Navigating Career Choices: HR Consultancy vs. ERP Consultant Insights

Hi,

Glad to be a part of this forum, hoping for an enriching experience. I am a second-year MBA student with a graduation in IT engineering, specializing in HR, and seeking some help in deciding what to go for now that the placements are approaching. HR consultancy involves OD interventions and more, while an ERP consultant in the HR function would be akin to implementing the module.

Could experienced individuals in both fields enlighten us about what it takes to excel in these roles, the growth prospects, opportunities for changing jobs, and what the compensation is like?

Cheers, Rashmii

Hi there,

There are two things to be considered here:

1. IT background + HR leading to ERP. If you are ever involved in the implementation of ERP (like SAP) in HR, you would realize the depth and scope of HR and how to configure the same for any organization. Then you can become an ERP consultant in the functional area. However, the growth gets narrower as you get stuck with application-based HR practices.

2. MBA with HR strengthens HR skills. Forget your IT skills (they may be useful in data mining concepts later). Think differently. Think assessments and assessment center concepts. Give importance to soft skills. Look for the 'Right' candidate, not the 'Best' candidates. Concentrate on interview techniques and logistics. Can you innovate a formula for 'attrition'?

Think, and the possibilities are far too many in HR.

Regards

You are asking a lot, since beginning to focus on OD in any case by initial HR initiative. But as mentioned and not to disappoint, an ERP should not restrict HR practices by common sense. Mining skills points worth and develop as experience. By the way, what's the ranking of the institute for MBA IT.

Thank you, Puncingbag, for your perspective.

It's a real crossroads right now as I don't know what I will prefer. I hope it's sorted out :)

Regarding MBA IT rank of XIMB, it's quite good. There are loads of top IT companies for recruitment with good projects, so the prospects are good.

On a different track, how good is HR of PSUs, for example, IOCL (Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.)? Any clues?

Cheers,
Rashmii

Hi PSU?

I am not sure. If you are content with a reasonable salary and great job guarantee, go for it!

(I worked 18 years in PSU (Electronics Div, BHEL) and then got out to make more money in the Pvt sector :-)

The PSUs are very strong in their systems and are a great learning ground. If you can resist the temptation of settling down in the 'safe' job and can get into the Pvt sector with that experience, you can really grow well.

At the same time in PSUs, you may not have much opportunity to implement your ideas, as it takes time to move the machinery. I wanted BHEL to implement SAP in BHEL, Bangalore in 1998. I resigned in 1999, and BHEL, Bangalore implemented SAP in 2003! Can you wait?

Hence, you need to make a quick and reasonably good decision. HR in BPO and ITES is challenging, and they are willing to experiment with selection and development. They are willing to conduct psychometric assessments. If you have a good formula for attrition, you could be the next richest person in India!

HR is remunerative in IT and IT-related areas.

Keep your thinking cap on and analyze what you are best at. Probably you can discuss with a 'punching bag' and explore various options.

All the best

Hi, you seem to have loads of experience behind you. As of now, I think I will go for IOCL (of course if they take me) because I can always get into the private sector later if I want to, but not vice versa. And as you said, it's going to be a great learning ground in the beginning of a career and hopefully will look good on a CV too.

To all HR people with experience here, I wanted to ask something else too. How easy is it to shift from an HRD/OD kind of job to an ERP-HR consultant role and vice versa?

Have fun! Rashmii