Choosing Between HR Roles in Manufacturing vs. Service Industry: Which Path for Growth?

Greetings of the day! Earlier, I was working with a leading bank as an HR Executive, overseeing recruitments and onboarding processes for 9 months on a contractual basis. I completed my MBA in 2012.

Currently, I have received an offer from a vendor of a prominent two-wheeler and four-wheeler company as a Management Trainee in HR. Concurrently, I have also been offered a position from a Japanese printer manufacturing company in a corporate HR Executive role. Both offers present the same package, with the only difference being the work environment.

Could you please advise me on which option to choose? Whether to opt for a manufacturing industry role or a service industry (corporate environment) role for my future career growth prospects in the HR domain.

Thank you.

Career Opportunities in Different Sectors

The world is full of infinite opportunities and possibilities, and therefore, nobody can suggest what suits you best. You are the only judge in your career.

The service sector, which includes banking, finance, insurance, IT, ITES, and the retail sector, is vast, offering wide opportunities. The HR profile in the service sector has a white-collar orientation and less of a hardcore IR orientation, as per my understanding.

On the other hand, the HR profile in the manufacturing sector provides opportunities to develop core competencies in IR, labor welfare, people management, and statutory compliance, which add value. It involves hard work in the manufacturing sector and is somewhat softer in the service sector. A diversified experience across various industries is always a value addition.

Considerations for Job Switch

You need to understand why you want to opt for a job switch. Is it for better pay and perks? Is it for a different job profile? Is it for a diversified job profile? Does the decision have any relationship with your future career plans? You need to consider all these factors and make the decision yourself.

This is my view.

Regards,
B. Saikumar

Thanks, sir, for your kind suggestion. Both organizations are offering me the same profile and package in a manufacturing company. They are offering me a position as a Management Trainee, and in another one (it's a Japan-based MNC), they are offering me the post of HR Executive with the same profile.

Sir, from my point of view, being in an MNC will give me more exposure. Being in an MNC, I can work more on my communication skills and gain more corporate exposure. However, someone told me that in a manufacturing industry, I have more options to grow in the HR domain rather than in an MNC. Please guide me as I don't have much knowledge related to this, and there is no one to advise me in this aspect.

Transitioning Between HR Sectors

An HR professional in the manufacturing sector is often viewed as someone who has endured rigorous challenges and is thus better equipped to handle the demands of hardcore HR. This background is also well-regarded in other sectors of the industry. Conversely, an HR professional from the service sector may find it challenging to transition into the manufacturing sector, as the skill sets and knowledge requirements for HR in manufacturing are distinct. It is essential to have the aptitude for manufacturing HR.

Therefore, make a considered decision after examining all factors, as discussed in my earlier post.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Advisor