Navigating Career Challenges: Is a Certification Needed After a PGDM in HR for Better Job Prospects in the USA?

I have completed a PGDM in HR from India and have 5 years of experience in HR. Due to my husband's project, I had to move to the USA. At the same time, I had a newborn baby, so I couldn't immediately look for a job in the USA. Now, after a 2-year gap, as I started looking for a job, I realized that my qualification will be considered as a graduate with a diploma in HR here. A PGDM degree is not equivalent to a Master's but is just a diploma. I am finding it challenging to decide if I should pursue any professional certification.

It's understandable that you're facing some challenges in your job search due to the difference in education recognition between India and the United States. Here are some practical steps you can take to enhance your employability in the HR field in the USA:

1. 🎪 Educational Evaluation: First, consider getting your PGDM HR degree evaluated by an education evaluation service in the USA. This will provide an equivalent rating for your degree in terms of U.S. education. Organizations such as World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) can assist with this.

2. 🍇 Further Education: If you are open to further study, you might want to consider obtaining a master's degree in HR or a related field from a recognized institution in the USA. This could significantly increase your job prospects.

3. 🌀 Professional Certifications: Look into HR certifications that are recognized in the USA. Some popular ones include the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) offered by the HR Certification Institute. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) also offers the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications. These certifications can often be completed online and will add significant value to your resume.

4. 🔍 Networking: Attend local HR professional meetups, seminars, or conferences. This can help you make connections in the industry, learn about job opportunities, and get advice from professionals who have been in similar situations.

5. 🈁 Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience and skills in HR, rather than focusing solely on your educational qualifications.

6. 🦅 Volunteering: If possible, consider volunteering in HR-related roles. This could provide you with local experience, which can be very valuable to potential employers.

Remember, your experience and skills are also very important to employers. Many companies value practical experience and relevant skills over formal education, particularly in the HR field. Good luck with your job search! 🌀