Feeling Stuck in HR: Should I Pursue a Full-Time Masters or an MBA for Better Career Growth?

Dear Seniors, I am new to this forum seeking your advice urgently on the following issue... please help:

Career Advancement in HR

I have completed a PGDM in Industrial Relations & Personnel Management (1-year regular course) and graduated with a degree in English. For the last year, I have been working as an HR Executive in a small IT company, serving as the single point of contact between all departments. However, the salary I am receiving is not very good. My reporting head (the CEO) says this is due to my not having an MBA in HR. He also mentioned that a 1-year PGDM course does not add much value to a long-term HR career.

Due to this, I want to pursue a full-time course to excel in my HR career. Now I need your advice on the following areas:

Choosing the Right Course

Should I consider a full-time Master's in Personnel Management & Labor Law? Or should I opt for an MBA in HR? In terms of value addition to my present career, which course will be more beneficial?

Kindly advise.

Regards

I believe that the major in Industrial Relations & Personnel Management you studied is similar to the specialized field of HR. Considering your experience in the company, I think practical experience is vital in HR work after all.

Suggestion for Career Advancement

My suggestion is: Would you consider taking a course that can enhance your skills and ensure flexibility with your working hours while also helping you achieve the diploma you desire?

Best Regards,
Kevin Poon

Dear Kevin, Thank you for your response. I know that gradually gaining experience will add value to my profile. However, many people in this field say that unless you have a full-time degree, you can't make yourself a part of big brand names. Also, you can never negotiate your salary to the expected level. This disappoints me. So, if I enroll in any course now or in the future, I will leave my job and complete my studies. The confusion lies in whether obtaining a Master's in a similar field of study will be better than an MBA in HR or if I should only consider doing an MBA. Please advise.

Thank you.

Dear Tina, it seems that you have already made a decision about your studies; the only problem is the major. From my perspective, it depends on your future plans. If you want to continue in a position in HR, I think it would be more appropriate to choose an MBA in HR. Anyway, I would support your choice, and please believe in yourself. Good luck!

Regards, Kevin

Dear Tina,

You're welcome, take it easy on that thing. I hope you can always keep happy and energetic in your future studies, and keep in touch.

I live in Beijing.

Best wishes,
Kevin