Seeking Advice: Do I Need Further Education to Advance My HR Career?

Hi,

I need the seniors' guidance on pursuing my career in HR. I already have 3.5 years of experience in HR (generalist profile). I have done my Masters in Computer Management (MCM) - 2002 & Diploma in Human Resource Management (DHRM) - 2004. Do I need to pursue any other course (like an MBA or something) in order to keep myself updated?

Please advise.

Regards,
Rekha

Hi Rekha,

How are you today?

Look dear, as you have mentioned that you have 3.5 years of experience in your field and are concerned about your career, let me ask you: what exactly do you want to achieve in your life? Do you aim for HRD or excellence in your field/HR?

One who only has a diploma or a similar level of education in their field but lacks relevant experience may not go far. However, someone with a diploma, strong skills, knowledge, and passion for their field can achieve great things. Confidence and the right attitude are key to proving yourself.

Regarding further studies, remember that the more you pursue education, the more knowledge and self-discoveries you will gain, leading to more career opportunities. Education and knowledge have no bounds in this universe.

If you feel unsatisfied with your current skills, knowledge, and education, you can consider pursuing an MBA in HR. Since you are already a working woman and cannot attend regular classes, you would have to opt for distance learning. While studying via correspondence, you will need to work hard to achieve your goals.

In every situation, it is crucial to continually enhance your knowledge in your area of expertise. This is especially important for candidates like you.

Rekha, I recommend that you strive to learn more about your work, aim for excellence, work diligently, and, most importantly, have faith and confidence in yourself.

Feel free to contact me if you need any assistance.

Best of luck!

Hi Anil,

In my case, I completed my B.Com through distance learning and also pursued a PGD in HR through the same mode. I have 3 years of experience in HR, focusing on recruitment and generalist roles. However, I am facing a challenge in securing a job in larger companies, as they typically prefer candidates with traditional, full-time degrees. This preference limits the opportunities available to me compared to those with conventional qualifications.

Considering this, I am contemplating pursuing another degree through distance learning to enhance my credentials and improve my chances of being considered for roles in bigger companies.

Thank you.

See Rashee, as you have 3 years of experience and are well familiar with the functions and work area of Human Resources, let me ask you some questions first:

- What is the value of HR?
- What is Human Resource Management?
- What are the demands of an organization from Human Resources?
- What is HRD and the scope of HRM?

Humans are an organization's greatest assets; without them, everyday business functions such as managing cash flow, making business transactions, communicating through all forms of media, and dealing with customers could not be completed. Humans and the potential they possess drive an organization.

Human resource management is responsible for how people are treated in organizations. It is responsible for bringing people into the organization, helping them perform their work, compensating them for their labors, and solving problems that arise. There are seven management functions of a human resources (HR) department that will be specifically addressed: staffing, performance appraisals, compensation and benefits, training and development, employee and labor relations, safety and health, and human resource research.

Basically, HR looks for the skill, knowledge, attitude, confidence, and experience in a candidate so that they can effectively contribute to achieving the organization's objectives.

If you work hard, try to learn, you can achieve the skills and knowledge of anything. You have completed your PGD in HR and understand the value of HR, know what and how to work, then there is no need to worry about anything, and distance and correspondence education doesn't matter.

Have you seen the movie "3 Idiots"? In this movie, in a scene with Sharman during his interview, what he said... Do you remember... what he shows in his interview, can you recall it...

So you just need to prove yourself and let the interviewer know what you can do or achieve. Let them see your confidence and knowledge about your work and let them know that you are the best candidate compared to others who have completed their education through Correspondence.

Study, work hard, gain more knowledge, and provide the best answers to their questions. No one can stop you from achieving what you want in your life.

Best of luck

Hi Anil,

I'm doing fine, thanks! Also, thanks a lot for your guidance. I would like to excel in what I'm doing and then try to explore in HRD. I think I would probably take up a course in MSW or the like.

Regards,
Rekha