Career Planning Strategies for Transitioning to HR Roles: Insights and Advice

Respected seniors,

I am Nidhi. I did my B.A. in Psychology from K.U.K. Although, I worked with a KPO for 2 years as a Data Analyst. Apart from that, I am 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 will look forward to your response.

Thanks and regards,
Nidhi

Hi 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.

B. Saikumar

HR & Labor Law Consultant

Chipinbiz Consultancy Pvt. Ltd

Mumbai

022-28324234

Hello B. Saikumar,

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.

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. 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.

B. Saikumar HR & Labour Law Consultant Chipinbiz Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai 022-28324234

Respected Sir,

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.

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.

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

Hi Nidhi,

Psychology is very much related to HR and has a great role in the areas of employee motivation, organizational behavior, interpersonal relations, learning and development, etc. 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 more or less common work culture.

B. Saikumar
HR & Labor Law Consultant
Chipinbiz Consultancy Pvt. Ltd
Mumbai
022-28324234

Hi Nidhi,

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

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,

Navneet Chandra

Navneet Chandra Kulshrestha - India | LinkedIn

Hi Munmun,

What have you been doing in the HR field in the last year? What are you looking for? Maybe if you provide more details, we can work out a plan on how you could achieve your goals.

Cheers,
Navneet Chandra
[LinkedIn Profile](http://in.linkedin.com/in/navneetchandra)

Mr. Navneet Chandra,

First of all, I appreciate your rich experience in multiple verticals. Thank you for the initiative. My job in my current organization includes:

- Complete coordination of Recruitment (Receiving Requirements from HODs to Induction, Probation, and confirmation)
- Coordination of Training for employees of all hierarchies
- Coordinating "Employee connect" programs on occasions like Diwali, Holi, New Year, etc.
- Conducting Exit interviews for staff and lower-level management employees
- Sending Birthday and Anniversary cards to Employees
- Updating Daily, Monthly, Yearly MIS reports of Recruitment, Attrition, Absenteeism, Accidents, etc.
- Apart from this, I have been involved in some other HR initiatives as well.

I have an MBA in HR. I joined my company as a Management Trainee - HR in July 2010 and am currently working as an Executive HR. I enjoy my current profile and look forward to a somewhat similar profile.