer these questions to ascertain your decision:

1. How frequently, as an Engineering Manager, did you find that you were given a right and efficient resource by your HR Team?
2. If rarely, where do you think the gap was?
3. Compare the skills you believe are mandatory for a Recruitment Manager and an Engineering Manager.

Then try to validate:
- What are the most common skills for either of these jobs, and how competent are you?

Opportunities - There is no shortage of opportunities as long as you are creative, sensible, determined, and hardworking.

Wishing you good luck.

Regards,
Srikanth

[Srikanth Nyshadham - LinkedIn](http://in.linkedin.com/in/nsrikanth)
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Hi Yousif,

I am only a student pursuing an MBA in HR, but I would like to suggest that it's good that you are an engineer. However, an administrative job gives more satisfaction to any individual. Moreover, having a technological background would be more helpful in making effective decisions. Before that, you should do your own SWOT analysis and consider your future plans. Only then can you make an effective decision like switching careers.

Hi, I am going to complete my MBA in HR. For which type of industry should I look at present, and what are the latest opportunities for me to start a career?

Dear Shrivastav,

What you said is right. Employers recruit only people with good marks, but at the end of the day, they'll come to know about the performance. Those people who were not skilled in handling things will be sacked, and this is applicable for all non-performers.

Yes, it is a good move. You are being shifted to a managerial role, and don't think about the market conditions because for HR, market conditions never influence much. There will be a need for HR even on the worst days too.

Mr. Yousif,

First of all, thank you for your reply. You mentioned that you have 10 years of experience in engineering, so I understand that you are a senior professional.

My name is Priyanka Singh, and I am a BBA graduate currently pursuing an MBA in Finance and HR. This is my last semester, and I am studying at one of the top colleges in C.G. I would appreciate your help in preparing my major report. When you are available, please inform me.

Thank you,

Priyanka Singh

Hi Mister Yousif,

So, what's your decision about your job? If you become an HR manager, let me know, and I'll send you my resume first. Good luck, sir.

I have taken the step and decided my own destiny. Now I'm in HR, enjoying the new field flavored by engineering taste. Everything was immeasurable in HR; I began to put my hands on to be measurable. And now, I call it the "engineering of human resources."

Thanks

For me, it's not surprising that a person, after streamlining their 10 years of exposure in engineering, is becoming a part of HR. It's too good to be in the HR concept after engineering. As a technical person, when one sits and thinks for the whole group of people as they had never done before, it adds to their credibility, sustainability, and provides a good career-oriented opportunity.

Answers to Your Questions

Now, coming to your three questions, the answers are as follows:

1. It's a good sign of movement.
2. I am the set example.
3. You need to know your job, i.e., the work in the HR field well; the rest is okay.

Regards,
Hemanshu

Qualification: B.Tech (Computers)
Present status: Asst. HR (in an MNC company)

Considering a Career in HR

HR is a very good field and will give you a significant career boost. If you are interested, you should definitely go for it. You will grow as a person and gain a lot of knowledge and experience.