Torn Between HR Generalist and Specialist Roles After MBA – What Would You Choose?

With respect to all, I am pursuing an MBA in HR in the 2nd year of the course, but I have come to the point where I need to choose my career path. I am in a dilemma about whether to choose a career as an HR generalist or a specialist. Please assist me in making the right choice for my future career.

Regards,
Mukund U. Manal

HR: A Multi-Skilled Function

HR is a multi-skilled function ranging from recruitment, training, talent management, performance management, organizational development to industrial relations, compensation designing, and benefits management, etc.

Choosing Between Generalist and Specialist

To be a specialist, you should find out the function for which you have a natural flair because you need to excel in it and develop expertise in it. It will be difficult to excel in a function unless you are interested in it. Therefore, my view is that it is always better to start your career as an HR generalist as this gives you an opportunity to discover your natural inclinations and strengths and the jobs which you enjoy doing. This will help you to identify the functions in which you want to specialize. Hope this provides some direction to your thinking.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
HR & IR Advisor
Navi Mumbai

I have been working for 5 years in training and development. Due to family problems, I had a one-year gap in my career. Please suggest how I can maintain a steady career. Can I work as an HR generalist? Kindly guide me in the HR field.

Hi,

Since you already possess five years of experience in Training and Development, you can continue with the same profile. However, if you are interested in HR generalist roles, employers will expect relevant experience. In that case, employers will negotiate on the salary part, and you may expect your last salary to continue.

Career Transition Advice for HR Professionals

Instead of restarting your career after a gap of one year in a new profile, it is advisable to continue learning and development to start with. At the same time, look for exposure to an HR Generalist profile in the same organization or seek a mixed profile of training and generalist functions, with training comprising a significant share of the profile. This approach can make it easier for you to transition into such profiles and facilitate your later transition into a generalist profile if you choose to switch.

Regards, B. Saikumar HR & Labour Relations Consultant.