Feeling Lost in HR: How Do I Find a Company That Truly Values the HR Function?

Dear sir,

I am a final year student of PM & IR. My concern is that my experience with the HR departments of a few sectors I have worked in (as a part of academic requirement and Summer internship) has not given me a good impression about the way HR functions. It could be also that the companies I've been to (all are reputed ones) did not have good HR practices in place. In all these organizations, one common thing I noticed is that HR as a function is sidelined; it is always the Marketing/Sales depts which have an upper hand; others do not seem to acknowledge what HR does... the reasons for my dissatisfaction with the function goes on and on.

Considering that I have to sit for the final placement processes in a month's time, I am not sure which sector I'd prefer. The only thing I know I want is that I need to start with an organization where HR is a distinguished and respected function and has a major impact on the overall decision making. It should give me the freedom to try out things in the way I think it'd work out and give me a chance to create some difference.

Please advise me on how to go about making a decision on which sector to join. Also, give me some inputs on the companies that would fulfill my expectations briefly mentioned above.

Hi Sarah and Rohit,

First of all, relax. Don't make judgments so hastily in such an early stage.

"One common thing I noticed is that HR as a function is sidelined; it is always the Marketing/Sales departments which have an upper hand; others do not seem to acknowledge what HR does."

As you said, I agree with this, as I have also faced this and am currently facing it. However, that doesn't mean that the importance of HR is not considered.

The thing is, in sales and marketing, management has to deal with daily reports, day-to-day decisions need to be made. It does need more attention as it represents the company in the outside world. We in HR provide support to them. We need to have patience, and let me tell you, management also expects HR to have patience.

"I am not sure which sector I'd prefer. The only thing I know I want is to start with an organization where HR is a distinguished and respected function and has a major impact on overall decision-making."

From my experience and knowledge, I can say that HR has utmost importance in IT/ITES and manufacturing concerns, and placement companies as well. However, you'll find the whole gamut of HR functions in IT/ITES and manufacturing concerns more than in placement companies.

"It should give me the freedom to try out things in the way I think it'd work out and give me a chance to create some difference."

Initially, I suggest you not to expect freedom from the start. Both your company and you need time to build trust. First, observe, understand, interpret, and then speak. Follow this policy before asking for freedom. To make a difference, both you and the company will take time.

So, enhance your practical knowledge, face the realities and ins and outs of the corporate world, believe in yourself, wait for the right time and opportunity, and then move.

All the best,

Dips

Hi Sarah and Rohit,

Deepali is right. Bide your time, learn the trade first. And then after some time, you'll realize what you are good at and what you are suited for, and then you will be able to make the right decision.

So, cheer up and have faith in yourselves!!!!

June

Hi Sarah & Rohit,

Fully agree with Dips... Dips- That's a really good one!! Look at the end of the day, one has to be very clear & focused on what you want to do. One way of doing this is to imagine if you are 60 years old, just think, how would you reflect on your life, what could be regrets or great achievements to be proud of?

HR is very dynamic and changing its role. If your limited HR exposure in these companies discourages you, for all you know, these companies may not survive tomorrow! Keep your chin high and have faith in yourself. More importantly, keep reading on the latest HR trends.

Have a great day.

Cheers,
Rajat