Transitioning to HR at 30: Can I Make the Leap Without Prior Experience?

Hi, I have a B.E. in Computer Science and have worked in a technical call center and the software field for 3 years before getting married and moving to the USA with my husband. Now, after returning from the US after 5 years, I am looking for a job in HR. Can anyone please guide me? Is it easy to find a job in the HR department at the age of 30? Would it be wise for me to pursue this field?

I would appreciate any advice from HR professionals on whether someone like me, with no prior HR experience, would be eligible for such roles. I am genuinely interested in transitioning into the HR field.

Your feedback and suggestions would be highly valuable to me.

Hi Shree,

Firstly, let me tell you that a job in HR is not easy to obtain as these positions are limited in number. Additionally, you are not yet an HR specialist. It might be better for you to focus on your computer field, as in HR, one must be well-versed in all laws related to employees.

It seems like you may be confusing administrative roles with HR roles. Although in small organizations these functions may be combined due to limited manpower, in larger organizations, they are distinct. One could say that they are two sides of the same coin.

Regards,
Sujeet

Hi All,

I am a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering. I joined a leading IT company in the BPO vertical as they said that I could shift to the IT vertical after some time. After some time, I was shifted to an IT project. I asked the HR to change my grade, but it was not done even after a recommendation letter from my Project Leader. After working for almost 1 year on that project, I got admission to an MBA college. Initially, I thought of taking study leave and even sent a mail requesting it, but there was no proper reply from the HR. The issue was that the HR was responsible for the IT employees, and my grade was still categorized under BPO.

Ultimately, I joined the college without resigning. I also noticed that my salary was credited for 3 months in my account. Finally, when I asked for a Full and Final Settlement (FFS), they sent me a letter stating that some amount is due from my side. I am willing to pay as I need the experience and a relieving letter. However, the concern is that the letter will indicate that I was working in a BPO, whereas I was actually working in an IT project. They are asking for 38559/- as due from me for a BPO certificate. My total experience is around 2.5 years, and campus placements are about to begin at my college.

I am seeking advice on whether it is worth paying for the BPO certificate they are asking for. Thank you.

Hi Sujeet,

Thank you for your response. I understand what you mean. I would have tried in software, but unfortunately, I have a gap of 5 years, so it's quite not possible to get into software. That's why I thought of trying the HR side, as I love that job. Now, after joining this forum, I came to know that the HR department is a vast area. Since money is not a big criterion, I thought somehow if I could enter a small concern as HR, I can build up my confidence and do courses in HR to develop myself.

I don't know what to do next now after reading replies... Thank you again for your time.

Regards,
Shree

Dear Shree,

It's not an easy task to get into an HR job, especially when you have experience in another field. Also, if you want to start your career in HR, everyone will consider you as a fresher and offer the salary accordingly. Additionally, you do not have a degree in HR, so please consider going through a diploma/degree/practical training course in HR; it may help you.

Regards,
Jogesh

Hello Sreedevi,

Do you have any qualifications in the HR field? Without such qualifications, how would you perform the tasks? At least some training in this field would be more than necessary to enter it. If you don't mind, can you tell me why you want to opt for a completely new domain? It will be quite challenging for you, considering you have mentioned that you hold a very good degree along with substantial contextual experience. Given the expected aspects of growth and stability, which you may be looking for as you have been married for over 5 years, a refresher qualification in your own field would not only be graceful but also welcomed. The rest depends on you, but the HR field is in less demand.

Continue discussions with more people and feel free to ask anything.

Regards,
Shivendra