Starting an HR Career: What Roles and Paths Should a New Graduate Consider?

Seeking advice and tips from all the seniors:

I have one friend who will graduate with a Degree in HR in 2 years' time. I've looked at job ads and classifieds; most of the positions for HR Officer/Exec require at least 2-3 years of experience.

1. As an HR freshie, what kind of position should she look for? Is an Admin/Trainee position in a Recruitment agency a good starting point?
2. What specialisation can she aim for if she wants to avoid heavy mathematics/accounting routine tasks in her career?
3. Can anyone provide examples of HR career paths? (e.g. mine is Network Security Analyst -> Team Lead -> Consultant -> Manager)

Please kindly share with me your own past experiences as an HR freshie and any other advice that I might have overlooked. Thanks. :)

Dear Friend,

Before starting a career in HR, be sure of the function you want to pursue. Determine whether you have an interest in recruitment processes, training, overall HR functions, or any other specific area within the sector or industry you are targeting.

Only after clarifying your direction should you begin planning your career path and considering how to progress.

I understand that initially, you may not secure a job in your preferred area, but with experience, you will likely find opportunities aligned with your interests. However, if aiming for a corporate career, avoid specializing solely in recruitment.

Regards,

Amit Seth

Hi there,

Even I want to get into the "HR field" as a fresher. I was thinking that I'll work in a consultancy as a recruiter. Can anybody suggest to me what exactly I can look for to get into HR field and make my career in HR? I don't want any sales targets or heavy mathematics involved in my job. Please help me out.

Regards,
Rekha
rexsprasad@gmail.com

Hi,

As an HR undergraduate looking for a job, in my opinion, it's better to start your career as a recruiter. It is an initial stage for you to learn some work. If you directly go for admin, you don't know the work, and it will spoil your career. This is my opinion.

Thank you.

Hi All,

From all the posts, it's evident that there is a serious concern about whether recruitment experience will help in a generalist HR profile. My experience suggests that with the emerging trend and expansion of companies, all functions of HRD will be segregated. There will no longer be a term that will define HR Generalist. Different responsibility centers like talent engagement, recruitment, performance management, benefit administration, etc., will be formed within the umbrella of HRD. The demand for HR professionals with a specific skill set will be on the rise. For me, Recruitment and Talent Engagement are two very hot areas within HRD. I don't see any harm in pursuing careers with one specific skill set and mastering it.

Please note that there are no heavy mathematics involved in recruitment, but yes, there will be targets. We all strive to achieve our targeted goals, so if you are focused on achieving targets, it should become a winning habit.

Please let me know your thoughts on the same.

Regards,
Partha.

Hi all,

I just went through this discussion. I agree that being a fresher, we (I am also an MBA HR fresher) only get entry in recruitments. I feel it is okay to work with a consultancy at the start of your career. Then, you can move on to the hardcore HR side by developing your networking and communication skills.

Do tell me if I am wrong anywhere.

Hi all,

Listening to the opinions of all, I agree that the starting of a career is a very important step to be taken by an individual. So, one should think and get into recruitment, training, etc. But my concern is to be an HR generalist. Currently, I am completely focused on recruitment. Is there a possibility for me to transition into different roles even if I don't have much experience in them?

Thank you.

Hi Lincy,

If your interest lies in Generalist HR profile, then you can pursue the same for sure; however, you need to focus on self-knowledge development. You have to keep yourself abreast of the latest HR trends, understand statutory compliances, HR management strategies, etc., and you can do all of this through the strong medium of the internet. Once you have gathered sufficient knowledge on different HR skills, you can start applying for generalist positions. In interviews, do not focus too much on your recruitment skills but elaborate on your newfound knowledge as well.

All the best for your career!

Regards,
Partha.

Seeking advice and tips from all the seniors:

I have one friend who will graduate with a Degree in HR in 2 years. I've looked at job ads and classifieds, and most of the positions for HR Officer/Exec require at least 2-3 years of experience.

1. As an HR fresh graduate, what kind of position should she look for? Is an Admin/Trainee position in a Recruitment agency a good starting point?
2. What specializations can she aim for if she wants to avoid heavy mathematical/accounting tasks in her career?
3. Can anyone provide examples of HR career paths? For example, mine is Network Security Analyst -> Team Lead -> Consultant -> Manager.

Please kindly share your own experiences as an HR fresh graduate and any other advice that I may have overlooked. Thank you.

1. She should look for a position as a Management Trainee in the HR department of a reputable firm.
2. There are many specializations such as Recruitment, Compensation, Training & Development, HR Policies & Procedures, General HR Practitioners, and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), HRMS.
3. There are various careers in HR as mentioned in point 2, each with a different career path for specialization areas. For instance, in Recruitment: Associate, Specialist, Generalist, Consultant. In general, there may be roles like HR Assistant, HR Officer, HR Executive, Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, Manager, Director, and so on.

I have tried to provide some information, but any seniors on this platform may guide you better. Thank you.

Hi friends,

I have gone through your discussion on this topic. I also thought the same thing and started my career as a recruiter. However, I am not an MBA in HR. Do you think there are any chances for me in corporates?

Hemali

To be a corporate HR professional, you need to have an MBA in HR. In today's scenario, there are two kinds of corporate environments: branded concerns and non-branded ones. Non-branded companies may consider hiring you even if you do not have an MBA in HR. However, the essential point is that everyone needs to climb the ladder to progress in terms of designation. Having an MBA in HR is always an added advantage. For example, if there is an individual with the same experience as you, the second criterion they look at is your qualification. Therefore, it is advisable that you pursue an MBA in HR, either through correspondence or part-time, especially if you are already employed.

Thank you,
Lincy

Hi,

According to my opinion in the HR field, being a recruiter is the best step, especially if you work as a recruiter in consultancy. This way, you will gain exposure to different verticals. I strongly believe that "Chances favor the prepared mind."

Working as a recruiter provides you with knowledge of all HR activities. Be prepared.

Thanks

Hi Mamta,

Of course, your recruitment experience in a recruitment agency will be helpful, but to varying degrees. The extent of its usefulness depends on the specific tasks you are involved in throughout the recruitment process. If your role primarily involves screening resumes and conducting telephonic interviews, the experience may not be significantly beneficial. However, if it includes conducting face-to-face interviews, then it can be advantageous. It is advisable not to invest too much time working in a consultancy. Consider transitioning to a corporate environment for further professional growth.

Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

Kind regards, [Your Name]

Does anybody think the job of Executive Assistant to General Manager of a good MNC will help develop skills and contribute to further development in the HR field?

My short work experience includes 1.5 years in employee relations and 1 year as a training coordinator. I do want to broaden my knowledge and work in HR in the future, but I haven't decided which specific function I would like to focus on.

I have learned that as an EA, one can learn from very professional individuals, understand different departments better, and sometimes witness how great strategies are developed, which could be beneficial in becoming a great HR professional (understanding the business better). However, I am concerned that there might be too much administrative work involved and I am contemplating exploring other fields closer to HR, such as recruiting.

I have gone through the discussion above. I am a final year MBA student with HR and Marketing specializations. I am very much interested in the field of HR. Currently, I have landed a position in a reputed bank with a decent package of 3.5L, but the issue is that it is a sales job. I fear that once I enter that field, I may never be able to establish my career in HR. Therefore, could you please suggest whether I should consider trying in some consultancy to kickstart my career in HR? I am genuinely confused. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

If you ask me, please do take up the job which comes to you first and start analyzing what is good and bad. At present, you might feel that this is good and that everything will look green from your side. First, jump and then decide for yourself.

- Santhosh

Hi friends, I've gone through your discussions. I'm also an MBA-HR and Systems graduate (2008). Currently, I am working as an Operations Coordinator in a company. I am very interested in the HR field. Will this job help me in my HR career? I am feeling confused. This is my first job. Should I consider working for a consultancy as a recruiter?

Thank you for your assistance, friends.

Hello Mr. Amit Seth,

How are you? I read your post regarding how to start in HR. Well, I am doing my training these days to evaluate myself, but I am still confused. Whether I should go for recruitments, HR journalism, training, and development, etc. As you mentioned that getting into corporate recruitment is not enough, what should I plan for? Please do reply.

Thank you,
Simran Bakshi