Can an Engineer with Marketing Experience Thrive in HR? Seeking Career Advice

Hello friends,

I am new to this forum and would like to have suggestions from site members. I am an engineer from R.E.C. (N.I.T) and have two years of work experience with a Swedish multinational in marketing. Currently, I am pursuing an MBA from a well-known management institute. I have an interest in specializing in HR, but I am very apprehensive about the career scope of an engineer in the HR field. Kindly tell me about the scope and options available for an engineer with marketing experience in this field.

This is completely my point of view Vish. I think people choose HR out of passion for the subject. It's, of course, like any other area of specialization - if you are good at what you do, go ahead, don't have second thoughts.

I'm an Electronics and Communication Engineer turned HR. Throughout my MBA, my friends, professors, and interviewers kept asking me, "So tell me, why HR after Engineering?" If you truly have an answer that will satisfy yourself first and subsequently others, then I don't see any problem. Do it because you want to, not because you have to. Ask yourself first.

Engineers are making it big in HR. Companies like Intel hire engineers for their HRD division. Of course, an MBA in HR is a must.

Regards,
Scare_crow

Hi,

The concept of an engineer and their responsibility is changing very fast. In the world of outsourcing and technological advancement, it is obvious that a mere engineering graduation does not elevate you above the status of a technician. HR management plays a crucial role in this field. It is a great idea to consider HR as an additional knowledge asset.

I used to be an engineer, but the current situation requires me to focus more on resolving HR issues rather than making machines. Today in Kuwait, I hold a good position simply because one of my strengths (identified through SWOT analysis) is handling HR matters. So, go ahead with your decision.

Hi all,

Pallavi here. I am new to this platform and don't know how to post a new message, so I am replying to this one. I have an MBA in HR and currently work in Mumbai, but I am looking to relocate to Pune. Hoping that something comes up for me.

Regards,
Pallavi :)

Hi,

My name is Ranjani. I am also an engineer who is currently working for a software company. I completed my part-time PGDM in PM and IR in Chennai. Now, I am currently looking out for a job in the HR line.

Which is better - getting into a corporate or consultants to start with? I also want to know what kind of prospects or openings will a person with my profile have. Kindly give me ideas.

Regards

Hello Ranjani,

You are better qualified in two aspects of the HR field. Being a Chennaiite, your role is more prospective in corporate sectors. Working in any industry and encountering various conflicts fetches you immense knowledge about IR. Therefore, as per my advice, the better option is to choose the corporate sector now.

All the best.

Au revoir,

Karunadas.P

Hi Esther,

I am a final-year Engineering student who has been selected to pursue PGDM. I am seeking help in choosing a specialization between HR and Marketing. What qualities should one possess to excel in HR or Marketing? I consider myself a sensitive and patient individual who understands people well. I am particularly interested in the psychology of people.

Please assist me in making this decision.

Thank you,
Esther

Hi Vish,

Just give a few perspectives on how you could think about this issue.

First, organizations like people with multidisciplinary qualifications and backgrounds.

Second, even though you are an engineer, you have to deal with business management in an organization.

Third, please select your area of interest. You should know your strengths and weaknesses. Are you passionate? If so, you could work well with people. If not, what are your strengths? Are you good with numbers? Then, consider sales or finance. Are you creative? Can you appeal to people? Then, consider marketing. Similarly, understand your strengths.

Fourth, even in Sri Lanka, many engineers pursue MBAs since they need to understand business sense. An MBA can help you climb the ladder.

Fifth, do not worry about majors and minors; ask yourself what you want to become.

Sixth, be the person you aspire to be.

Best of luck,
Shamil

Dear Colleagues,

A degree in Engineering plus an MBA with a bias for HR is just magnetic.

First and foremost, no matter how sophisticated a machine/equipment is, it will always be manipulated by a person and eventually serviced by them as well.

Closely linked to the above is the fact that on a daily basis, the engineer interacts with people within and outside the organization. Hence, the people skills acquired under HR become useful, especially in the area of grievance handling and arbitration in the workplace.

Moreover, the workplace is gradually and surely moving towards the Line Manager reporting channel. For instance, the Line Manager of a Production Department with such a combination of experience would handle their team well and understand them better.

Additionally, such a career person would easily rise to the position of a Managing Director in an Engineering/Production firm because of their ability to manage both materials and people effectively.

No matter the career path we have chosen, good people will always remain the capital to be managed with tact and wits.

Thanks.

I am an engineer with 2 years of experience in an MNC. I am interested in pursuing an MBA, especially in HR. I took the MAT and received a good score. During a college admission interview, they may ask, "As an electrical engineer, why are you choosing to pursue an MBA in HR?" Please provide me with a compelling answer that will impress them and increase my chances of immediate admission to their college.

Thank you,

Thiru

Why Choose HR for Your MBA?

HR is a good choice for an MBA. You should definitely go for it without any inhibitions. An MBA in HR from a reputed institute like XLRI, XIB, IIMs, FMS, or TISS can give your career an unimaginable boost. Human Resource is a vast and dynamic field that deals with the most crucial resource of the organization, i.e., manpower. Go for it if your heart wants you to!

Regards.

Scope of Pursuing an MBA in Human Resources

HR professionals and managers are in great demand and highly required in both public and private sector organizations. They can also seek employment in financial institutions, corporate houses, and multinational companies. Thus, the scope of pursuing an MBA in Human Resources is significant, as nearly every company, regardless of size, requires HR professionals to manage the workforce effectively.

Hi, I'm in my final year of engineering (CSE). I'm interested in pursuing an early MBA in the HR field soon after my engineering. Is it beneficial, or is job experience a must? Are there any B-Schools abroad that provide early MBA programs without requiring prior experience?