Navigating Career Transition and HR Specialization with ISTD Diploma

Hi all,

Currently, I am working in Chennai at a foreign-based bank in back office operations as an officer. I have completed my MBA in Marketing and Finance (2009). However, I did my UG in BSc Zoology (2004) only. Experienced individuals have mentioned that it is very challenging to secure a core finance job because I lack a foundation in the commerce field. Companies tend to recruit CAs, ICWAs, or prefer MBA Finance candidates, often specifying a requirement for a BCom with MBA Finance background.

Despite this, my passion lies in HR jobs. Unfortunately, I do not possess an HR specialization to attain a good position. I have two years of work experience in administration after my UG, gained at a small firm specializing in rubber scrap processing.

I am eager to transition into the HR field and considering pursuing an HR course. I am uncertain about which institutes or universities offer an HR course that would enhance my prospects for securing a good position in HR.

I have heard about the ISTD Diploma in HR. Can this course truly help me shape my career in HR in India or abroad? Where can I apply for it? Would it be more beneficial for me to pursue the ISTD Diploma in HR over an HR course from another university?

I am seeking your valuable guidance and suggestions at the earliest to help me progress further. If anyone has details, please send them to my email at jagallals@gmail.com.

Thank you,
Jagallal

Hi Jagallal,

I think you are a bit confused about your career. Maybe you have not yet decided what exactly you want to do. You have completed a BSc in Zoology, then an MBA in Marketing and Finance, and now, after gaining work experience, you want to switch your career to HR.

I have one question in mind that, if clarified, will help us both discuss your career path. My basic question is: why did you choose marketing and finance in your MBA when you are interested in HR and already have work experience in administration in a small company?

One more thing, why did you choose to do an MBA after earning a degree in zoology? Which decision do you think was wrong: (A) the BSc in Zoology or (B) the MBA in Marketing and Finance?

Hi Nipuna,

Thank you for your comments. I appreciate your sincerity and look forward to your feedback in the future as well.

Yes, you are right. I am a little bit confused about my career, so I am sincerely asking for your guidance in making a decision. Please read this fully and help me.

Actually, after graduating with a BSc in Zoology in 2004, I had the opportunity to pursue a medical entrance. Unfortunately, I did not have enough funds to continue my studies. However, I have always had a strong desire to further my education and pursue my post-graduation. This aspiration has remained a burning passion within me despite the passing years. Consequently, in 2007, I made the decision to pursue my post-graduation.

I soon realized the challenging reality that an MSc alone would not suffice. To secure a job, additional qualifications such as MSc Zoology, BEd, NET/SET, and a substantial donation of 8 to 10 lakhs were required. This realization came after a three-year delay in my educational journey.

Recognizing that this should be my final educational pursuit, I am eager to pursue an MBA. I believe that obtaining an MBA will be a pivotal moment in my career. My decision to focus on MBA finance & marketing is driven by my desire to transition into HR part-time. However, I face a hurdle in pursuing a finance course alongside my MBA due to my lack of foundational knowledge in accounting.

I appreciate any insights or advice you can offer on my educational and career path. Thank you for your support.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Hi Jagallals,

It seems that you are not a bit confused but very much confused till date regarding your career. You want to earn a lot of money but don't know which profession will be the best for you.

If you want to pursue medicine, then why did you choose B.Sc. Zoology? The wrong step started from there only.

And the funny part is, you thought of doing HR part-time and finance and marketing full-time MBA – great!

I must appreciate these kinds of confused students. Remember one thing in your life - don't try to cross a river with two legs in two different boats; your case is the same here.

Nobody thinks to cover all three different specializations in MBA (marketing & finance full-time and HR part-time).

Anyways, now we cannot dwell on all the wrong decisions but have to make the best out of it.

First of all, you have to decide in which direction you want to focus on your career (Marketing / Finance / HR). If it is marketing OR finance, then it's okay. You don't have to think much about it; you only have to develop practical skills, which come with experience.

Since you don't have any finance background, you can do marketing; it's the easiest one, but mind it, it requires a lot of physical stress.

You are working in a bank, so let it be a finance job because you already have some experience in it.

Now coming to HR, it is also not an easy job, dear. One thing that I want to clarify for you is that passion is different from earning a good amount of money.

In HR, you will not find as many job openings as you would in Marketing or Finance. Similarly, salary packages are also much less compared to marketing and finance jobs.

If you want to pursue an HR career, you have to have some qualifications (you can do part-time MBA in HR from Symbiosis or some other part-time institutes) and some work experience. In this case, all your past experiences will not be counted.

Remember, admin work is very different from HR; both are as different as zoology and botany subjects.

Regarding your ISTD diploma, it is only for people who want to build their careers in Training and Development. Individuals who want to be HR trainers (soft skills or technical) undergo this diploma course. And if you want to be a trainer, then you also need to have some work experience in the Core HR field, where all your past experience will not be counted.

Now, you decide what you want to do.

If you need more details or suggestions, feel free to write here.