Switching from Marketing to HR: Can I Make the Career Change After an MBA?

Hi Seniors, I am an MBA graduate with HR and Marketing specializations (2010). After completing my MBA, I received a job offer in Marketing, so I joined as a marketing executive. However, I have an interest in HR. I have a doubt: can I change my stream from Marketing to HR? Please suggest to me. Please…

You can definitely choose the option according to your interest, but first, you need the opportunity. So, don't lose any opportunity if you get one, even for an initial stage in HR.

Regards,
Ruby

Yah, Ruby is right, and you can go with Core HR, Suneetha, anytime. See, as you have spent a few months with this Marketing profile and just completed your MBA, you haven't spent too much time that you can't change your profile. You have to go long here, and it's your initial stage, my dear. No need to be scared or think about it too much; just go ahead. You can still start with CORE HR fresher's or TRAINEE jobs, which will help you learn about HR and its functions and will enhance your skills. Best of Luck

Dear Suneetha, don't be disheartened. You have not lost much. It is a matter of only a few months. It happens with many fresh MBA graduates that they jump into the first opportunity at hand. However, it is essential to follow your interests because only that will help you grow in the long run.

Advice on Career Transition

My advice is: don't leave your marketing job. Start searching for a decent HR profile. You may look for references, apply through consultants, online job portals, etc. Once the opportunity starts coming your way, go through the selection procedure and then decide if you want to join that particular HR job. Once you are sure, then resign from your present job. This would require a lot of effort, but sooner or later, you will have your way out.

All the best,
Parul Gupta

Hi All, everyone is right with their own justifications, but hands-on experience in marketing will always contribute a great deal in fulfilling assignments in other functions like HR. After all, you need to be a marketer at all times irrespective of the function you are in.

Regards,
Prasanna Raju

All I would like to say, like all above, is that you have not lost much. Freshers, just to get into the industry hastily, do join anywhere they get an opportunity. Now, since you're clear with what you want to do regarding your career goals, you must act immediately on it. What I would suggest is that at this stage, don't go for the salary, work timings, or location, etc. Just look for the profile in HR that you are actually looking for. You need to have experience in your field, then you can negotiate your terms.

By working where you have no interest, you are not being honest to your work and yourself as well.

Best wishes for the future, Suneetha.

Hi Suneetha,

The best thing you can do is to learn as much as you can about what HR's work entails on a day-to-day basis while you are in your marketing job. Wait for an opportunity to get involved in HR activities; don't miss any chances to transition into the HR field given your interest in it.

Regards

HR is common to all specializations. Despite initially pursuing Marketing and Finance, as you progress in your career, HR plays a very important role. Should you come across an opportunity to transition from marketing to HR, seize it and continue your career specializing in HR. In the meantime, if you have the chance, consider pursuing a diploma in HR management from a reputable institution through distance education. This will provide you with an added advantage.

Regards,
P. Suresh
Manager - HR
MCF Ltd., Mangalore
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]