Is Switching from Engineering to HR a Waste of My Skills? Seeking Advice on Career Transition

I have completed my B.E. in Computer Science and currently working as a technology developer in a reputed MNC. I am planning to pursue an Executive MBA in HR.

I have heard from many people that my B.E. graduation would be wasted if I enter the HR field as basic graduates like BSc, BCom, or BA can easily enter and work in HR. They believe that an engineer would waste his/her engineering skills by transitioning into HR. Is this true? Please clarify this for me and advise if I should reconsider pursuing HRM. Additionally, please suggest which field in management I should consider to succeed.

Thank you.

Hi Sunitha,

It all depends on your likes/dislikes of your career/work, which field of MBA to choose. MBA in HR will always be good, since in any field you choose, you will have to deal with people. HR is about human relations. Even if you remain in your same field for a higher post, an MBA in HR is always useful. For example, if you want to pursue a career in HR, then an MBA is an added advantage.

So basically, you need to identify what type of work you enjoy doing.

Regards,
Harshad

It won't go to waste. Take my case. I did BE in Mechanical Engineering, then I pursued MBA in HR. Now, I am working in the HR department of a construction company, managing training and development, as well as the performance management system. You need to align your HR practices with the specific demands of the engineering industry, and you will flourish.

Dear Sunitha,

Greetings.

The HR field is open to any person who has a good understanding of people. It is nothing but people management. Studying behavior patterns, training, industrial relations, wages and salary administration, and liaising will shape a person into a true HR Manager.

Your engineering skills can be the best input for the following areas of HR:

1. Training and development in skills of Production, quality, maintenance
2. Time and motion study to fix wages, incentives, compensation
3. Job description
4. Purchase and stores management.

Education does not go to waste unless we implement it truly in our day-to-day working life.

All the best for your career in the HR field.

With cheers,
Trisha
HR Professional

Hi Friend,

As you mentioned, you have completed your BE (CS) and have been working for an MNC. Why have you decided to pursue an MBA in HR? Are you planning to transition into a career in HR?

If you are seeking to further your knowledge through an MBA, you might consider MBA in systems instead. Remember, don't waste your career; you have invested a lot in your BE studies (time and money). Avoid confusion, focus on one field, and strive for success.

Regards,
Saravana
Executive - HR

I am a living example of the same. I did my B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, but my true passion has always been in Human Resources. Your Bachelor of Engineering degree would not go to waste if you apply it in the right industry.

Cheers, Mallet.

Well said, Peer and Mallet. Thanks for the support for my side. Anyone can handle HR, and an Engineering Graduate can excel with their knowledge and skills. Cheers, Trisha HR Professional

Hi Sunitha,

It won't go to waste. I too finished my B.Tech in IT, worked as a programmer for 1 year, completed an MBA in HR, and am now working as an HR Executive in a software company. It won't be wasted; you need to relate to both. Now it's easy for me to thrive in the HR field, especially in recruitment and employee relations, because I know what software people need.

Regards,
Gops

Dear Sunita,

Greetings!

I hold a BE (CS) with an MBA in HR. Engineering plays a crucial role in enhancing an MBA student's understanding of technical aspects. Undoubtedly, work experience is valuable for an MBA, but for an Engineer, an MBA signifies a better, more suitable, and stable job.

Regards,
John N

Dear Sunitha,

A thing goes to waste only if you let it. If you decide to extract the best out of it, you will. Try to imagine the knowledge that is stored within you. With a background in BE (CS) and MBA HR, you can emerge as a powerful player capable of handling both sides with ease. You would understand the requirements of the employees and also the management's point of view.

I have come across many job postings where there was a need for an HR professional with an engineering degree. Unfortunately, I could not seize the opportunity. Perhaps you can make the most of such opportunities. I wish you success always.

Best regards,
Ajay Chaudhari