Seeking Advice: Should I Choose HR Consultancy or Join a Company for My Career?

Respected seniors, I am Nidhi. I completed my B.A. in Psychology from K.U.K. Although I worked with a KPO for 2 years as a Data Analyst, I am currently pursuing my MBA (distance learning - PGDHRM) from Symbiosis University. Presently, I am looking for a good opportunity in HR. Could you please suggest whether I should opt for consultancy or look for an opportunity in a good organization to get into HR? I look forward to your response.

Thanks and regards,
Nidhi

It would be ideal, in my view, to start your career working with a consultancy since it helps in acquiring a conceptual understanding of various HR processes and functions, the challenges, and trains you in finding solutions for the problems. Secondly, it gives a fair knowledge of HR not only in one industry but across divergent industries, from manufacturing to the service sector and from hospitality to pure trading sectors. For this, you need to select a good consultancy with a varied client base.

Thereafter, you should try your hand as a generalist in the manufacturing sector since it trains you in hardcore industrial relations issues like day-to-day labor administration, labor welfare administration, collective bargaining, domestic inquiries, adjudication matters, and statutory compliances. This knowledge gives you an edge.

Afterward, you can shift to the service sector to add a different dimension to your skills and knowledge.

You can specialize in one or two skills like learning and development or talent management, etc.

Regards,
B. Saikumar

HR & Labor Law Consultant
Chipinbiz Consultancy Pvt. Ltd
Mumbai
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

I appreciate your valuable contribution in some of the posts. This post of yours serves the purpose of the question. I would like to have your views on my situation. I am currently working with one of the renowned manufacturing firms. I have an experience of 1.6 years with the same organization. Currently working as an HR Executive (Generalist profile) in its corporate office and had also worked in one of the plants for 4 months. But now I am facing a problem switching my company. My current location is New Delhi. For the last 6 months, I have found no company willing to take me in the generalist profile. All I could find are jobs for Recruiters and Senior Recruiters. In which direction should I look to get an appropriate job?

Thank you.

Understanding the HR Generalist Profile

The generalist profile gives you a basic idea of the general profile of HR and thus fits a fresher to start with. However, it does not offer a long-term career path. Now, you need to chart your career sector-wise and function-wise, such as recruitment, talent management, industrial relations (IR), learning and development, etc.

Career Opportunities in HR

Talent management, learning and development, and IR are in demand since retaining talent is a challenge both in times of economic bust and economic boom. Developing human resources always ranks as a priority in business, and industrial harmony (IR) is imperative for the progress and growth of the industry.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Consultant
Chipinbiz Consultancy Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

First of all, I want to thank you for taking the time to reply to my problem in such a prompt manner. It is greatly appreciated. The response you gave me was so detailed and thoughtful. Your input means a lot. I am taking your thoughts into consideration.

Career Background and Transition

Please note that after completing my graduation in Psychology, I pursued a P.G. diploma in Retail Management. I worked in the retail sector for 6 months and then transitioned to a KPO where I worked for 2 and a half years. However, I am very interested in transitioning into HR. I am facing a career challenge as I do not have any formal education in HR so far. Currently, I am pursuing my MBA in HR through distance learning, which will take 2 years to complete.

Seeking Guidance for HR Career

Furthermore, I do not have any connections in the HR field. Please guide me on how to approach consultancy companies and what I should highlight to secure a position in HR, even as a trainee.

Please advise me on the next steps I should take. I really need help with this.

Thanks and regards,
Nidhi Valecha

The Role of Psychology in HR

Psychology is very much related to HR and plays a significant role in areas such as employee motivation, organizational behavior, interpersonal relations, learning, and development. Since you have qualifications in retail management and some experience in the retail sector, you should relate your experience to your qualifications in your CV and project yourself as a candidate for HR in the retail sector.

Since your aim is to get into HR, it will be much easier for you to forge yourself into the retail sector first. After spending some time in the retail sector, you stand a good chance to move to HR in finance, banking, and insurance sectors since all these sectors have a more or less common work culture.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
HR & Labor Law Consultant
Chipinbiz Consultancy Pvt. Ltd
Mumbai
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

I don't exactly agree with all that Sai had to say, but then every individual has their own opinion and solution. Career Planning in India

Career Planning is not practiced seriously in India, although it is, in my opinion, a very important exercise to ensure you get what you want. But more about that later...

Understanding Your Career Path

My main worry in your case, Nidhi, is that I still don't think you know what you want. Psychology, then retail, and now HR. Hmmm... It is extremely important to know what you want and then go about deciding where you want to go and how. My suggestion to you is this (again, it is my opinion and others might/will differ)...

1. Do a SWOT analysis of yourself.
2. Do a SWOT analysis of the function that you want to get into.
3. Compare and see where you stand.

If you need help, contact me.

Cheers,

Regards,
Navneet Chandra