Feeling Stuck in an Admin Role: How Can I Transition to a True HR Position?

Hi, I completed my master's from a UK university in International HRM and came back to India in April. I tried for an HR job in Ahmedabad but faced a struggle because I am a fresher. I finally got a job with a different designation due to not having any experience in India as an HR professional. They offered me a good salary and promised that I would look after employee relations, labor solutions, and other HR matters. Now, I have been here for 7 months, but I have asked many times for HR work to do, and they haven't given me any. They haven't even involved me in recruitment. I am only doing normal admin work such as making reports, managing labor attendance, and maintaining leave records, which anyone can do. I feel like I am wasting my time here, and this designation might create a negative impression on my CV. If I start searching for a new job and they find out about this, I don't know if they will provide a reference for me.

Seeking Career Advice

I am interested in utilizing my education and skills. I want to work in performance management, motivation, recruitment, or as an HR assistant so I can utilize my skills effectively.

Please provide me with some ideas on how to handle this situation.

Dear PalakPR, have patience. You have just entered the field, and 7 months are not enough time to achieve significant progress. At this stage of your career, everything is about learning. Learn continuously and absorb as much knowledge as you can. No experience is worthless. Do your job to the best of your ability, but also try to engage in HR activities discreetly. Observe silently how the HR department in your company operates. Study their procedures, policies, and rules. Once you feel you have gained enough knowledge, start demonstrating it to your boss.

It may take time, but it will definitely pay off. Everyone must put in effort and work diligently to attain their desired role in their career. Additionally, focus on improving your writing skills. Good communication skills are essential for securing any position in recruitment.

Regards

Dear Palak,

What you are experiencing is a reality that many people who pursue international studies in India face—a lack of practical exposure to Indian HR. It's not that people are doing an exceptionally great job, but more value is placed on actual hands-on work than theoretical knowledge. If you had worked in the UK in a company for a year or so, it might have reduced this stigma.

I fully agree with many other responders that you need to have patience and be more observant in different HR processes to understand the gaps between actual ground reality and theoretical concepts.

The Importance of the First Job

The first job is critically important for anyone, and one needs to spend at least 2-3 years as this lays the foundation on which you will build your future. You may not do many things, but observation, interaction, and learning will definitely add to your knowledge of the process. It's frustrating to be a mere observer, especially when you believe you could do the job much better than others who are less competent. However, being patient pays off. Remember, in any future interview, your knowledge will be checked, not your actual work during the discussion.

Observation and Learning

Observation and learning are more important than mastering a few tasks. Therefore, my suggestion would be to be patient and enjoy your life. Since you are receiving a decent pay, you should concentrate on enjoying work and focusing on learning. Join HR forums and try to improve your PR and contacts; they will help in the long run.

Regards,

Shridhar Bhagwat

Please go through the thread mentioned below very carefully—it has a lot of similarities with your situation and is still active.

https://www.citehr.com/474788-stuck-...ml#post2101240

In general, I suggest giving your very best to whatever comes your way rather than losing your sleep and peace of mind waiting for what you may want. Otherwise, in the process, you could end up losing what's in your hand.

All the best.

Regards,
TS

Dear PalakPR,

Please do not judge yourself harshly about your current job nature. Every HR professional has done this job at the beginning of their career. It lays the foundation for all HR roles. Please continue with peace of mind.

I would like to point out something to you. I noticed in your letter that you mentioned "recruitment or as HR assistant so I can police my skills." The correct term is "polish," not "police."

Expand Your Knowledge

Now is the time to expand your knowledge. Study diligently and engage in additional activities such as improving oral and written communication, leading training programs, etc. These endeavors will enhance your confidence and skills, benefiting you in the future. Avoid the temptation to switch jobs frequently. Instead, demonstrate your full potential in your current position.

These are my suggestions.

Regards,
Alphonse
Manager HRA

Administering a job is not very easy. It takes a lot of effort and confidence. Communication as an admin is essential as the person handling a team and being responsible for organizing the calendars of directors, SVPs, VPs, and many other aspects of the company/Business Unit. An important point to note is being very professional in terms of keeping management decisions and discussions confidential. In some companies like Microsoft, Convergys, CA, Wipro, Polaris, Infosys, and Google, admins also take care of interview scheduling and the attrition rate for the respective unit. Therefore, it is possible for everyone, and when it comes to your job/role frustration, it is common when starting a career. These struggles are akin to exams and exist to test our patience levels. As mentioned by other esteemed members and seniors, please be patient, try to learn, and importantly, whenever you have time, familiarize yourself with the company's HR policies. In case of an opportunity for internal mobility within your company for an HR position, you may be questioned about HR processes and policies, so being prepared is key.

Moreover, there is a wealth of information related to your area of interest on citeHR. I would advise against changing jobs within 7 months to 1 year, as it can reflect poorly on your profile. Patience and timing are crucial.

All the best! 珞

Regards,
Simran

I agree with what the others have said. You need to have a lot of patience when you start working. As a fresher, you may not get the kind of job you are looking for or are interested in. The initial bit of work that you are doing may not seem very great and may not be what you are interested in, but please be patient.

I am saying this out of experience. I started my career in the IT industry as a Secretary in the HR department. I was given the jobs that no one else wanted to do but stuck to it. At times, I would wonder whether I was doing the right thing by continuing to work for the company. After some time, I started enjoying what I was doing and took pains to learn the job. Today, after 23 years, I am the Director - HR, Administration, and Finance of a software company. (By the way, I am not an MBA graduate).

Sorry if anyone thinks I am bragging, but this was only to explain to Palak that she needs to be patient and enjoy what she is doing.

All the best, Palak

Regards, Sujatha