Transitioning from HR to Teaching: How Can I Prepare for an Academic Interview?

Dear all,

Currently, I am working as an HR Sr. Executive in an IT company. I have around 3 years of experience, and I am doing well in my current job. However, the corporate world has never impassioned me as teaching is my hobby and passion.

After completing my MBA, I was unable to find a career in teaching, so I joined the corporate world. Now, I wish to pursue teaching as my career. Is it possible to switch to academia? If yes, how should I proceed?

Therefore, my request to all seniors in this forum is to please guide me on how to prepare for an interview when one does not come from a teaching background. What questions can I expect during the interview?

I kindly ask those in the teaching profession and all members of the citehr forum for their suggestions.

Regards,
Aarna

There's nothing wrong with making a mid-career switch, as long as one has both the passion for the new role and the aptitude/capability for it.

Focus on Your Strengths

Coming to your query, focus on the positive aspects of what you can bring to the table in the teaching line. Usually, practicing HR professionals make good faculty members—provided they have the aptitude for teaching—since they can bring real-life situations into their teaching. HR, being all about the practice of human relation principles, will help you.

Gaining Experience in Teaching

Maybe you can begin by doing part-time assignments even while applying for full-time roles in private colleges. This could give you some exposure to the actual way to teach—since knowing something is one thing, and teaching it is altogether something else (not all people can do both).

All the best.

Regards,
TS

Thank you so much for taking the time to review my query and for your wonderful suggestions. I am looking forward to more suggestions and actual interview questions.

Best regards,
Aarna

Dear Aarna, please do rethink before making any decision. Teaching is not that interesting and can also be a monotonous job. Salary is yet another point to consider, so be very sure before jumping into it. It's my personal experience.

Dear Aarna, My friends have already given very valuable suggestions in this regard. Please reconsider your decision.

Moreover, you may satisfy your passion for teaching in HR roles. Training is also very crucial in the corporate world, where you can develop yourself as a good trainer. By doing so, you will satisfy yourself and will definitely contribute and add value to the organizational world.

The decision is up to you.

Thank you.