Hi all,
I am looking for some advice regarding career progression in the world of HR, and I'm hoping some of you will be able to provide me with some words of wisdom. I currently work as an administrator with the job title 'Operations and Project Support Administrator' in a faculty of a University. My role has somewhat evolved over throughout my employment, and as a result of both staffing changes and procedural changes in the organisation I am now undertaking most recruitment administration for our department, including development of adverts, shortlisting + interview administration and staff induction, along with managing sickness absence and maintaining employee records. This currently is only part of my role.
I am due to complete my Level 3 Diploma in HR practice in September, and I have been offered the opportunity to undertake my Level 5 HR Manager qualification over the next year or so. So now I'm faced with a dilemma, should I seek a new role working more specifically in the field of HR, probably as a HR administrator or HR assistant - or should I take the opportunity to complete my Level 5 qualification? My concerns are that currently, my job title doesn't necessarily correlate with my role now it has changed - will this hold me back? If I gain the HR manager qualification, but I haven't been able to apply my knowledge in my current role, will I be looking at seeking employment at the same level a year down the line?
So my question is - should I undertake the qualification or should I look for a more HR specific role now and undertake the manager qualification when I'm ready to work at that level? I don't feel there would be the progression in my current role, nor would I be able to undertake the qualification without sponsorship from my employer.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Replies
Hi Jessica
Based on my experience it is sometimes chicken and egg i.e you don't get the HR role until you have the qualification and although you will have Level 3, Level 5 can make the difference. Also you never know how long you will take to get a new role.......
I remember when I started my Level 7 I had limited HR experience having worked in a generic recruitment and training role a bit like you are currently and I'm really glad I bit the bullet. I had lots of reservations at the time and it did mean I had to do lots of reading and swotting up but after I started the role I soon progressed into a more 'traditional' HR role and I am sure the fact I was working towards the qualification helped me with this.
As LIsa says though whether you are in a training contract may also be a factor, this wasn't a factor for me as at the time I was self-funded.
I hope this helps. All the best
Sarah
Hi Jessica,
This is a really tricky one but in my honest opinion experience and exposure always trump qualifications in the field of HR! There are so many people I know working in HR (and at management level sometimes) that do not have a CIPD accredited qualification. I am very lucky in my role having exposure to practically every element of the HR function. I have worked as a HR Advisor for a couple of years now and before that an assistant and administrator and I am only just doing my level 5 communication.
Why don't you go ahead and do the Level 3 while seeking alternative employment, or would you be tied in by a training contract? You can then pick up the level 5 slightly down the line. It sounds like you have lots of experience or recruitment and selection which is one of the level 5 modules but it may be useful to have a bit more HR exposure before starting on the level 5.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in the mad world of HR! Lisa :-)
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for this! I suspected that experience would trump qualifications as many ladies on my level 3 course are already working in HR roles and are only now gaining their qualifications. I will have completed my level 3 by September, so then there is the decision to be made! I wouldn't be tied into a training contract (I turned down the chance originally as I didn't want to be tied in, however the offer has been made again without any contract, I believe it is an incentive to stay where I am for the time being without payrise/promotion) so it feels like a good opportunity but if i'm not even working directly in HR, let alone at HR manager level, it may be best to look for some more experience first! Thank you again! Jess :)