Struggling to Transition from Sales to HR: Should I Pursue Further Education?

Hi, I am a PGDBM from the 2007 batch with a major in Marketing and a minor in HR. After working with Citibank for 3 years in Sales, I have now realized that my expertise would be better suited for HR. I have been searching for a job in HR for the past 6 months but have not been successful. Please suggest what I should do. Should I pursue a distance management course in HR again because employers do not seem to consider my minor in HR anyway?

Dear Rashi,

I welcome you to CiteHR - a Global Community for Human Resource Managers. Since you have stated your preference for HR, but you have worked in Marketing/Sales assignments, initially you may try for the "Business Development" roles (BDE, BDM) in big HR Consultancies like Ma Foi, ABC Consultants, Manpower, etc. You can leverage your experience and competencies during the interview, although BD is a grueling assignment.

Alternatively, you can also try for Corporate Service functions in consultancies like Accenture, Ernst & Young, and other IT & Software companies too, which are on a hiring spree. Things are looking up by the day, and I am confident that you'll get placed well shortly.

Meanwhile, if you wish, you may pursue HR-related courses through Distance Mode, e.g., in Training & Development from ISTD.

Warm regards.

Thank you very much for the advice, sir. I am really keen on the core HR aspects, such as generalist or recruiter roles, and not particularly interested in working in business development. Is there a possibility to focus on my preferred HR areas? I resigned from my previous company last year.

Hi,

Please note that changing your line of work is not advisable as it may lead to a loss of identity on both sides. Marketing jobs are always highly rewarding, but in the initial years, you may need to struggle.

All the best, and may God bless you!

P. Charles Edwin
AEROSYS EXIM SERVICES, Bangalore
hrdaerosys@gmail.com

Sir, first of all, identify yourself. What do you actually want to do? Consider your talents, interests, skills, and capabilities along with your career vision and mission. Why did you choose marketing as your major and HR as your minor? Keep in mind that "Management" is not a profession adopted for enjoyment or as a pastime for earning good outcomes. It is a very serious profession that requires passion and integrity. Total commitment, devotion, skills, and attitude are essential to becoming a successful management professional. If you enjoy numbers and figures, go for finance. If you like to interact with people and persuade them convincingly, choose marketing. And if you can understand the psychology of different individuals, then HR may be the field for you. So, first, identify yourself.

Hello Rashi,

In my view, if you are an MBA, you can certainly switch from any function to HR. In fact, your stint in sales could benefit you in the HR role as you would have a better business understanding. I suggest you provide some details or your contacts, and I am sure someone would respond. Take care.

Thank you very much for all the suggestions. They have really boosted my confidence, and I am now firm in my decision to switch my career from marketing to HR. Please keep me updated on any suitable job openings at rashii.pandhi@gmail.com. Other suggestions are also welcome. Thanks again.