ASK HR: Human Resource is my dream career. Tell me, where do I start?

Q. Thank you so much for the wonderful work you do. I have a degree in Education Sciences even though over the years I have developed interest in HRM. I read anything that touches on human welfare at work, not forgetting this column every Friday. I have thought of starting off with a diploma or postgraduate diploma in HR. Kindly advice on how I can get into this field. Thank you.

Lucy

Dear Lucy,

Thank you for being and avid reader of Ask HR, we are glad that you find our advice useful. Obtaining technical knowledge is the best place to begin.  So congratulations, you are on the right track. You have not indicated what your current job is, but it seems you are in a role that is exposing you to various aspects of HR duties, which is another great advantage. I presume at this point you must have passion and great desire to serve others because that is what HR is about; creating a suitable environment for employees to deliver their best.

You are right in thinking about obtaining a diploma in HR. In this case, one year Postgraduate diploma (PGD) is what would be suitable since you already have a degree. This however will depend on your area of specialisation during your undergraduate studies, and you can seek further guidance from institutions offering such programmes, including the Institute of HR Management (IHRM). There are other HR certifications outside the PGD which are offered internationally and are equally respected. These include the professional body of HR CIPD; Society of Human Resources (SHRM) and HR Certification Institute (HRCI). A lot of information on certification at different levels is available on their websites.

As you pursue technical training, it will be good to explore opportunities to align your work closer to HR. This could be through reassignment to the HR department at your current job, or occasional attachments to gain practical experience. Joining different online HR forums through LinkedIn or other professional sites will give you an opportunity to follow up discussions and learn as you undergo your training. The IHRM has different levels of membership and you can join and start attending various educational forums held occasionally. There are also various informal HR groups that meet to discuss industry related challenges. Find out if your organisation is a member of such a forum and join it.