Transitioning from IT to HR After a Career Break: Is It Possible and Where to Start?

Hi, I am Savitri and have a total of 9 years of IT experience, including software development, project management, client handling, maintenance and support, and team management. I took a career break in 2009 due to personal reasons. Now, I have decided to restart my career. However, I do not wish to return to software development and delivery. I already hold an MBA degree and wish to specialize in HR. Is it possible for me to transition into HR given my previous IT experience? Will I need to start from the bottom if I pursue HR as my second career option? I kindly request everyone to provide some insights and alternative career options.

Career Transition into HR with an IT Background

Savitri, your career in HR will likely begin as a Junior Executive. However, with your IT background, a preferred role might be as an HR Analyst or Business Analyst. These roles are generally found in IT software companies that market HR solutions. With your IT expertise, you will be able to quickly understand automated HR products and also discern clients' requirements through interaction with their HR staff. Your success in this role can accelerate your career growth compared to freshers with no IT background.

Alternatively, you can look for positions with HR consultants who provide human resources services. The job will be that of a recruiter working in an automated environment.

In both cases, excellent communication skills will be an important criterion since these are client interaction roles.

Thank you so much for your valuable response. I would be more interested in getting involved in core HR activities at a corporate level, rather than getting into a recruitment profile. I was thinking of taking up an MBA in HR (I already have an MBA in IT), only if it brightens my prospects of getting into corporate HR. I am very unsure of the steps required to restart my career back...