Required Valuable Suggestions For Career Growth

Hello seniors, I am a human resource professional working in an IT services organization for the last three years. Currently, I am looking for a change as I am seeking more exposure in HR perspectives. I also have a desire to learn MS Office in-depth as it is very important nowadays. Is my decision correct or not? Please help me out. Apart from this, I would like to pursue some certifications that will enhance my future job prospects. Additionally, please advise me on what knowledge a 3-year HR professional should acquire. I am eagerly awaiting all of your valuable suggestions.

Thank you,
Geetha Nirmalkar
geethanirmalkar@gmail.com

Computer skills are essential not only for any HR professional but also for any other professional in this era of technology-driven processes. An HR professional with three years of service is expected to have a fair understanding of HR generalist processes such as joining formalities, attendance and punctuality management, leave management, identification of training needs, monitoring performance appraisals, handling grievances, salary administration, disciplinary processes, and statutory compliance at the unit level. Additionally, one can pursue certification courses in talent management, employee engagement, PMS, OD interventions, HR analytics, etc.

B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Advisor
Navi Mumbai

Thank you, Saikumar. As an HR professional with 3 years of experience, I can handle all the aspects which you have advised. I am poor at computer skills, so I would like to opt for a course. Also, in this present scenario related to the IT sector, can you please suggest what kind of certification has a good market and a promising future? I do have a 1-year gap in my professional career. Will it affect my future? Can you please advise me on the same?

Geetha Nirmalkar

Sir, could you please advise me on the names of institutes for HR certification regarding talent management, employee engagement, PMS, OD interventions, or HR analytics, etc.

Thank you.

Hello Geetha Nirmalkar,

Since you want to develop a career in core HR, it is enough if you acquire skills in preparing Excel sheets, PowerPoint presentation skills, and MS Office. This holds good for any sector. These skills can be taught by any computer institute in your locality, and you need not go to any premier institutes. Since you are currently employed and looking for a change, I do not think that the one-year gap will matter. However, try to be strong in skills and knowledge to be employable.

B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Advisor
Navi Mumbai

Hello Sogemar,

As per my information, NMIMS, Mumbai, XLRI, the IIMs, and the SHRM must be conducting certification programs in HR, including distance education. Please check their websites.

B. Saikumar HR & Labour Law Advisor Navi Mumbai

Thank you, @Saikumar, for your valuable suggestion. Apart from that, can you please advise me on certifications? Which certification is good? Also, I had a doubt: Are certifications different for industry and IT sectors? For example, are ERP certifications for IT sectors and CHRM certifications for industries?
Can you please suggest me on this regard.
Thank you,
Geetha Nirmalkar

Hello Geetha Nirmalkar,

My view is that it all depends on how you map your career - whether you want to specialize in a technology-based HR process or to be a core HR professional. That means whether you want to be a specialist as an HR technocrat or HR craftsman. In the case of an HR technocrat, probably the ERP certifications like PeopleSoft, or SAP HR (and I came to know that Oracle has also developed some programs) will be relevant. This is more a tech function of HR but may not be a functional HR. I mean to say that by becoming a specialist in SAP HR, you can manage talent because software can help you with data but cannot motivate people or retain talent. That requires people-related skills. Having said this, I add that any knowledge in the field will supplement your skills in the core domain. This is only a view based on my understanding of tech HR and HR function. This is not absolute. You can also consult other HR professionals before preparing your career plans.

B. Saikumar

HR & Labour Law Advisor

Navi Mumbai

There is a small correction in the above post of mine. Please read the sentence "that by becoming a specialist in SAP HR, you can manage talent because" as "that by becoming a specialist in SAP HR, you cannot manage talent because."

Thank you,
Saikumar