How Can I Get Into HR? > Free Consultants Forum | right consultant

Unanswered Active Topics

Forums Search

Forums > Consultant Zone > Human Resources

Subject: How Can I Get Into HR?

Prev Next

You are not authorized to post a reply.

Author

Messages

Stuart

Apprentice
Posts:14

17-03-2008 1:12 PM
Hi everyone I am a recent graduate with a BA (Hons) Psychology and Management degree achieving a 2.1. I am extremely interested in getting into HR as a career however I have a bit of a dilemma which I could really do with some advice about. I am understanding how competitive HR is at an entry level and I have currently been accepted to study for a Msc in HRM and Organizational Analysis at a good London University. At the moment I am signed up to do a full time 1 year course but am realising financially this won't be possible so am considering the 2 year part-time course. After reading some past posts I am in the dilemma to how beneficial the MSc is going to be for my career. At the end of the course I will have graduate membership of the CIPD but is it worth saving thousands of pounds and trying to get into HR with a Junior role or administrator position instead? (I don't have any admin experience as such - a slight problem!) I understand that I can work alongside the course if I decide to do it part-time however, how supportive are most companies with this idea and straightforward is it to find a part-time HR role or even a basic admin role? Bascially is the MSc significantly important if I want to get into HR? Should I go ahead with the course or get the experience instead? Any advice will be much appreciated!

Professor

Posts:9

18-03-2008 10:18 AM
Hi, I am in the same situation, did you get any good advice?, I am going to study for my CIPD part time but am having difficulty finding a job to accomodate this! Kind Regards

Martin

Apprentice
Posts:14

19-03-2008 10:39 AM
Hi Stuart, I got into HR after following a similar starting point to you, as I took a degree in psychology. I would say that whilst CIPD qualifications are important, you would benefit from gaining some practical experience first. I worked for 2yrs in a general HR administration role before commencing CIPD studies. I found that whilst studying, I could use work based examples and ideas to help me with the course - and Vs. versa the input I gained from the course then helped me within my job. The practical experience I gained made me realise that HR was the right choice for me, where doing a full time course may not have done. Don't forget there are still some good employers out there who may support you with time & funding to continue your studies.

Gemma

Apprentice
Posts:33

20-03-2008 12:49 PM
Stuart, I read your enquiry with interst. I studied a single honours degree in HR Management and then went on directly to study an MSc in Personnel Management and Business Administration with CIPD graduate accreditation. Like yourself, when I left university my administrative experience was limited. My first role on leaving university was as a training administrator although I was desperate to secure a "hands-on" role in HR. I registered with many recruitment agencies the majority of them saying that although said my CV was impressive I was overqualified. I was in a catch twenty two situation being very keen to secure a role in HR but overqualified for an admin position and inexperienced for an advisory role. Fortunately, over time, I have managed to carve out my own career in the HR profession and am working as a personnel manager for a medium sized professional services firm. In response to your enquiry I give answers to the following questions: 1. Would I do an MSc again? Yes, but I would consider studying the qualification at a later stage in my career. 2. Do I think the MSc has added any value to my current career. No. I think it may have in fact prohibited it. I believe delaying entering into employment meant that extra time when I could have got some valuable skills and exposure in the market place (even at HR Admin/Assistant level). 3. Do I regret studying the MSC full-time straight from graduating. Yes, having limited employment history at times I felt it difficult to identify how the "theory worked in practice". I hope this helps you with your decision regarding your MSc. Best wishes for the future. Gemma

Sideshowbob User is Offline

Apprentice
Posts:13

21-03-2008 12:40 PM
Stuart, I read your comment with great interest. I want to say I find my self in a similar situation though I have a first degree in secretarial administration, I have gone ahead to do an MSc in Human Resources with CIPD accreditation for Graduate membership and i have atleast 3yrs administrative experience. But most agencies keep saying you have no HR experience. Whats your view on carving out that first step into HR role for somebody without an HR experience yet overqualified for the Administrative roles. Bob

Isaac

Apprentice
Posts:12

24-03-2008 9:41 AM
Hi Have you considered doing a SWOT analysis on you, your skills and any posts you see advertised? A SWOT is a useful way of looking at what it is you have and dont have - then you can play to your strengths. Besides the SWOT analysis you could use a Force Field Analysis to look at the pros ansd cons of a given role. Good Luck

Sticky

Apprentice
Posts:18

25-09-2008 8:40 PM
Hmm, interesting. My wife stumbled into a temporary position in HR (which she loved) - this was through working for a multi-national PLC, there are lots more opportunities at these places once you are in, so to speak. Good luck, HR is a very rewarding career.

Stuart

Apprentice
Posts:14

27-09-2008 5:44 PM
Hi, Thanks everyone for your kind words of advice. I've dropped my MSC and opted to pursue the CIPD. I'm also working for a large blue chip company in a low level position within the HR department. I'm really enjoying it and there are great opportunities for promotion.

You are not authorized to post a reply.

Forums > Consultant Zone > Human Resources > How Can I Get Into HR?

ActiveForums 3.7