How do I make sure to put my degree to use one I graduate college?
I will be attending Fresno State in the fall, but have been taking community college classes during my senior year in high school. I plan on getting my Bachelor's degree in Busniess Administration: Human Resource Management. However, many of the people I have told my degree to have told me of people they know who have the same degree. None of those people are actually in a career where they use the degree. One works at an insurance company and the other is jobless. I want to be able to put the degree I worked for to go to use, not just hang on a wall as proof I went and graduated from college. #human-resources
4 answers
Beng Mey’s Answer
Hi Megann, I have a Diploma in Human Resources (HR) Management and a Bachelor Degree in Business Management. It took me about 8 years to finally work in a role that has an HR element in it, which is Learning & Development. Based on my experience, it was not easy to look for a junior HR position in my country Malaysia. Majority of the open HR roles were for candidate who have years of experience in HR. It was not an easy start for me. My first advice for you is to start looking for some of the online job posting for HR roles that are open today and explore if the job description if its something that you are interested in. The second advice is to ask yourself the reason that you plan to study HR. For me, it was very clear to me that I do like the job description of a HR practitioner and it is a major that I'm very sure that I'd take during my college time. And since it wasn't easy to get a junior HR position, what I did as I started by career was to look for an administrative job in a multinational company to gain exposure and experience in working in a global company. I spent almost 8 years exploring different roles but I never forget that in the end, my career destination is still to be an HR practitioner. My third advice for you is to never forget the reason that you choose to study HR and never stop exploring opportunities that you can gain to learn more about different functions, different roles. After all, one of the requirement to be an HR business partner is to know the business and the people working around it.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you best of luck!
Mey
Dawn’s Answer
3 quick tips: 1) Try to get an internship that allows you to get some experience. 2) Don't be afraid to start as entry level and work your way up. 3) Think broadly. My degrees are in psychology (minor health) and industrial psychology. I am in HR. Am I using my degrees exactly as I would have liked? No. But my love for helping people and using pieces of my degree, I'm absolutely using. My background in psychology & I/O Psych have made me a better HR manager. Good luck!
Sen’s Answer
Coming back to your question, all that is taught in schools is to shape you up for future life and not for job alone. When you do Engineering/Medical, Law or say Business Administration, you will be going through many subjects which may or may not be used in toto in your future profession, rarely it happens in anyone's life but it prepares you for facing any kind of challenge that will be thrown upon in future.
So please don't be over conscious about this issue, take the life as it comes naturally to you. Well, plan your career as per your choice, do take up studies you like and achieve your goal. Do your karma (righteous duties) and rest leave it to god/nature, whichever you believe in. Things will fall in place. Nature gives us the best, more than we deserve!
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
To ensure that you put your degree in Business Administration: Human Resource Management to good use after graduating from college, consider the following steps:
Networking: Build connections with professionals in the human resource management field. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and engage with alumni from your university. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities and gain valuable insights into the industry.
Internships and Work Experience: Gain practical experience by participating in internships or part-time jobs related to your field of study. This will not only enhance your resume but also provide you with hands-on experience and a better understanding of the human resource management industry.
Develop Relevant Skills: Focus on developing skills that are highly valued in the human resource management field, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and knowledge of relevant software and legal aspects.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight your relevant skills, internships, and coursework when applying for jobs. Customize your resume and cover letter to match the specific requirements of each position, emphasizing how your degree and experiences make you a suitable candidate.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in the human resource management field and request informational interviews. This will help you gain insights into various career paths, learn about potential job opportunities, and make valuable connections.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, best practices, and legal changes in the human resource management field. Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences to expand your knowledge and skills.
Consider Certifications: Pursue relevant certifications, such as the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), to enhance your credibility and marketability in the job market.
Be Open to Entry-Level Positions: Start your career with an entry-level position, even if it may not be your dream job. This will provide you with valuable experience and help you build a strong foundation for future career growth.
Volunteer Work: Participate in volunteer work or community service projects related to human resource management. This can help you gain additional experience, build your network, and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Stay Persistent: Finding the right job may take time and effort. Stay persistent, maintain a positive attitude, and keep refining your job search strategies.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of finding a job that allows you to utilize your Business Administration: Human Resource Management degree effectively and contribute positively to your career.
GOD BLESS!