Transitioning from IT HR to Manufacturing HR: Is It Possible and What Should I Learn?

Hi all,

Please guide me on how to switch from an IT HR role to a Manufacturing HR role. I have 4 years of HR experience in the IT sector, mainly in recruitment and a bit of employee engagement. However, I feel that I am not getting enough exposure to general HR roles. Could you kindly suggest if it is possible to transition to the manufacturing sector? If yes, please advise on what new skills or knowledge I need to acquire for this sector.

Do you think people in the manufacturing industry would consider my profile?

Thanks in advance.

Hi,

First, you should understand the role of HR in the IT and Manufacturing sectors. The role of HR in the IT industry is limited, but in the Manufacturing sector, it is vice versa. HR has to take care of everything from the entry of an employee to the exit level. This includes employee engagement, payroll processes, performance management, and nowadays HR in the manufacturing sector is also being tasked with administrative work like housekeeping, conflict resolution, attendance maintenance, and everything else that falls under management. The atmosphere in manufacturing units is entirely different when compared to IT sectors, but you can learn a lot in manufacturing sectors. If you are really eager to switch over, then aim for small-scale manufacturing units first. Get some experience in general HR processes, and then you can try for multinational corporations.

ALL THE BEST

Regards, Matheen.R

Ranjitha,

I don't think joining training courses can give you the real exposure. I have worked in IT companies for 3 years as an HR Executive, and now I have switched over to Man.Units in Chennai. Real-time training will not help you. They will just teach you the process, and you can't acquire any practical experience there. Also, the cost is too high. It's better to join small companies where you can gain experience. Stay there for at least 1 year, and then try for bigger sectors.

Regards,
Matheen.R

Thank you, Matheen, for your input. I have been looking for opportunities in the manufacturing sector for the past four years. Despite my experience in the IT sector, unfortunately, many people in the manufacturing industry have not considered my profile.