Feeling Stuck in My HR Career: Can My Experience and MBA in Finance Open Doors to MNCs?

Dear All,

I am Spandana Maheshwaram. This is my first post in Cite Communications. For the past 15 days, I have been reading the discussions of seniors on different topics. I was very tense about my career. I gained confidence from this site that I can find a proper solution from the experts.

My Qualifications and Career Path

My qualifications are B.Sc in Maths, Physics & Chemistry, and an MBA in Finance. I completed my MBA in 2008 from JNTU with a 72% grade. I worked at an MBA college for one academic year (2008-09) as an Assistant Professor but left the job due to dissatisfaction in the teaching field.

In 2009, I moved to Hyderabad after requesting my parents' support. Coming from a middle-class family, I couldn't ask for financial help from them. In this situation, I joined a company as a telecaller on a contract basis with a salary of 6500/-. During that year, I didn't receive an Employee ID, salary account, or experience letter, except for an Appointment letter. I then secured a job as an HR in a small company handling multiple projects, where I faced similar issues.

A year later, I joined a small software company as an HR & Admin Assistant. I was the sole member of the HR department and managed all HR tasks for employees and the employer. Everyone was satisfied with my work. However, my current CTC is only 10k per month, which is insufficient for my survival in this city. I am now looking to change companies for a better salary.

Seeking Advice on Career Advancement

Do I qualify for HR & Admin positions in top MNCs with my current experience and MBA in Finance qualification? I kindly request your suggestions for a proper solution.

Thanks & Regards,

Spandana Maheshwaram
Hyderabad, AP

Hi, I read your above statement and would like to share my opinion on the queries you have raised.

Pursuing a Career in HR

Firstly, if you want to pursue a career in HR and aspire to join top MNCs, you should ideally have a degree or certification in HR. I suggest that since you now have a job in HR and have performed well, you consider pursuing an Executive MBA, part-time MBA, or an HR course through Distance Learning. This will enhance your understanding of HR. Additionally, having qualifications in HR post your MBA will make you more attractive to potential employers.

If you apply for HR positions with your current background, interviewers may question why you are working in HR with an MBA in Finance. Any explanation may not suffice at that moment, and your CV may not even be shortlisted for HR roles. Best of luck.

Regards,
Aditya Ambekar
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

I am very thankful to you for your suggestion, but if I pursue any HR course in distance or regular mode, it will take a minimum of 2 years. Could you please suggest if there are any universities offering one-year certification courses in HR?

Thanks & Regards,

Spandana Maheshwaram
Hyderabad

Yes, you can get a job in an MNC in the HR department as you have experience. You can definitely try to jump to a bigger company with the help of this experience. At the same time, enroll in a PG diploma in HRM from a reputed institute while serving.

Regards,
Rajeev Dixit

You can be a top HR person if you will to! That "will" will make you work hard (perhaps while working)! But tell me, why have you done an MBA (Fin) and from where? Do you detest finance and accounting activities totally?

Regardless of that, one would still be interested in knowing from you the reasons for your fascination with HR. Like every other function, one has to acquire first the "basics" of HR, and that would include psychology, sociology, and Organizational Behaviour, more than an introduction to labor law. Even if you do not have to practice in a court of law, your inadequacy in labor will often, at least in the initial stages, be a stumbling block in your career!

Formal knowledge is essential though not inevitable, but in a competitive world, only proven competence gets ahead! You may have the "will" to do all that it would take to be a successful HR, but you would also need the skills. Formal knowledge of the subject coupled with a lot of practice (for which you need a platform called employment in an organization) to develop the skills to stand up and command attention! This is a price that will have to be paid. You may, of course, develop expertise in the field without formal knowledge at an institute, but then you will have to be fortunate to get a boss (who is actually a GURU) under whom you will be able to learn! More pieces of the jigsaw puzzle have to fall in place for you to succeed in the profession of your choice, and comparatively fewer pieces will be required to fall in place when you have acquired a formal qualification! Even in such a case, hard work, patience, proactive habits, and finally a bit of luck (in the sense of getting good people and/or organizations) to work under!

See, whichever route one takes, success takes more knowledge and effort than one would imagine initially! But do not get disheartened with all that I am saying. I am only putting forward a reality scenario so that your determination becomes like steel, and you do not get carried away with the so-called "successful" people.

The qualifications that you have acquired and the time you have spent on the job in employment will always stand you in good stead! You are, as I see it, wishing to change track from "finance" to "HR." That by itself is perfectly fine. But to excel in the new field, you have to do a lot of homework, as it were!

Finally, just sharing a very popular truth! Common sense can see you through many situations, but common sense is not common. There is a story I picked from a book by Mark H. McCormack in a book called "What they don't teach you at Harvard Business School?" It goes like this, a friend is telling the author, "it's very funny really. The harder I work, the luckier I seem to get!"

Get the message? Sorry about a long reply, but your question only drew me out! Cheer up and start working towards your goals!

Regards,
samvedan

January 7, 2013

I do agree it will take another 2 years to complete any further course, but Symbiosis is offering a distance MBA course, where the entire duration is not more than 15 months. You can enroll in such courses and also continue working in your current company to gain experience. Alternatively, you can start looking for a job change until you finish your MBA.

Regards,
Aditya Ambekar
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

My qualification is B.Sc (Maths, Physics & Chemistry) and MBA (Finance). I completed my MBA in 2008 from JNTU with a 72% grade. You've completed your B.Sc. with PCM and then pursued an MBA in Finance, indicating your strong analytical and numerical skills. Do you now wish to work in the financial department?

You mentioned your interest in pursuing a career in an MNC in HR.

Reasons for Career Switch to HR

May I ask why HR specifically? Is it because:

- You have experience as an HR-cum-admin in a small firm that you want to build on.
- The people around you appreciate your work.
- You have transitioned to HR and are seeking opportunities in a larger organization with better compensation.
- You have discovered a preference for HR over Finance.

Kindly provide a reason for your career switch.

In any case, without a certification or degree in HR, it may be challenging to secure HR positions in a larger firm with competitive pay. While I understand you may not want to repeat a two-year MBA, consider exploring distance learning/part-time courses that can be completed in 10-12 months or look into local HR certifications.

Before we delve further, could you share the responsibilities you currently handle in your role? This will help gauge your progress in HR and identify areas for improvement.

I hope this information is helpful. Thank you.

First, I would like to thank you for showing your interest and confidence in this community and wholeheartedly welcome you to the CiteHR Family. Whenever I find people like you who are badly distracted, I feel concerned. Seriously, this is the time to wake up and put yourself on the right track.

You have done a B.Sc in Maths, Physics & Chemistry and an MBA in Finance in 2008, worked as a telecaller for a year, and are now working as an HR & Admin Assistant. Now, I'll take the words of Ankita and am really keen to know, have you ever tried or wished to work with Finance & Accounts?

In addition to this, can you please consider your qualifications and experience again and let us know what your career objectives are? You may have tried and could not get fair chances initially and had to work with the first possible options, but still, I do not think you were unable to get fresher/trainee jobs in your career field (MBA-Finance). Like Ankita said above about your analytical and numerical skills that you obtained through your MBA in Finance but never used further, you got distracted with life's uncertainties. Now, working with HR & Admin, which I, as well as you, know, is not a fair dealing with yourself, even with your education, I would say.

We understand that sometimes life puts us on a different track, and due to uncontrollable conditions, we get distracted, but one must not stop fighting with it. The most important thing that matters here is to FIGHT FOR THE RIGHT THING WITH A SET MOTIVE. You still can make a new start because this is a question about your CAREER / professional life.

In simple words, I would suggest you make a fresh start. Make a new CV and start looking for fresher or trainee jobs with respect to your educational qualifications while working side-by-side. Also, revise your knowledge, learn/study as much as possible, but for sure, you must not continue with HR & Admin, which is not your line, no matter that you have spent 1 year and have earned some knowledge. This one year of experience does not matter concerning your professional life and career that you have to go along.

You now have to put yourself on the right track that you lost long ago, and I request you to read all the responses you have from experts above so that you can now understand how and with what you have to move ahead.

Note: Make a new CV and send it to me. I have some good contacts there in Hyderabad; maybe I can help you with something. Go to my profile for contact/emails.

Wishes for you in the New Year. I find that you have been encouraged by every member on this site. I feel that all the members have correctly expressed their opinion that you should acquire some additional qualifications appropriate to suit the qualifying criteria for the job of an HR Manager. Experience will support your selection. Multinational corporations (MNCs) will consider your candidature provided you meet their qualifying criteria.

Since you are a science graduate and then changed your specialized degree to Finance, it is possible that some bank may choose you for their risk management portfolio. You may also consider trying for that.

With good wishes.

Regards,
Srivastava

I have completed a BBA (Regular) from IP University, New Delhi in 2007. After that, I pursued an MBA in HR from Punjab Technical University through correspondence in 2010. Currently, I have been working as an Accounts Executive in a Government Society for the past two years. However, I am not satisfied with my current salary and uncertain about my future prospects because even though I have qualifications in HR, I am working in the Accounts department. While I am content with my work in accounts, I am contemplating a change.

Seeking Advice on Career Transition

I kindly request my seniors and friends to advise me on my future plans. Should I consider transitioning to HR as my field of work?

Thank you.

Firstly, I fail to understand one main thing, even after thinking a lot: why many of us pursue degrees in one field and later end up working in another, which is not even remotely connected. A finance graduate works in HR, and an HR graduate works in Accounts...

Perhaps we may still be a little amateur while selecting our graduation, but we definitely can't be so immature while pursuing post-graduation...

Anyway, to answer your query, Ms. Mamta -

Questions to Consider for Career Decisions

The answer to your query lies in the answers to the following questions:

• You said you did an MBA (HR) Correspondence from PTU. So, while doing it, were you employed somewhere? In which department?

• Your current Accounts job, was it before or after your MBA (HR)?

• If it was before HR, why did you not think of switching your department in the last 2 years?

• If it was after HR, why did you take up this Accounts job?

I can understand that sometimes one needs to take up what comes their way, but a career shift is a very sensitive issue. The first question (at least I would like to ask you) when you look back at HR and wish to return is - What were you doing for 2 years in Accounts if you were qualified in HR back in 2010? You need to prepare for this tough question.

I may sound rude, but honestly, I wanted to give honest feedback, an honest review of the upcoming scenario. Rather than painting a rosy picture, I believe it's better if you're prepared for tomorrow's issues that may just strangle you more.

Hope it helped. All the best.

Thank you for your reply! I had to take this job after completing my MBA due to financial crises and with no other options in the HR field. I can't change the past, so I am trying to shape my future at least. During our qualification time, we were not in a position to figure out the best way for life. Now, what should I do? Should I pursue any qualifications in finance?

You have an MBA in HR, so you should consider returning to and continuing in HR as it is your core area. You have just started your career, and taking corrective steps at this point would be really beneficial for both you and your career.

Currently, you are on a different path, and situations like the one you and Spandana are in can make it challenging to transition back to your original field of work based on your education. This is not an easy task, but it is crucial to take timely corrective action because it impacts your CAREER/life significantly.

Life is uncertain, and distractions can arise for various reasons, which is understandable. However, as mentioned in response to Spandana, once you realize this, you must take corrective measures or appropriate actions promptly.

Both of you must remember that the new or original work field you are considering or being advised to pursue can guide you in the right direction for your career and life. To overcome your current and upcoming challenges, you need to be prepared.

Now, you should start seeking and applying for jobs that align with your education. While continuing your current work, begin your job search. Update your CV, apply for jobs, attend interviews, and importantly, focus on refining your skills and knowledge.

Since you have been out of touch with HR, you need to restart your studies, gain practical experience, and learn as much as possible. Engage in discussions and visit https://www.citehr.com/375740-indust...iscussion.html to access websites where you can learn about our Industrial Acts.

Regards

Hey friends, I think Accounts motivates me more than HR. Now, what should I do? Please suggest any type of course or diploma that is well-recognized. I don't want to go back to HR as my current job is related to Accounts. Also, during my graduation stage, I gained a lot of knowledge in Accounts.

Thank you!

Dear Spandana and Mamta,

Regardless of the specialization that has to be taken in the subsequent semester, a good MBA degree equips one to take up any field in Management. That is the very purpose of an MBA course.

Factors Influencing Specialization Choices

As far as the specializations are concerned, at times, in a good B-school, they are often dictated by the following:

- Grades of other students opting for the courses: Many such courses have limited seats, and irrespective of the interest of a particular student, these seats are assigned based on grades achieved in previous semesters.

- Ease of scoring: Smart students of top B-schools know that what matters in the Final Campus Placement with Top Companies is their CGPA. So irrespective of their interest or aptitude, they select specializations in which they can score well and are ahead of their colleagues.

- Lack of knowledge and experience: Students in B-schools lack the experience to choose between streams that would be particularly suited to them.

Moreover, generally, good companies do not strictly hire freshers or junior-level employees based on the specialization they have done. In case one has relevant and useful experience in another functional area, they can still be considered.

What it means is, if a student has specialized in Marketing and Finance but has had the opportunity to work in HR and has substantial experience in it and wishes to pursue it further, they can continue in the area of HR.

The Role of MBA Specialization

An MBA is meant to be a qualification, and specialization indicates the area of your interest. MBA and specialization are not meant to be a disqualification.

Since you both are in the initial stages of your careers, there is no penalty on a rethink or reassessment of your strength and interest. Please do not get discouraged by contrarian views. Moreover, both of you are free to pursue further qualifications in pursuit of your field of interest.

Warm regards.

Please accept my apologies for the late reply. Thank you all for your consideration and valuable suggestions. I am really happy to join this site's Communications family.

In the past, I tried for accounting-based jobs, but I failed as I don't have good knowledge in accounting. Therefore, I have worked for many companies in different roles like Telecaller, Assistant Professor, HR, and Admin.

Regards,
Spandana Maheshwaram

Please accept my apologies for the late reply. Thank you all for your consideration and valuable suggestions. I am truly delighted to join this site's Communications family.

In the past, I attempted to secure accounting-based jobs, but I was unsuccessful due to my limited knowledge in accounting. Consequently, I have worked in various roles such as a Telecaller, Assistant Professor, and in HR & Admin positions.

Now, I have come to the realization that accounting is not my destined path. I am determined to embark on a fresh career in Finance and enhance my accounting skills. I am keen on pursuing a career in SAP (FICO).

Thanks & Regards,
Spandana Maheshwaram

Dear Ms. Spandana,

As you mentioned that you are from a middle-class family and cannot afford further studies, your MBA in Finance is a good qualification. If you aim for a long, healthy, and robust career path, consider pursuing opportunities in the finance department rather than HR.

Sree K