Topic 11:

Shift from HR Assistant to Employee T&D Department

Question: I have worked as a HR Assistant for 2 years and would like to make a career change to the Employee T&D Dept. This department trains claims employees when hired on claims issues and answers any daily claims questions over the phone. I have a BA degree in Marketing and have previously worked as an administrative assistant for a reinsurance company. I don't have any experience in training or claims. What do I need to do to make this transition and how do I express my interest to my supervisor's boss, who is head of the training department?

--Cheryl Wesner, Philadelphia

Answer: Your decision to improve your work situation and move into a trainer position is quite commendable and will afford you more promotion opportunities. Although it is possible to receive on-the-job training, to demonstrate your sincere interest in this change, you will need to seek further education/training to make this transition successfully. A graduate degree or certificate in T&D/HRD will give you the credibility and skills and knowledge in place of actual training experience. This learning can be pursued either online or on campus part-time. With the many higher education institutions located in the Philadelphia area, you should have no problem locating an educational program that fits your needs and goals. Look for one that includes the basic skills and techniques of training, i.e., instructional design, presentation techniques, and adult learning.

On your own, become familiar with claims work and its terminology by reading information available at your organization, talking to anyone you know in the claims area, and researching the topic on the Internet.
Regardless of whether or not you believe that your immediate supervisor will be okay with your desire to move on, you do need to at least apprise him/her of your intentions before going to the next supervisory level. Talk about your ambitions and changed career interests. Furthermore, let your supervisor know that it is nothing personal, you have grown in your job and like the department, but at this point in your career, it is time to seek a different type of position. Let him/her know that you plan to enroll in some coursework to prepare for the transition and as an indication of your intent.

Once you have done this, make an appointment to meet with the head of training and explain you would like a transfer due to changing career interests. Again, you need to talk about the same things you did with your immediate supervisor and learn if this transfer is possible. If the reaction to your request is positive and the company offers tuition benefits, find out if they will pay for your classes in T&D.

You also have to be prepared that, as much as everyone believes this is a good move for you, the opportunity to move into training may not be possible with your present employer. Then you will have to decide to pursue your career dream, but at another organization; or to postpone it for awhile or remain in your present position and office.

--AR