Career Path Advice: What HR Roles Can I Pursue After an MBA with My Background?

I am working as a PRO in the UAE with 3 years of experience as a system administrator earlier in India. I want to pursue an MBA in HR through Distance Education Mode. My educational qualification is B.Tech (CSE).

So, please, can anyone clarify my doubt, i.e., for which position can I apply after an MBA in HR (HR Manager, Assistant HR Manager, or any other) that suits my professional career experience?

I will be very thankful to all those who can at least try to help me. It may be helpful for others in the future.

Thanks & Regards (in Advance),
Reebaz.

Hi Reebaz, you are a B.Tech graduate and working as a Public Relations Officer (PRO). Is that what you meant? Please clarify.

Pursuing an MBA in India

When it comes to pursuing an MBA, there are numerous options available in India, including correspondence and online modes. Almost all major institutions accredited by AICTE and UGC offer online programs. By searching the internet, you will find a plethora of suggestions. However, you will need to conduct your own research to choose a program based on the curriculum that best suits your needs.

Advice on MBA Program Selection

A piece of advice: avoid opting for any MBA program that mentions "Correspondence" on the degree awarded. Some companies in the Middle East do not recognize these as valid postgraduate degrees and may not attest to them in their own embassy. It is recommended to go for an AICTE/UGC approved online course. I am currently pursuing a course through AIMA (All India Management Association). The fees are affordable, and the curriculum is well-structured.

Good Luck.

First, I would like to thank you for your valuable suggestion. Yes, I am a Computer Science graduate. I worked as a Systems Administrator after graduation for 3 years. Later, I got an offer for the position of Public Relations Officer in the Gulf. As I am very much interested in becoming an HR professional and this field (PRO) is somewhat related to HR, I agreed and am presently working as a PRO.

Based on this experience, I aspire to transition into an HR role in the future. I do not have an MBA or any other degree specifically related to HR. Can I still apply for HR positions with this experience?

Please guide me on what steps I should take and how I should proceed to achieve my goal of becoming an HR professional.

Thanks & Regards,
Reebaz

Dear Reebaz,

You may try to move into HR internally first to gain a good amount of experience. If you were to move outside to an HR role, chances are that you will have to start at an entry-level position. However, since you have spent time in your company, you have a certain amount of familiarity with the people and processes. That will be a good step up from PR to HR.

Regards.

Hi Adityaoak, good morning. Thank you very much for your valuable information. I understood your point, but my question is, even though I have good knowledge in HR roles and activities, I'll still receive the experience letter as a PRO only. At the same time, there is no added degree related to HR. Am I still eligible to apply for HR posts outside? Please clarify.

Have a good day.

Thanks and regards,
Reebaz.

Dear Reebaz,

That is precisely my point. A degree in HR may not always result in a good job (and subsequently a good salary) in HR. Remember, HR (even marketing) is not a technical skill (like IT or finance). Hence, whatever you will learn in theory will only be just that - theory. Real knowledge and exposure come only from working. That's why you could look into getting an internal transfer first, which is the easiest option. Additionally, you can do some part-time and correspondence courses related to HR.

Also, are you so eager to change your job? Is there something you don't want to mention here? You can look for a job outside, but it will obviously not be very easy.

Regards,
Adityaoak.

I, for one, will not advise you to change your field. CSE knowledge is more promising than an MBA in HR from correspondence. Already, you have switched to PRO - being in the Gulf, it is okay. Instead of pursuing an MBA, please look around for system-related jobs in the Gulf (there are plenty - you have 3 years of experience). I am sure you shall not regret your change. Best of luck.

Warm regards,
Mani
Lt. Col. (Retd) RVS Mani