Career Transition Dilemma: Should I Pursue Further HR Certification After My MBA?

Career Transition into HR: Seeking Guidance

I have completed my distance MBA in HR from Sikkim Manipal University but am currently holding a position as an Executive Assistant. In the past, I have worked as an HR Executive cum EA. Since completing my MBA, I am eager to transition my career into the HR field. However, I am concerned that reputable organizations may not consider my application and offer a role with a similar package to what I am currently receiving.

Considering Further Certification

My friends have suggested that I pursue a certification in HR from recognized B-schools in India such as IIM and XLRI, which offer executive programs in HR and other fields. On the other hand, some colleagues believe that obtaining this certification may not significantly benefit me as it is similar to an MBA.

I am unsure about whether I should pursue this certification. I would appreciate your guidance on this matter to help me navigate the right path for my career. Your suggestions are valuable to me.

Thank you in advance!

Regards,
Archana

As per the description provided by you, I don't think there is anything wrong with applying for a job in HR. Since you have a valid degree specialized in HR, if you try your best and perform well in the interview, you can easily get a job.

Query About Your Previous Roles

I do have a query. As you mentioned that you have worked in HR and EA profiles, you need to clarify whether the EA profile was a secretarial job or an analytical job. If you were in a secretarial profile, then you should aim for pure HR jobs by strengthening your basics and fundamentals. If you were in an analytical profile, then you can continue in the same field as many MBAs today find opportunities in this area after graduating.

Courses from IIMs and XLRI

Regarding courses from IIMs and XLRI, you can pursue them to enhance your skills and knowledge. However, your job prospects will primarily depend on your experience, how you impress, and your confidence in front of the panel members.

Regards

Thank you so much for your valuable response. Well, my profile is a mix of both secretarial as well as analytic roles, and there are many other responsibilities I am taking care of. Because the venture I am working with is totally new in India, you could understand it's like A-Z. Being in HR will give me a specific position with certain responsibilities, which has ladders, of course, and growth opportunities too.

I am confident, but since I am focusing on the HR role in which I am not proficient, what do you suggest I should strongly work on?

Thanks,
Archana

Since your mind and thoughts are more inclined towards HR and you have the determination to work in HR, I suggest you pursue an HR profile. You will have the opportunity to work in various domains of HR, which will enhance your growth and knowledge. Should you need any help in HR, please feel free to get in touch with me.

Dear Archana, the query on the career of Executive Assistants comes up time and again. You may go through my following replies to past posts to see if they are useful to you:

- https://www.citehr.com/480499-career...ml#post2116405
- #post2086664
- https://www.citehr.com/419400-execut...ml#post1899359
- https://www.citehr.com/475592-workin...ml#post2103088

Thanks,
Dinesh V Divekar