Considering a Career Shift to HR: Is There Really Room for Growth Today?

Hi there, how are you all? I am Narsing. This year, I have enrolled in a part-time MBA program. I have three years of working experience in BPO technical support and ten months in IT. I am planning to specialize in HR and International Business Management for my MBA.

If I start working in the field of HR, I will begin from the bottom and work my way up. Is there a lot of scope in the HR field these days? Please help me with this matter.

Regards,
Narsing

There is a scope in every field these days. Employment opportunities are everywhere; what is lacking is the right talent to take up these jobs. If you have the right skills, knowledge, and attitude, you can go a long way in any field.

Just ask yourself, why did you select an MBA in HR as one of the options? Why are you interested in HR only, and do your strengths and weaknesses align with the requirements of a career in HR? I'm sure you will get an answer.

Joining any field for the wrong reasons can jeopardize your career, so think about it. For example, once I asked a candidate: Why HR? Her answer was that she enjoys talking to people and she is polite, so she thinks she is suitable for HR. If these are the kind of reasons people will give, I really don't think they are cut out for HR.

Further to what Archna mentioned, I notice an interesting aspect in your posting. You have chosen HR & International Business Management as your MBA specialization—a bit of an unusual combination. Why?

This is where Archna's suggestion, "Just ask yourself why did you select MBA in HR..." becomes very valid and useful to you if followed judiciously. Added to this, your actual background so far has been in BPO technical support. Mind you, this isn’t a reason why one shouldn’t pursue an MBA in HR. Just that there has to be clarity for the choice you made. If it’s just based on 'friends’ advice, I am not sure you made a wise choice.

Again, like Archna said, "There is a scope in every field these days...the employment opportunities are everywhere...", think whether you suit the profession of your choice and vice-versa. For example, the IT field has a lot of scope as a career choice with the added advantage of regular foreign trips, lots of money, etc. for many. Why didn’t you choose that field—especially since you were already there for 3 years? There would have been a reason, if not reasons. Make the same analysis for this choice too.

Hope you get the main point.

Regards,
TS

Response to Narsing's Query on HR Career Path

Archana and Tajsateesh are correct. If you combine both posts, you will find your answer. Kindly ask yourself how and why you want to join the HR department.

With regards,
Sameer K Ghosh

Yes, there is a lot of scope for HR professionals today. However, the scope is for the performers and risk-takers. It's a very challenging field.

Regards,
Rajeev

Job Opportunities and Career Prospects in HRM

I suppose you are interested in knowing the job opportunities and career prospects in HRM. Firstly, the demand for HR freshers is much less than the supply facilitated by the number of business schools turning out MBAs. However, there is still a shortage of good talent in terms of sound knowledge, relevant experience, and the right attitude. In short, there is a lot in quantity and less in quality; your future will depend on which category you belong to.