Like any other management majors, HR has its own set of challenges, learning, growth and benefits. HRs manage one of the most important asset of an organization – ‘People’. They handle everything related to people in any organization, from Recruitment to Resignation and they do it keeping in mind the best interests of organization as well as its employees. And that’s not all. They continuously research on how to reduce the Employee Turnover Rates and Absenteeism and increase Employee Engagement in order to make organizations more and more efficient.
However, from my experience, I have observed that there is a general perception about HR in our country, and that perception isn’t that good. People still come to me and ask, ‘Why the hell did you choose HR? Isn’t it supposed to be Girls’ field?’ OR ‘HR, hmmm! I guess you didn’t want to actually work’. And because of these perceptions there are many potential candidates in India who reject HR and lose out on the immense opportunities this field has to offer.
To avoid that, below are three things you must do before you outrightly reject HR as a major.
1. Read, Read and Read
Even if you are to reject HR, make it an informed decision. Read interviews of top HRs in magazines like Business Today, Business World; read the basics of HR, the sub-branches it has to offer, the subjects you ought to study once you join it, the evolution of the field; and of course the scope of the field.
Blogs of Harvard Business Review and People Matters would be great source about the latest happenings in the field of HR.
2. Leverage the Social Media
HRs are the people who use networking the most in finding the best talent for their organizations, hence you can always find them on popular social medias.
Find these people on LinkedIn, connect with them and view their career paths. This will give you an idea if you want such a career. LinkedIn also brings to you articles from Influencers daily, just follow the right people or the topic ‘HR’ and you will find what you need delivered to you.
There are popular Twitter handles tweeting/discussing various HR topics. Few of them are: @TheHrbuddy, @RealEvilHRLady, @SHRMindia. Participate in these discussions.
Join Facebook groups meant for HR related discussions having large number of people from the industry. One such group is: I-HR.
3. Go Old School
Finding the people you already know in the industry, calling them up or setting a meeting an Old School style is always the best. They will be happy to give you a personalized guidance.
Although most colleges are done with their application deadlines, few colleges are still accepting applications or are yet to come out with the application forms. Hence, research on it and make the best decision possible. All the best! ?