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Transition: Which route? Help, going crazy!
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Transition: Which route? Help, going crazy!
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.
Hello
I've been lurking around this forum, reading and researching, but this is my first time posting.
A bit of background info about me:
I have a technology/engineering+math background. I lov
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Forums » Topic Forums » HR Career Forum » Transition: Which route? Help, going crazy!
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Transition: Which route? Help, going crazy!
posted at 9/13/2010 6:45 PM EDT
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Posts: 3
First: 9/13/2010 Last: 9/15/2010 |
Hello 
I've been lurking around this forum, reading and researching, but this is my first time posting. A bit of background info about me: I have a technology/engineering+math background. I loved my studies, and I did very well, but I've decided that it's not what I want to do for the rest of my life. I traveled abroad to 3rd world countries to volunteer, and a love for HR management emerged. I guess I've had it all along, but it's there that I discovered it. No, my primary interest in HR does not stem out of my "love for helping people" or "love to work with people" etc. It fits my personality. I firmly believe that a company's greatest asset is its human capital, and that they a strong and knowledgeable HR dept can develop and maintain this asset. I'm extremely punctual, very attentive, enjoy routine details, able to manage and multitask with great ease, etc etc. So anyway, came back to the US after 6 months and decided to volunteer to gain further experience in HR. My supervisor and the non-profit's CEO love my work! I was promoted within 5-6 months, and have been really enjoying my work experience. I would like to apply for paid positions in HR, and would obviously like to be taken seriously. I don't want any HR person looking at my resume and thinking that I'm wasting their time or "resume spamming" to every job I see (since my background is so far off). I'm just looking for that gateway into the professional HR world. I decided to enroll in a Master's program (still waiting on their decision), but have also come across Cornell's HR certificates. While I realize that the Master's may seem more prestigious, I don't want to be a lifelong student! I'm eager to start in an entry level job ASAP, and feel like Cornell's certificate might be the better choice in this case. I looked through the list of courses and read their descriptions. It seems like it would be a good primer for me, especially on topics such as employment laws, benefits, compensation, etc. Any opinions on this? In a nutshell, I feel like the best choice for me would be to continue volunteering, get Cornell's certificate, and look for a job. Later on, I would get a Master's or MBA to enhance my career, maybe also PHR.... Does this seem like a wise plan, or am I wasting my time? I've honestly been losing sleep over this. So confused! Eager and excited, yet very confused. |
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Transition: Which route? Help, going crazy!
posted at 9/14/2010 9:20 AM EDT
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Posts: 562
First: 11/12/2009 Last: 9/14/2011 |
I think you're on the right track. HR education is probably the number one credential you can get to make yourself credible in the field. The PHR/SPHR is another good credential to have. There are a lot of pretenders out there in HR with no real background - having education in the field will help you considerably.
Cornell is one of the top 3 HR programs in the country. Their certificate courses are expensive, but Cornell will look good on the resume and I'm sure the content will help you. Your first objective is an HR position. The Cornell program will help. If you desire to go into senior HR management at some point, then the MBA would, IMO, be the right choice. |
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Transition: Which route? Help, going crazy!
posted at 9/14/2010 1:07 PM EDT
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Posts: 3
First: 9/13/2010 Last: 9/15/2010 |
Thanks for the reply and valuable info, nork! Hopefully I'll get an entry level position as I go through Cornell's program. It really helps to know that people in HR think I'm on the right track |
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Transition: Which route? Help, going crazy!
posted at 9/15/2010 3:35 AM EDT
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Posts: 46
First: 9/14/2005 Last: 5/23/2011 |
Hi,
I would definitely look into getting your PHR/SPHR and a Master's program that focuses on HR. Also, pick up any certifications for specific areas you are interested in. Good Luck to ya! |
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Transition: Which route? Help, going crazy!
posted at 9/15/2010 6:44 AM EDT
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Posts: 3
First: 9/13/2010 Last: 9/15/2010 |
Hi Kimmers!
PHR/SPHR require 2/5 years of professional experience (in 2011, w/ bachelor's), so before I consider them I have to break into a career in HR. But they're definitely on my list. Thanks |
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