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Moving beyond the Coordinator position.
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Moving beyond the Coordinator position.
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I graduated with a degree in Organizational Communication in 2006, and have been working as an HR Coordinator for a little over 2 years.
I feel that in those two years, I have learned a lot, and t
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Forums » Topic Forums » HR Career Forum » Moving beyond the Coordinator position.
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Moving beyond the Coordinator position.
posted at 3/25/2009 4:02 PM EDT
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Posts: 3
First: 3/25/2009 Last: 3/26/2009 |
I graduated with a degree in Organizational Communication in 2006, and have been working as an HR Coordinator for a little over 2 years.
I feel that in those two years, I have learned a lot, and taken on more responsibility than was ever required for the position. In my most recent performance review, I was told that my boss put in for a promotion for me, but it was denied, because we are currently in the middle of a hiring/promotion freeze, and only those people whose jobs have changed "significantly" would be considered for a promotion at this time. She told me that at my mid-year review, we would revisit this topic. I would really like to be proactive in being able to justify a promotion at my mid-year review, however, I'm not exactly sure what the best path to take is. Right now I am planning to take a 2 day SHRM Generalist Certificate seminar. I feel like this is not enough. A few questions... - I have been told by several people that the PHR exam is not worth the time and expense for the end-result. Does anyone have any insight on this? - I have looked into several online learning courses offered by various Universities, however, they all seem to be very expensive, and there is very little information out there regarding the quality of the course. I would like to know that I am investing in a program that is widely respected. Do you think any University with an HR program would be a wise choice, or are some better than others? - As far as the "next level" goes, what should I expect? Senior Coordinator? HR Specialist? At what point in my career should I be at the "Generalist" level? Any information or advice you could provide would be very much appreciated! |
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Moving beyond the Coordinator position.
posted at 3/25/2009 5:15 PM EDT
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Posts: 3870
First: 2/12/2002 Last: 11/2/2009 |
"- I have been told by several people that the PHR exam is not worth the time and expense for the end-result. Does anyone have any insight on this?"
It's worth it if you are going to advance your career. Since your degree is not in HR, the PHR will help you establish your professional credentials and it will certainly place you ahead of those in similar positions who don't have the PHR. There are many people who call themselves HR professionals without either the experience or education; the PHR will certainly distance you from these. - I have looked into several online learning courses offered by various Universities, however, they all seem to be very expensive, and there is very little information out there regarding the quality of the course. I would like to know that I am investing in a program that is widely respected. Do you think any University with an HR program would be a wise choice, or are some better than others? At the graduate level, I think it would be a good choice. You already have an undergraduate degree, so duplicating that with another bachelors degree probably won't get you as far as a graduate degree will. There are a few good fully accredited graduate programs. Tulane University, Colorado State University and Indiana University all have fully accredited online MBA programs. CSU might have an HR concentration since they offer that in their residence program. But do a program from a traditional "brick and mortar" school - you'll get more credential bang for the bucks. I would strongly suggest an MBA over a graduate degree in HR. - As far as the "next level" goes, what should I expect? Senior Coordinator? HR Specialist? At what point in my career should I be at the "Generalist" level? You have a degree, you have experience. HR Specialist would be a logical next step for you. The PHR will help you understand all the HR disciplines and help you get to a generalist classification if that's what you want. Note that there is some debate about how useful a generalist is in an organization in comparison to a solid specialist in, say, compensation, recruiting, labor relations, etc. Any information or advice you could provide would be very much appreciated! |
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Moving beyond the Coordinator position.
posted at 3/26/2009 4:50 AM EDT
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Posts: 237
First: 7/10/2007 Last: 8/31/2011 |
Just my $0.02
My degree is in a different field, and going for a second degree was not an option. So I felt that certification was absolutely critical to me. It isnt the same as having a degree in the field, and is valued differently by different hiring managers. But it is a recognized credential in the field and should be part of your career plan. So should working towards a degree, attending seminars/workshops, and picking up certificates as you have mentioned. You also may want to decide if there is one aspect of the field youd like to specialize in while youre at it. Good Luck |
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Moving beyond the Coordinator position.
posted at 3/26/2009 6:47 AM EDT
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Posts: 41
First: 2/16/2009 Last: 4/26/2009 |
Whether the participants on this board believe that HRCI certification is or is not of value shouldn't matter. The fact that a large part of the business community sees it having value is important.
I would also suggest that certification at this point in your career has greater value to you than a Graduate Degree. One can quickly become "over educated" in a competitive market. Consequently my recommendation would be to obtain certification as a PHR. Leverage that certification for an HR Manager position in a larger organization, or as an HR Director in a smaller one. Once you have that then pursue Graduate education. I am biased so my advice on what to do for Graduate level education is always the MBA. If possible do not concentrate in HR. I would suggest concentrating in finance or operations, if available. Avoid big name on-line schools (its a credibility issue and you don't need to throw money into a method of higher education with a credibility issue). Good executive MBA programs are available in many parts of the country. I would explore those. |
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Moving beyond the Coordinator position.
posted at 3/26/2009 8:15 AM EDT
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Posts: 237
First: 7/10/2007 Last: 8/31/2011 |
I'll "Amen" olPro's statement on advance degrees. I have seen many occassions where they appeared to be counter-productive when seeking an entry level position. But that's not unique to HR, it's seems to be true in other fields as well. |
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Moving beyond the Coordinator position.
posted at 3/26/2009 8:55 AM EDT
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Posts: 3870
First: 2/12/2002 Last: 11/2/2009 |
"Avoid big name on-line schools (its a credibility issue and you don't need to throw money into a method of higher education with a credibility issue)."
I trust you're referring to the big online "for profit" MBA programs such as Phoenix? |
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Moving beyond the Coordinator position.
posted at 3/26/2009 9:14 AM EDT
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Posts: 41
First: 2/16/2009 Last: 4/26/2009 |
Now Nork you know i would never menation by name a for profit entity that while having some brick and mortar facilities primarily exists to provide "distance learning" experiences that may or may not be accredited. |
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Moving beyond the Coordinator position.
posted at 3/26/2009 1:44 PM EDT
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Posts: 3
First: 3/25/2009 Last: 3/26/2009 |
Thanks everyone!! You've all been very helpful. I think I'm going to get another year or so experience under my belt, and then pursue the PHR certification. I don't think I would even qualify to take it at this point.
.. and btw, I wasn't talking about NYU vs. University of Phoenix online. I want to earn a degree, not buy one! My questions was more about smaller local colleges vs. large Universities with a prestigious name. I tend to believe there is not that much of a difference when it comes to graduate studies. |
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Moving beyond the Coordinator position.
posted at 3/26/2009 6:30 PM EDT
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Posts: 3870
First: 2/12/2002 Last: 11/2/2009 |
There's a huge difference in graduate programs! If you're thinking MBA, by all means check out the rankings of various programs! Business Week has some good ranking info.
Send me an email if you want more info (I work in a university MBA program). |
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Moving beyond the Coordinator position.
posted at 3/30/2009 11:16 AM EDT
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Posts: 9
First: 3/30/2009 Last: 3/30/2009 |
Being in your shoes once, just a few suggestions:
-join a ToastMasters club. this definitely shows that you are proactively making positive moves to enhance your professionalism and your career- it's not as time consuming or expensive and you can really gain alot. - show initiative my continuing to go above and beyond in every way that you can. Go in early, stay late, volunteer to take on projects, - keep working hard and you will get noticed. What goes around, comes around and you will get the recognition and the promotion you deserve as you are steadfast in your contribution to your team, department and company. |
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