Forums
CCP/Comp specialization
HR Career Forum
CCP/Comp specialization
Discuss your job search, the interviewing process, creating the right resume, how the HR profession's changes require new job-search approaches and related topics.
I’d like to get your opinions on specialization in Compensation. I am in the Midwest, have BA Degree and PHR, I have 6 years of generalist experience in medium to large companies and 2 years in
0
Cat:Topic ForumsForum:ForumId97
Cat:Topic ForumsForum:ForumId97Discussion:DiscussionId36143
Forums » Topic Forums » HR Career Forum » CCP/Comp specialization
|
CCP/Comp specialization
posted at 9/22/2009 5:13 PM EDT
|
Posts: 2
First: 9/22/2009 Last: 9/23/2009 |
I’d like to get your opinions on specialization in Compensation. I am in the Midwest, have BA Degree and PHR, I have 6 years of generalist experience in medium to large companies and 2 years in a Manager role but within a relatively small company. I am finding myself wanting to go more into the comp area now – I have already taken the first exam toward the CCP and I have an interview for a sr compensation analyst position in a large company coming up. (I just had an interview for a comp analyst position a few weeks ago and did not receive the offer.). Not surprisingly, I think it would be correct to state that there is some competition for these roles from accounting/finance folks.
After my generalist experience, would going into comp now be seen as a step backwards? A senior level Comp/Benefits would be my ideal role at some point, but it seems to get there I will need some dedicated comp experience and not just the generalist exposure I already have. Am I on the wrong track here? Any downsides to pursuing this route? Any comments are appreciated. |
|
|
CCP/Comp specialization
posted at 9/23/2009 7:11 AM EDT
|
|
Posts: 155
First: 8/24/2009 Last: 2/9/2010 |
I personally don't see the generalist track as having much of a future and have addressed that in the past (http://www.workforce.com/section/01/feature/24/84/71/index.html).
I do believe that in an individual or lower level contributor that specialization will result in both greater value added and more secure employment. Ultimately that leads to cross specialization and then ultimately more senior management positions over multiple specialty's. Compensation is a very good direction to go in. I have, in the past, held specialized positions in compensation at all levels and sub functions. If you have the where with all, meaning math and logic skills, you can be highly successful in it. As you will learn during the pursuit of certification it also engages in very complex regulation and points of law. Having the ability to not only understand those but to make practical application of them will be crucial. (unless you find yourself working for one of those ridiculous companies that impede their profitability by subscribing to the theory that anyone can do any part of HR) Like many areas of HR it is a field with many players. Consequently I do not necessarily believe that your competition comes from finance and accounting. Your competition comes from strong compensation professionals who have built a strong skill and experience base along with a CCP. Don Herrmann |
|
|
CCP/Comp specialization
posted at 9/23/2009 9:41 AM EDT
|
|
Posts: 2
First: 9/22/2009 Last: 9/23/2009 |
Thanks for the replies. Youve confirmed a little of what I was thinking as well. I have a finance minor and, in a previous life, held a position as a junior finance analyst before moving into HR. To be a well rounded generalist, I think you need some substantial labor/union experience which I do not have. In my location, those positions are sparse and it could take years (and a few relocations) to get good experience in this area. I am not willing to jump thru that many hoops (and career years) to be a senior generalist. Id rather turn the tide now and start focusing on a specialty, and because of my background and interest, think comp is the way to go. Judging by the fact that I am getting interviews this early in the process (I still consider this the ideation stage), I may not be too off base.
The only part I am not looking forward to is a future pay cut. I am in a smaller, private company and am paid pretty well all things considered. Returning to an analyst role/title, even in a specialized comp area, is generally going to mean a salary hit. But I think the future demand in comp will be strong. |
Forums » Topic Forums » HR Career Forum » CCP/Comp specialization
