Best way to get into Human Resources?

kapisko1PL

Hi guys,

Just looking for a quick advice.

My wife is looking to get into HR as a professional career. She graduated in psychology this year and decided that instead of being a psychotherapist she'd rather go and follow a HR path. We have a dilemma if she should rather do a master in HR or a professional diploma? Or is there other ways of getting into the HR industry? Anyone working in HR could shed some light on it?

Thanks

blindsider

Ideally she would do a qualification that would allow her to join CIPD as an Associate member. (cipd.ie) There are 1 yr Level 8 HDips out there that would give her this....right time of year too...not sure she'd need a Masters, even though it's never a bad thing to have...


Psychology? https://ptc.bps.org.uk/bps-qualifications-test-use/about-bps-qualifications-test-use/find-training-course-bps

might be useful - larger organisations and multinationals might be interested - I don't know much about BPS though so advise lots of research....

Ticking and Bashing

An unusual move. Does she know anyone working already in HR - I'm sure there's videos on youtube on what's the day job like. Just so there's no differences between her expectations and what happens in practice. From what I see, HR involves a lot of administration / paperwork, drafting policies and procedures and if she's involved in the recruitment side of things - candidate searches / setting up and attending interviews - having to deal with candidates not showing up / or having to deal with managers unhappy with the candidates placed before them. A lot of employment laws / regulations she'll need to know as well for the role.

In the current climate with potential lay-offs she can expect a lot of grievances coming her way from employees being laid-off and having to deal with this. Or she could involved in Learning and Development - induction training etc. which can be very repetitive. There's also the boring side of payroll / pensions in HR.

She mightn't even need a qualification to apply for the job - the company might sponsor her to get professional qualifications etc. she could work and study part time - rather than investing in a qualification / course now and not liking what HR involves down the line.

Green Mile

Wages in HR, especially starting wages aren’t great. Wages are good with experience and specific HR roles such as Learning and Development or HR business partner.
It can be a fulfilling career as it’s very people oriented but the salary might want to be considered before making the move.

kapisko1PL

I wouldn't worry about the admin stuff and the customer service when it comes to drafting contracts and interviews as my wife seems to enjoy it somehow...

Her biggest goal after studying psychology was to be a therapist but after a while she realised it might not be exactly what she wants to do and considered other options. So she's now stuck with a job she doesn't like and is looking for a way out basically. We have applied for a HR master so fingers crossed she might find something she likes. Thanks you for the replies.

Bicyclette

If she does an MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology, she could get into HR or allied areas that way. Alternatively she should do a Masters in HRM.

It will involve more study but there is a lot to know in HRM.