Hi everyone!
I've enjoyed this feature of ACP and decided to open this decision point to the AdvisorNet.
Background: I have a Bachelor's in Accounting, an MBA, and an aPHR certification. My goal is to transition from being a maintenance manager to an HR manager in as few steps as possible. Right now, I have my entire GI Bill (36 months) available to me. After doing some math, I could obtain a PsyD in Human and Organizational Psych and a graduate certificate in I/O Psych (max out GI Bill). I'm also involved in a Data Analytics program on Coursera and considering an HRM cert from eCornell at low cost (out-of-pocket).
My concern is that depending how I time/leverage my GI Bill, I could have a PsyD in a field where I am not necessarily experienced. The graduate certs could go a decent way to showing my knowledge. However, I'm beginning to see the writing on the wall that says I need to start entry-level.
Questions: How will it look being an entry-level HR professional with any, or all, of the aforementioned grad work? Furthermore, should I even consider doing this level of grad work while getting into an entry-level position? (Please note: I obtained my MBA on a full-time schedule while fully engaged in global maintenance operations.)
Currently, academics in my network fully support pressing toward the terminal degree and working professionals are pushing toward getting a job first. I'm leaning toward splitting the middle and doing both. The way I see it, almost any entry-level position will give me more than enough time to continue school on a full-time schedule.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
-Chris Zellner
Answers
Christopher, first of all, congratulations on achieving your educational credentials. Working while in school is an admirable accomplishment for anyone who does so. Much to consider but the nice thing is that you have the resources to support your ambition. Frankly, there are a lot of folks with wonderful education and limited experiences and conversely fully experienced with limited formal educational credentials job seekers. So what to do?
Things to consider:
1. As we all know, jobs that are posted establish a minimum threshold of educational and experiential levels of expectations necessary to perform in the role. Do HR resume reviewers make exceptions? Here's another "yes but" answer for you-- yes but, exceptions are fractional and not the majority. Minimums establish a usually tested and proven guiding cut off.
2. I would encourage you to explore jobs postings that do interest your ultimate goal to get a strong sense of what minimum credentials are expected. As you review job descriptions and expectations, it'll give you a good gauge of industry standards and your possible pathways decision making. 3. In your school search process, look for educational programs that offer formal structured experiential opportunities that builds your practical on the job skills and knowledge such as practicums, apprenticeships, internships, and credited industry experiences. My professional experiences with 4 universities advises you to research the quality of the experience and it's ultimate proof of leading to great employment for their graduates. 4. Lastly, the key to any job search process is to be able to articulate and demonstrate job readiness with your experiences and transferable skills set regardless of your combo of educational and experiential journey.
Most importantly, Christopher; keep a positive attitude of believing in yourself and your abilities to perform and it'll always happen--maybe not always in your time-- but your rewards are waiting! Good luck!
Hi Christopher,
Thank you for posing this question and for your service. You are at a critical crossroads. I suggest testing out the job market first to see what kind of bites you receive. That should help you gain a clearer picture as to which graduate degree and/or professional certificate(s) you should then pursue.
Notwithstanding, utilizing your well-deserved GI BILL educational benefits is a must. In essence, being 100% covered, (having served at least 36 months of title 10 active duty service), you will be getting paid (in the form of CH 33's monthly BAH) to get paid (in the form of full tuition/fees coverage).
Given your strong education background I think you're thinking along the right lines to pursue a terminal degree in the field of interest. Just need to ensure that field is where there is mutual interest from prospective employers - I don't see why there wouldn't be. I would think being awarded a doctorate will elevate your stature to a step or two higher than entry level work (at the very least) in the I/O field.
If you're able to juggle both full-time load of courses each term and working full-time, that would make the most sense, though do bear in mind in order to maximize CH 33's monthly housing allowance you will need at least one on-campus course totaling 9.0 credits during a traditional 15-week semester.
Any further questions, feel free to let me know here or via a private message!
Wishing you the best of luck as you embark on this endeavor.
Best,
Rob
Hello Christopher,
While it seems you have plenty enough education today to transition to the HR field, if you're able to both continue your education and work in the HR field to start, that would get you both the experience and ultimately the credentials to continue.
I'm not an HR expert by any means, but specialization today in both education and experience is very important.
Good luck,
Jeremy
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