Dear Ms. Ankita,
Nice to see you back with another query. I attempt this with the belief that you will understand and appreciate this. I am also sure there could be several young professionals who might have the same dilemma, and this addresses their thinking too. Based on your query and the data on hand, I'll sincerely try providing you with the answers to the best of my ability.
Since you have some experience in the IT sector and are keen to work in the IT industry preferably, this would be the logical choice as you can build on what you have gained so far rather than leaving the industry and starting elsewhere, which means you would have to begin everything all over again, and the experience of 2.5 years would only exist on paper. Hence, eliminate the doubt of whether shifting in the industry would be the right choice. Think it over carefully and make a deliberate choice.
Considerations for Your MBA-HR
Your MBA-HR is a good entry point; however, there is one thing to consider - whether it was a full-time or part-time course. If it was a full-time course, the chances of quickly finding an opening are good; if it was part-time, it will take time. Since you have no direct HR experience, you would be considered a beginner in HR, which is a reality you will have to come to terms with. However, your previous 2.5 years of work experience as a Software Engineer in an MNC in the IT sector is certainly an advantage, especially if you were coding and are able to read and write programs. I suggest you keep this skillset handy and stay updated because it will serve you well, especially in filtering and initially screening candidates. Your current knowledge of technologies and your commitment to staying updated will also be of great help.
Entry-Level Job Profile Considerations
You mention that your main query is about what job profile you should consider at the entry level. You ask, "Can I expect a job in any other field like Performance Management, Compensation Administration, etc., at the entry level?" My response to you is straightforward: if you are an MBA from XLRI, TISS, etc., then yes; otherwise, no!
Please do not get discouraged. There is a way out, but how you shape your path is in your hands. How you make use of opportunities, how proactive you are, how aware you are of your surroundings and industry happenings, and how up-to-date you keep yourself will all make a difference in your career path.
Career Path in Recruitment
At this point in time, with the current job market in the IT industry, as a fresher, you are likely to receive job offers primarily in the field of recruitment. Talent Spotting, Talent Scouting, Talent Acquisition are just slightly different terms for the same job description, which is that of a recruiter. If you start your career in recruitment, can you transition to your desired field later on, or will you be bound to recruitment only? This is a question you have asked, seeking guidance in this matter. It would be greatly appreciated :)
Here is what I foresee that can help you develop:
At this point, you may start off as a recruiter, then progress to become a team lead for a group of recruiters, and ultimately aim to become the Head of the Talent Acquisition Team. Your network, your reputation in the market, your influence, etc., will determine your potential to assess the organization's workforce and establish a talent pool, especially for deployment into different projects that require additional resources. You must be skilled in analytics to excel in this role. If you can succeed in this, you will reach a strategic position where you can engage with clients and facilitate the movement of manpower to their projects, becoming the primary contact for all available talent within the organization. Such positions are held by many individuals in large companies. Companies strive to retain such valuable resources due to their network, access to databases, connections, communication abilities, etc.
Final Thoughts
Finally, I would like to emphasize the following:
- Have high SELF-ESTEEM.
- Possess SELF-KNOWLEDGE, SELF-AWARENESS, leading to SELF-ACTUALIZATION.
- Maintain enormous PASSION for your career, life, and everything you pursue.
- Stay proactive, always seeking ACTION.
- Embrace REALIZATION, RESTRUCTURING, RELAUNCHING, and RECASTING as continuous processes in your professional DNA.
- Keep evolving and adapting to change, practicing EVOLUTION as a permanent fixture in your mindset.
Success should not lead to arrogance; maintain HUMILITY. Uphold "INTEGRITY" at all times. Remember, "IF YOU HAVE INTEGRITY, nothing else matters. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE INTEGRITY, nothing else matters."
I conclude this rather lengthy response with my best wishes for the choices you make in life and leave you with this quote from Dr. Seuss, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
Best regards