Considering an MBA in HRM: Can Men Thrive in HR and Aim for CEO Roles?

I have completed my graduation in B.Sc Electronics Technology and Management and am currently working in an MNC as a Quality Analyst/Business Analyst. I am planning to pursue an MBA in HRM from one of the top B-schools in India after gaining 3 years of experience in my current organization. I have questioned myself many times, "Why do I really need to do an MBA in HRM?" which led me to a couple of answers that provide clarity on my choice of HRM. However, I still have a few questions in my mind, and I hope this platform can help me gain a better understanding.

Is it beneficial for a man to pursue an MBA in HRM?

Can an HR professional become the CEO of a reputed organization?

What is the scope of HRM in various sectors such as IT, consulting, product-based organizations, etc., in the future?

Will organizations be open to hiring men for HR positions?

Where do I envision myself after completing an MBA in HRM from one of the top B-schools in India?

How can my work experience as a Quality Analyst/Business Analyst contribute to my pursuit of HRM, and how will it be beneficial after completing the HRM program?

It appears that you are confused while choosing the direction of your career. Nevertheless, let me clear this confusion by replying to your queries:

Is it good for a guy to do an MBA in HRM?

Comments: Though there are more women in the HR field, this function is gender-neutral.

Can an HR professional become the CEO of an organization (in existing reputed organizations)?

Comments: This is a little tricky question. Look around, and you will find that not even 1% of CEOs have an HR background. They are either from Finance or Marketing. The former has an edge over the latter. Partially, this is because in India, the HR function is not well understood. Otherwise, HR is equally blameworthy. They lose out to others because they do not understand how businesses work. Neither do they have analytical skills. By their own admission, a large number of professionals choose HR because of their weakness in Math.

How many HR professionals have the capability to understand the balance sheet of the company? How many HR professionals have the capability to prove that a particular HR initiative helped in reducing some operational expenditure?

Scope of HRM in the business world (IT, consulting, product-based organizations, etc.) down the line?

Comments: The scope is there, no doubt. Much depends on the type of B-school from which you complete the course and your academic score.

Will organizations step forward to recruit men for HR positions?

Comments: Organizations will recruit depending on the vacancies. However, do not become a recruiter after completing an MBA in HR.

Where can I see myself after graduating in HRM from any of the top B-schools in India?

Comments: You might see yourself in the HR department of a good company. But then whether HR will have functional parity with other functions is a surmise.

How does my work experience (quality analyst/business analyst) help in pursuing HRM, and how does it come in handy after pursuing HRM?

Comments: A technical background is essential to understand the business. Your technical background will help you in recruitment, career planning, etc. Nevertheless, in some companies, HR professionals are glorified clerks. Therefore, please be cautious that you do not become one among them. What is your command over Math? If good, then an MBA in Ops or Finance is also an equally good option.

Final Comments

Just because you complete an MBA in HR, it does not mean that you should work in the HR department only. You can very well work in Ops, Production, etc. There is more scope to implement the theory of HR in these departments. I have seen procurement professionals or operations professionals who have an HR background. No degree in itself can add luster to your career. You need to implement the theory that you learn in the MBA course. Whether it is from HR, Ops, Finance, or any other, that does not matter.

All the best!

Regards, Dinesh Divekar

Considering a Career Change to HRM

With your present qualifications of a BSc, why do you want to change tracks? Why don't you qualify and specialize in your own basic field? HR, unfortunately, is not a core field in any company the way operations will be. Do read this link: https://hbr.org/2008/07/why-did-we-ever-go-into-hr. The number of HR people becoming CEOs is less in the present times. A lot depends on your thought process—why do you want a change? What are you looking forward to in terms of a career? How good are you in your basic field of technology?

The scope of HRM is widening, but becoming a strategic function will take time. Technical knowledge helps you in recruitment functions. Overall, you need to think deeply and then look for a change in your career. Do see these links: https://www.quora.com/Why-does-an-II...p-universities.

Regards

The seniors above have contributed valuable insights to your queries. I intend to share my perspective, as different insights can help you address your confusion about various careers. My perceptions regarding your queries are as follows:

Is it good for a guy to do an MBA in HRM?

No function is unimportant in running a business. People management is as crucial a skill as financial management, especially in the knowledge-driven economy we live in. However, it is not clear from which perspective you have asked this query. Is it from the perspective of remuneration? Is it from the perspective of whether it suits women more than men? Or is it from the perspective of a career with an eye on the post of CEO? Your query is very general in nature. Even if I say that finance is more remunerative and has better career prospects, do you have an aptitude for finance? Finance requires a special aptitude for business mathematics, a flair for dealing with figures, the ability to handle mounds of data for financial audits and analysis, and traits of patience. Similarly, every function requires some special aptitudes and talents. Therefore, you need to research other functions like finance, marketing, or material management, etc., and determine whether you have an aptitude and a natural flair for them if you do not opt for HR. Climbing a career ladder in a particular function and thereafter to CEO depends upon the excellence of your performance in that function first. You can perform a function excellently only if you are involved in it, and you will feel involved in it only if you enjoy it. You will enjoy it only if you have an aptitude for it, a flair for it, and a passion for it. To be a CEO, it is not sufficient to be a master in your trade (HR, Finance, or Marketing) but to have a fair understanding of other business functions. This may, to a large extent, address your confusion about different careers.

Spend considerable time figuring out the real reasons for asking this query, as this will make it easier to find answers to other queries, as learned members have already provided inputs on them.

Regards, B. Saikumar

HR & Labour Law Advisor