Transitioning from IT to HR: Which HR Path Best Utilizes My Experience and Offers Growth?

Hi, I have completed my BE in Information Technology and have been working in an MNC for the past 3 years. I am currently pursuing my MBA in HR and am looking to transition into the HR field. I have several questions such as:

a) Which area in HR would be suitable for me?
b) What will be the career growth opportunities?
c) Is it advisable to switch from IT to HR?
d) Can I transition to a specific HR field where my 3 years of experience won't go to waste?

I would appreciate your assistance in addressing the queries mentioned above. I hope to receive a prompt response.

Regards,

If you are trying to transition your career from IT to HR, I believe you should consider starting from scratch as a fresher, even though the pay may not be as good as what you are currently receiving. In today's competitive job market, it can be quite challenging to secure a position as a fresher.

In my opinion, it might be more beneficial to focus on skill development and aim for higher positions by pursuing an MBA degree.

Thank you.

Thank you, Jeevarathnam, for your reply. I have completed my MBA in HR. How will it help me in seeking higher positions? I need to take steps to transition from IT to HR. I am really confused about which field in HR to pursue.

Steps to Transition from IT to HR

Kindly assist me in resolving my queries.

Regards, Megha

You are already pursuing your MBA with HR as your major, so why are you questioning whether HR is the right field for you now? Selecting a career path is a critical decision, especially at the right age. I am not aware of your age, and I wouldn't ask either. However, if you have decided to shift your career plans to HR, then you should not look back. Within HR, there are various sub-departments, and based on your interests, you can choose your career path. It is up to you to determine your interests; nobody else can do that for you. There are various areas of interest within HR, ranging from traditional HR roles to Recruitment Specialist, Performance Management, Training and Development, etc.

Decide on Your Area of Interest

Decide on your area of interest and then move forward.

If you really want to make the move, do so. It is always best to follow your heart so you will not repent later in life. The best time to take risks and face challenges is when you are young.

Starting Your HR Career

With your experience in IT, I think the best way to start your HR career is to try and get a position in Talent Acquisition. This will be the way in; you have the technical knowledge to qualify for this role.

Always remember to find a small opening to enter a new career, squeeze your way in, and then work your way up. The small opening should be your skill that can be utilized in a new function.

I hope this advice helps.

Regards,
Ronald

If you really want to be in HR, then you have a lot of options out there. When I started my career as an HR professional, I began from scratch. Since you mentioned having experience in the IT field, consider looking for roles in that area. When you mentioned that you are currently pursuing an MBA in HR, remember to apply what you learn from both books and practical experience as they differ significantly.

Starting as an HR Recruiter

My advice would be to start as an HR recruiter specializing in the IT field. Many companies and consultants will consider hiring you. If you are planning for the long term, it's advisable to start as a fresher. Career growth cannot be expected right from the beginning. This field is competitive, like all others, and your performance, skills, and IT skill set will set you apart. However, only through hard work will you achieve the growth you desire.

Salary Expectations and Career Path

Do not anticipate a high-end salary right from the start. Seek out companies that are looking for HR-IT freshers and apply to them. Even if it is a consultancy, begin your career there. Before making a decision, ensure this is the path you want to pursue.

Regards,
SenthilKumar

Career Path for MCA/B.Tech and MBA (HR) Graduates

MCA/B.Tech (Computers) & MBA (HR) is a good combination to start a career as an 'HR/Business Analyst' in an IT software company marketing HR solutions. The role demands client interaction and mapping clients' HR processes on the HR product of the IT company, with a view to providing an appropriate solution. Product configuration is part of such a role, which probably can be done faster by a software-qualified person.

But let me also caution you against bragging about your experience with MNCs since you do have to start from scratch in your new job, although you will certainly pick up faster than other freshers working as analysts. Please be sure that the role is demanding, and it eventually leads to active customer support. The career path is HR Analyst -> Business Analyst -> Senior Business Analyst -> Manager Business Analysis & Support -> higher-level positions in customer support roles.

If your reasons for migrating to the HR domain are to find more time for personal needs, I may advise you to be content with your current role. Possibly switching over as a software engineer to an HR products-based company could help in utilizing your knowledge in HR and also your 3 years of experience in software development.

Hi Megha, this is Jayashree Sairam. I have been through all the replies to your query and would like to add my 2 cents. I was in the IT field for about 15 years and now I have set up my own recruiting firm. It was a decision I took after a lot of deliberation, and I am happy with it. So, like the others have said, it is something for you to decide as you know your situation best.

As a recruiter, I have seen profiles where individuals have switched careers—moving from one field to a vastly different (and seemingly unconnected) one. So follow your heart if you are set on the change.

Considerations for Career Change

But you must be prepared for:

1. Your previous work experience not being considered by employers. Employers look for 'relevant' experience.
2. Taking a pay cut (I earn much less now than I did when I was in the IT field, and this I am okay with).
3. You may start working with people younger than you and may even report to someone younger than you, as you are starting as a fresher. Be mentally prepared for this. Of course, this can happen even without a career change sometimes.
4. If you currently enjoy being in IT (the highs of being part of a team working on cutting-edge technologies, the joy of meeting a deadline, rectifying a bug in the nick of time, etc.), know that the situations will be different. There will be highs and lows, camaraderie, deadlines, etc., but they will be different. The profiles of your co-workers, even the jokes cracked to relieve stress, will all be different.

Exploring New Opportunities

While most people have suggested becoming an IT recruiter (and this is a good suggestion; I am proof of it), you can also consider working in IT specializing in HR modules of ERPs as you would have gained functional knowledge about HR in your MBA and can understand both IT and HR viewpoints. Getting into Training (for different technologies)—Training many times is part of the HR function, and you can maybe find your niche here... I am sure there are many more possibilities.

Feel free to contact me at [Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons] anytime between 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. IST. My email ID is '[Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]'. My Skype ID is 'jayashree dot sairam'.

Believe in yourself and do what you feel is right for the present. And be ready to work hard in your new venture. I will end with my favorite quote by Maya Angelou—"Nothing will work unless you do."

Regards,
Jayashree Sairam

In one sentence, no experience will go to waste. As you said, you have IT exposure with three years of experience. You can probably use it for a profile of HR Business Partner/Business Analyst or Talent Acquisition, which majorly requires resource management skills within the business scope. Since you have been through the verticals of IT with your 3+ years of experience, leverage it to excel in the roles of Business Partner/Analyst-HR or Talent Acquisition.

Everything in the world has a door to open; all you need is to find the key. All the best for your trials.

Well, I think it depends on your choice to move to HR from IT as both IT and HR have good opportunities. If you want to transition to HR, you can go for it, but make sure to carefully consider your decision. Ensure that HR is the right fit for you and that you will not get bored or fed up. Then, think again before changing professions, as switching careers frequently is not beneficial for your career.

Megha, I really appreciate your decision and passion. Through this decision, you can jump to a management profile directly. The current scenario is for multiple specialties. If you have a strong logical/IT command and are now going to manage, train, appraise, motivate, and lead other IT professionals, this is a fantastic decision taken by you.

Importance of HR Understanding in IT Transition

It is very necessary that HR must know the overall job profile of each employee. Since you are experienced enough in the IT field, you must be aware of various IT profile descriptions and required performance standards. Therefore, you can delegate/transfer to your employees effectively. Do not think too negatively and just go ahead. Wish you all the best for the same.

This is just my own story. I have completed BCA and joined MBA(HR). Currently, I am working as an HR professional at a leading Software MNC company.

Regards.