Exploring HR Roles Beyond Recruitment: What Opportunities Are There for Freshers?

Hello experts, I am an MBA-HR. My course will end in April 2012, and my placements will start in November-December 2011. I just completed my summer training in recruitment with a reputable company, but I am not very interested in recruitment functions. What other HR functional work can a company offer to a fresher like me? Please help me!

If you are a fresher, you will have to work as a Trainee HR, where you will get to handle HR tasks and thereby you will know what interests you more, be it recruitment, training, payroll, time office, etc. However, that fully depends on the company and what work it allots to you.

My advice: don't hesitate to do any of the HR tasks; learn as much as possible. If you look at it positively, the recruitment function will create confidence in you on how to talk and deal with people. Your vocabulary and understanding will be enhanced. So, be ready to do whatever HR function is being allotted to you.

All the best!

Regards,
Vaishalee Parkhi

Thanks for your reply, Vaishalee! I truly agree with you and don't mind performing all functions as a trainee. However, as you mentioned, it depends on the company as well. Not all companies invest in freshers like us.

I am asking this question mainly because I have heard from reliable sources that we need to start in consultancy firms, specifically in recruitment. In one of the sessions I attended, the expert mentioned the same thing: that you must begin your career with recruitment. There aren't many options available in practice.

So, what do you think? Is it true? Do you feel that we should not be very specific when looking for a job and initially be as open as possible?

You said it! You already know the right answer; you just have to follow it. It's not always about consultancy. If you are going to be placed by your institute or college, you can choose manufacturing companies to gain all-around exposure. Pay-wise, it may not be as good as other companies like software, etc. However, the experience you will gain is vast. Even if you work in consultancy, you can always opt for a short course in practical HR training to update and qualify yourself for generalist functions. Hope it helps.

Regards, Vaishalee Parkhi

Hi Vaishalee! Can I change my functional area if I start my role as a recruiter or after I gain two years of experience? For instance, if I handle recruitment for two years in a company, and now I wish to shift to a different functional area, what are my chances in a new company or within the same company? Additionally, if I have to choose, how appealing is an HR generalist role? Does an HR generalist role provide exposure to all functions?

Thanks and Regards

Hi Vaishalee! Can I change my functional area if I start my role as a recruiter or once I gain two years of experience? For example, suppose I have been handling recruitment for two years in a company. Now, I want to transition to a different functional area. What are the chances of me doing so in a new company or within the same company? Also, if I have to choose, how is the HR generalist role? Does the HR generalist role provide exposure to all functions?

Thanks and Regards

HR Generalists have exposure to all HR tasks. If you get yourself trained in a Generalist profile, the chances are bright to work in that profile in your own organization. Nevertheless, you can apply to new companies with recruitment experience and HR generalist working knowledge.

Regards,
Vaishalee Parkhi

Hi Vaishali, I have gone through your replies. I am currently associated with a recruitment and staffing consultancy. I have a total of 1.8 years of experience in recruitment. Now, I want to change my functional area to HR Generalist. I am applying to companies for the same but not getting through. Most of the opportunities I am coming across are from the Recruitment Consultancies, and I am not looking forward to any consultancy again.

Please Suggest How to Get into the Generalist Role

Looking forward to your reply.

Thanks & Regards,
Rajinder

Hi seniors, my name is Swati Shrivastava, and I am going to complete my MBA in 2012. I have done my internship in recruitment from Muthoot Fincorp. Now, I'm looking for a job with an HR profile. Please help me and suggest some good jobs if possible.

Thanks & Regards,
Swati Shrivastava

I request that you read this thread to find your answer. You need to have patience. It will not come quickly. Update yourself for an HR Generalist role and then apply to companies.

All the best!

Regards,
Vaishalee Parkhi

Hi Vaishalee, Thanks for your reply. Sorry to correct you, but I am "Miss" Bakshi :) I will surely do it the way you suggest. Looking forward to more suggestions.

Thanks & Regards, Rajinder