Feeling Torn Between HR and Software Development: How Should I Plan My Career Path?

Hi, I'm a new member of citeHR. I have 2 years of experience in core HR functions and am currently working with a software company in Bangalore, India. I have a master's degree in computers and a Diploma in HRM. As a female, I believe a career in HR is best suited for me. However, in the current scenario, the IT industry is booming, and all my friends and relatives are suggesting that I consider software development due to the significantly higher salaries in that field compared to HR.

I am feeling very confused about which path to choose. Should I continue in HR, explore software development, or consider something like SAP-HR, Peoplesoft HRMS, etc.?

I would greatly appreciate your suggestions to help me plan my career more effectively. Please assist me in making a rational decision!!!

Richa
Bangalore
Email: r_ich_3@rediffmail.com

Hey Rich,

Just listen to yourself. Agreed, the IT industry pays you well, but also understand that they demand from you equally well, if not more. If you are the kind of person who likes tight schedules, work pressures, and working nights, then go for software development provided you have the basic skills. Being experienced in HR, I'd advise you to stick to this and do some additional certifications for career advancement. Make a good decision - a non-regrettable one.

Sree

Ha!

Good question. I love this topic.

Do not consider 'as a female' first.

You should enjoy what you do. If you get up in the morning and say 'Oh, no! I have to go to the office,' you are not going far.

Software: There are many things you need to consider. Today, .NET people are in demand. Embedded/VLSI is also in demand if you are oriented towards Electronics too. Can you do good programming? We are in a hurry to give projects to people, and there is no tradition of training people in basic computing skills. We expect output from day one. And once you are in the midst of coding, you will not know time. There are days when my wife used to lock the door and sleep, and I enter using the duplicate key at 3:00 AM! Will your husband allow this or pick you up from your office at odd hours? It is not that it always happens. It may not happen too. But it depends on how you approach your pending work and how your boss permits flexible working, etc.

Advantage: Salaries are good!

HR

There is a shortage of HR staff. If you can do things systematically, you can shine a lot. You shall be able to prepare a JDF (Job Definition Format) for each job along with the line manager, understand JDF, and line up relevant people for interviews. Believe me, it is a tough job. Then you realize there are not many good people available in the job market. Job portals like Naukri, Jobstreet, etc., may not help you much in sourcing candidates. You need to be innovative. I used to see one Priya Reddy from Planetasia in chat rooms trying to converse with programmers and call them for interviews.

ERP & SAP

This is fine. You need neither to program nor do the actual work. You need to have a good understanding of the process. All ERPs have great functionalities. Sometimes they are overkill. You need to configure the modules to suit the company. But getting into SAP is pretty tough unless you work in a company that is implementing ERP and you are part of the team configuring the ERP.

Let me know if you need more info.

Regards

HR Career

Based on your brief, you have:

- 2 years of experience in core HR functions with a software company.
- Master's in computer science.
- Diploma in HRM.

It looks like you have the competencies and are at home to apply your core HR competencies in the IT field or ITES field.

The question arises:
- Why did you go for a master's in computer science if you have no aptitude for computer science applications?
- Why did you go for an HR diploma after your master's?
- Why did you pick up a job in the HR field in the computer field?

It might be useful to have an aptitude test and discuss the matter with a career/educational counselor. This could help clear your mind and get a second opinion.

To me, based on your brief, it seems you are leaning towards soft skills/knowledge/abilities and not hard skills/knowledge, which means you are more comfortable with HR than computer applications.

If so, then you should take your core HRM competencies, work on it/develop it, and position yourself/build a career in the fields of IT/ITES. You can add specialized services like SAP-HR, etc.

You may soon see the trend where IT/ITES will outsource most of the HR requirements. If you position yourself as a boutique HRM specialist in the IT/ITES industry, you can earn well.

It does not matter which field; if you have developed the core competencies, your expertise will be in demand.

Only you can make it happen.

Regards,

Leo Lingham

Hi Rich,

I would also suggest you stick with HR since you have 2 years of experience in the HR field. This experience will help you a lot in your further career.

Best regards,

Hi,

May I share my ideas with you on this matter? Before making your decision, you need to be aware of which one you are pursuing: money or a stable vocation. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, and none is perfect. When you consider your choice, you need to involve your families, your health, and everyone close to you. Only you can make it. Good luck. :-)

Hi,

I would also suggest you to stick with HR since you have 2 years of experience in this field. This field requires a lot of experience, and every day you would be learning more things that could help you achieve a great position in HR.

All the best to you.

Sachin

Hi,

I am doing my internship in a hospital for the past eleven months in the HR department. I have completed my Master's degree in Hospital Administration. However, I currently feel very restricted in a small area since I am unable to move into any other industry despite having one year of experience.

I am now considering pursuing higher studies through correspondence to advance my career in HR. Please suggest the best course for me and where I can pursue it.

I look forward to your guidance.

Thank you and bye.

Hi Punching bag,

Well done, I felt that your reply was very thoughtful and descriptive. I do have a similar problem and would like your advice on the same.

I have completed a Master's in HR and a diploma in Organizational Studies. I worked for a year to start an HR department in an IT firm in Pune. Afterwards, I quit the job due to my marriage, and for the past 1.2 years, I have not been working as I have had to relocate several times with my husband who works in Saudi Arabia.

The issue I am facing is that I am unable to take up a job in Hamburg due to visa regulations, and this situation may persist for a while. However, I am keen on continuing my learning, such as pursuing a Ph.D. in HR or enrolling in postal/e-courses to enhance my skills and stay connected with the HR field.

I am interested in knowing if there are any relevant distance courses available in core HR, OB, or OD. I eagerly await your response.

With regards,

Pragya.

Hi Richa,

You can make your career in HRM, but try to get involved with core HR functions.

Regards,
Shiva N
Deputy General Manager HR/IR

"I'm a new member of citeHR. I have 2 years of experience in core HR functions and am currently working with a software company in Bangalore, India. Please help me make a rational decision!

Richa (E-mail: r ich_3@rediffmail.com)
Bangalore"

"Try to get a teaching job somewhere. Ask parents to find a good boy. Get married. Have children. Use HR wisdom to manage them. Be happy."