Torn Between Corporate HR and Teaching: Is Now the Right Time to Make a Career Shift?

Hi Seniors, This is Tanu, working as an Executive HR in a domestic BPO. I have 2 years of corporate experience. I have an interest in teaching, so I want to pursue a Ph.D. in the future. Now, I am looking to join a college as an HR faculty.

Career Decision: HR Faculty vs. Corporate Environment

Please help me decide if joining as an HR faculty is a good decision for me at this point, or if I should continue working in a corporate environment. Also, advise me on whether a teaching job is a good career path.

Thanks & Regards,
Tanu

I have worked as a teacher and HR professional as well. What I suggest is you continue with the HR field for some more years and try to enhance your knowledge in the areas of OB, Training, HR trends, and Practices. You need to study HR and finance linking as well.

Get some experience in MIS, data analysis related to HR. In the meantime, talk to some senior professors and understand the eligibility criteria for entry into teaching. Accordingly, you can complete some short-term courses during that period which will add value to your credentials. You can think of working as a visiting faculty on Saturdays and Sundays if you meet the criteria. This will give you more insight about the job. You need to be passionate about teaching to make it impactful. You can attend some train-the-trainer workshops or learn some teaching methodologies; it would be a great help.

Stay connected with directors, professors, and teachers in management institutes, attend seminars arranged by them. This will help when you start job searching as a lecturer.

Hope this will help.

Regards,
Pranjali

You can take on a different role if your job allows you to do so. However, based on my experience, I would like to share that establishing a rewarding career in teaching with only 2 years of experience in one industry may be challenging initially.

Consider Alternative Teaching Opportunities

If you still wish to pursue this path, consider joining less prestigious colleges as a visiting faculty, especially those focusing on subjects like HR management rather than mainstream curriculum areas. For example, you could explore opportunities in fields such as hospitality or hospital management, or undergraduate programs.

Initially, salary might be a concern. If you are comfortable with that aspect, you can proceed and work towards enhancing your qualifications through additional educational courses, training, and teaching certifications.