Course with better career prospects, HR management or Bus & Legal?

Nephew

I've decided that I'll do a part time degree course in DIT come September whilst I am still young and worry free. I'm tied between two courses Business and Legal Studies http://www.dit.ie/DIT/study/parttime2007/programmes/dt370.html and Human Resource Management
http://www.dit.ie/DIT/study/parttime2007/programmes/dt332.html

Right now I am working in construction, I cant complain about the money and I have a nice sum in the bank, but it's not exactly something I want to do for the next 40 years. I have a certificate in Business Studies, for all its worth. I know prospects are what you make of them but realistically of the two courses which would open more doors to me should I obtain the degree? One advantage of the HR course is that its only 2 nights a week, whereas the business & legal studies courses is 3 nights which tbh would be a big commitment for 4 years. My plan would be more than likely to emigrate to the states once I get the degree unless I knock up some girl in the meantime, then it'll be much sooner:D

I appreciate any advice.

damnyanks

Personally I wouldnt bother considering the HR degree. I've never met someone from HR that needed any training to do their job - then again they usually did it to a low standard.

HR Management is simple really though, get to a middle management position in a different group in the business. Prove you are crap at your job, but instead of being fired (Cause legally they can't) t hey make you a manager in HR.

At least thats the way it looks to me

mikemac

damnyanks wrote:

Personally I wouldnt bother considering the HR degree. I've never met someone from HR that needed any training to do their job - then again they usually did it to a low standard.

I didn't want to be the first to say it but this man speaks the truth. I've yet to met a competant HR person (apologies to all HR staff on boards).

Go for the Business & Legal course OP, it sounds interesting. I did a night course in Law in DIT and the lecturers were all excellent.
Also, as you have a certificate they might let you skip Year one. Sure, ask if you can do this as it won't be such a long commitment then.

Sposs

Yes go with Business and Legal studies, you are more than likely exempt from a few modules the fact you already have a cert. DIT is very good for the part time degrees , the lecturers are very understanding with regards deadlines etc.

damnyanks

micmclo wrote:

I didn't want to be the first to say it but this man speaks the truth. I've yet to met a competant HR person (apologies to all HR staff on boards).

Go for the Business & Legal course OP, it sounds interesting. I did a night course in Law in DIT and the lecturers were all excellent.
Also, as you have a certificate they might let you skip Year one. Sure, ask if you can do this as it won't be such a long commitment then.

I just hate being a bitch but the only time I've had good experience is when I ring HR up and go "I've sent my contract in" :cool:

Nephew

Thanks for the input guys. I am generally incompetent and lazy so maybe HR would suit me:D

So realistically the HR course is a load of bollox from a career point of view? The only reason I was considering the HR course is because business studies appears to be such a generic choice when picking a course that I thought even with a degree it is a pretty watered down qualification due to how common it is.

Do you know what you what you want to do in Life?
Law and HR will require you furthur professional training after you get your degree.
Either degree will open up these options for you.

I think these people have a bit of a chip on their shoulder because they think HR people don't have to work particularly hard, but hey get get paid very well (have a couple of friends on 100k) and a really nice company car.

HR isn't implemented very well in alot of Irish companies, In America it is seen as essential, a totally different ballgame.

Nephew

Moonbaby, I take it you work in HR. Do you like it and find it interesting? Is it hard for a graduates to break into the sector?

Nephew

Nephew wrote:

Moonbaby, I take it you work in HR. Do you like it and find it interesting? Is it hard for a graduates to break into the sector?

No I don't but I have friends and family working in HR, One in the U.S.
Almost everyone I know had to put in a year in the typcal business grad office admin role before they were considered for HR administrator position. Once you get your foot in there and chase up your CIPD qualifications, it seems to be reasonable easy to progress.

One of my friends Dads went from Construction to HR in a Construction company and he loves it, I think being that bit older he appreciates the perks.