Topic 3:

Entering HRD with an MA interdisciplinary degree

Question: I am currently considering a career in Human Resources, but I am not sure how to go about getting my foot in the door. I have 2 years supervisory experience that includes hiring and training, and I am currently applying for admission to an interdisciplinary MA degree program focusing on management, communications, and psychology. My university does not offer a specific HR degree. Do you have any advice that would help me with my career plans?

--No Name, Texas

Answer: It's great that you are thinking ahead and recognize the need to makeup for the lack of formal education in HR. Whether you will be attending school fulltime or parttime, there are a number of actions you can take to increase your HR/training knowledge and experience including:
1. Whenever possible, focus on the concerns, trends, techniques/tools, needs, etc. of HR for research papers, course projects, and thesis (if one is required).
2. You did not mention what the subject matter was of your training sessions. However, with your interdisciplinary majors, consider staff skill needs in communications, supervision, and interpersonal relations. Select elective coursework to improve your expertise to train in these areas.
3. If internships are part of the program's offerings, try to obtain one in an HR department. If you are continuing to work fulltime and attend school parttime, talk to your supervisor and HR Department to see if something can be worked out for you to intern in your own HR Department.
4. Find out if local chapters of ASTD or SHRM offer student memberships. If student memberships are not available, and if your budget permits, still join - the benefits will outweigh the cost of membership. This is a wonderful way to network, do some one-shot volunteer work (i.e., registration table at monthly meeting) so that people can get to know you. Therefore, when you are ready to begin your job search campaign, it will be easier to learn of job opportunities.

--AR