How to Impressively Answer "Why HR After IT?" in Job Interviews?

I am currently pursuing my master's in Human Resources Management. In several interviews, a common question that I have encountered is, "Why did you choose to pursue an MBA in HR after completing a Bachelor's in IT? Why HR and not IT? What influenced your decision?" I am seeking advice on the most impressive and effective way to respond to this question. Can you please provide me with some suggestions?

You have raised a question about the choice you have made in pursuing your academic career. It would have been in the fitness of things had you indicated with what thought you decided to do a course in HR after your IT degree. Obviously, you must have had a strong inclination towards HR as you might have weighed the continuation options between HR and IT.

So one point you can say is to indicate your liking for HR.

The Growing IT Sector

It is a matter of common knowledge that the IT sector is still a growing field. The prospects and movement of people are more compared to other industries. Hence, the other points emerge—starting from ‘sourcing the TALENT’ and culminating with the challenge of ‘RETAINING the TALENT’.

While your passion for HR will give you job satisfaction, the basic course that you have done in IT will help you to understand the nuances of IT. This is very handy in recruitment, training, retention, etc.—the aspects that represent HR.

In the future, you can develop your answers along these lines.

Regards,
V.Raghunathan

Why Did You Get Into HR in the First Place?

Instead of focusing on an "impressive" answer, sticking to the truth is preferred. Most of our HR fraternity typically tends to obfuscate the truth, and in my opinion, this is the real reason why we seem to be dumbing down our talent.

You are the best person to answer that question. Let me ask you a couple of questions which may help you to focus and start thinking. Why did you choose to do a degree in IT? Did you get any industrial experience before venturing on a Master's degree in HR? Why did you choose to do a degree in HR and not explore other options? There is no one impressive answer to a question like that. It all depends on what one has done before, why they have chosen HR over other options, etc.

Finally, it would be more appropriate for you to give us the answer that you provide, so that we can fine-tune the response to make it impressive.