Transitioning from Accounts to HR: Should I Keep Trying or Stay Put?

Hello Everyone, I have completed an MBA in HR and initially secured a job in Accounts. With 3 years of work experience in accounts, I now aspire to transition into HR.

For the past 6 months, I have been actively seeking opportunities in HR and am willing to start as a trainee. However, I have not received any offers yet.

I seek advice on whether I should continue pursuing a career in HR or stick with Accounts.

Best regards,
Apurva

Career Transition Decision: HR vs. Accounts

If you start a career in HR, your 3 years of experience in accounts will be wasted. On the other hand, if you continue with accounts, your MBA in HR degree will be wasted. However, now that you have developed an interest in HR, you should pursue HR. Your interest combined with your existing degree in HR makes choosing HR a good decision. I may be completely wrong.

What I understand from your post is that you are finding it difficult to get a break even as an HR intern. As Keshavji said, be positive first. It helps you focus on options. I have a few options for you to try.

Most employers may prefer fresh minds as interns but may also consider someone with experience. Since you have an accounts background, you can think about how you can link this experience to HR activities. You can apply initially for administrative roles in medium-sized industries where administration also includes some HR functions like recruitment, salary administration, statutory compliances, and full and final settlements. Spend some time in such roles and later, try to get into core HR with the help of these skills. As an accounts executive, you must have developed skills like computing skills, basic payroll management, and settling claims. Explain how these skills help in the administrative role or even as an HR role.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
HR and Labour Law Advisor
Mumbai