Expert: Torski Dobson-Arnold - 3/17/2009

Question
I am 28 years old and have a degree in Electronic Commerce. Currently I am residing in Singapore. Actually I graduated as a business student, as the course consists of 70% business subjects and 30% IT (Non-technical i.e. no programming, software engineering) subjects.

I have been working for the past 7 years. As this course is not specialised i.e. IT, Accounts, HR; I have worked in various departments, jumping to one company to another.

When I see my friends who graduated in Computing & IT, Accounting and working well, honestly, I did feel a little regret choosing this degree course. I could not demand for higher salary if I jump to another company because I am not specialised in any function, and my job choices are limited as well.

I am thinking of studying again, choosing a course that will put me in demand and will not worry if I want to jump to another company.

As I don't like numbers, one course that I am interested to study is Human Resources. I dont know if my mindset is right or not. Every company has a HR Department, and if I have HR experience, I will not encounter difficulties if I decide to look for another HR job in a new company.

I am only planning to study part time, as I could not afford to resign and study full time. I am also planning to get married by end of this year.

Since I am already a degree holder, should I take up a certificate or diploma course in HR as a start? Or should I take a degree program in HR?

As I dont have any working experience in HR, I guess if I decide to find a job in HR after my studies, be it a diploma or degree, the starting salary would definitely be lower than my current salary. Am I right?

I am so confused. I really want to study again, take up a course that I like. But, i'm not sure if this is the right time.

Pls help!


Answer
Jess:

You are in luck!  I have a graduate degree in Human Resources Management.

First of all, let me say this.  What has or hasn't worked for your friends who have worked in other career areas, is their experiences, not yours.  You cannot go through your professional career making decisions based on other folks' experience.

I applaud your efforts to work on your degree on a PT basis for two reasons.  One it is a great way to "test the waters" in any career area and two, it doesn't break the bank financially while funding your degree options.  

I would though ask that you attempt to get some type of work experience in HR as you complete your classes.  Like most degrees, what you learn in the classroom can be 360 degrees different from what actually goes on in the workplace.  I am not too excited about the idea of you picking a career choice based on your idea of its transferrability.  I think people are more successful in their career options based on what they are passionate about and what growth opportunities are available in that area.

I would suggest that you take some career assessment testing through the college to make sure that HR is something that fits your natural interests and compliments the type of work you would be interested in doing at the same time you are taking classes.

In regards to this being the "right time".  I believe that there is NEVER a right time, ONLY a right time for you.

GO with your gut along with some valuable information you've gone over in your research and then be passionate about making your dream career come true.

Hope this helps!

Claiming nothing but success in all of your career endeavors,

Torski