• Replies 8 replies
  • Subscribers 1 subscriber
  • Views 1792 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related

Starting out in HR

David

Hi all,

I recently decided on career change from Teaching English in secondary schools (2 years experience) and I'm seriously considering HR as an option.  Having done some initial research about what to expect from the profession and studied a few job descriptions for entry level roles, I'm now seeking some concrete advice about how to obtain my first role in HR.  Ideally I'd like to know the following:

- Do I need to start studying for a HR qualification whether that's a CIPD or a postgrad qualification before even thinking about applying for HR roles? (I've already got a BA English Lit (1st Class), MA English Lit Studies and a PGCE but no experience of working in a business environment).  

-  If so is it better to do a CIPD qualification or a postgrad taught course?

-  I'm living in South Wales where HR internships, grad schemes and traineeships are scarce to no-existent based on my research (though happy to be proved wrong).  What's the best way to get the work experience that seems to be a prerequisite for any HR role?

- I've got lots of transferable skills as a teacher (excellent communication, presentation, organisation, admin, mediating difficult situations and other pastoral skills) but I'm not sure how to best present these to potential employers for HR roles as I've never worked in a business environment.

I'm aware that this is a lot of questions and as such any feedback would be much appreciated.  Thanks.

Parents
  • Hi David,
    I'm teacher as well and I'm also thinking of chancing career. I'm thinking of something related with HR.
    Did you received any good feedback?
  • in reply to Ana
    Hi Ana,

    I've really just received standard feedback like apply for work experience, try to find related admin work as a way in, do a CIPD qualification etc. I've been applying for HR related work experience (local govt and NHS) with some initial success as a starting point and signed up with a few recruitment agencies in the hope of finding entry level positions that don't require experience. I'd be interested to know whether you're having any success moving from teaching to HR and how you plan on making your CV/skills/experience relatable to HR as all I can think of is pushing my verbal and written communication skills and the admin related to teaching e.g. reporting, data entry, however this doesn't seem like a genuine substitute for office experience.

    Thanks
Reply
  • in reply to Ana
    Hi Ana,

    I've really just received standard feedback like apply for work experience, try to find related admin work as a way in, do a CIPD qualification etc. I've been applying for HR related work experience (local govt and NHS) with some initial success as a starting point and signed up with a few recruitment agencies in the hope of finding entry level positions that don't require experience. I'd be interested to know whether you're having any success moving from teaching to HR and how you plan on making your CV/skills/experience relatable to HR as all I can think of is pushing my verbal and written communication skills and the admin related to teaching e.g. reporting, data entry, however this doesn't seem like a genuine substitute for office experience.

    Thanks
Children
  • in reply to David
    Hi David (and Ana)

    As a teacher, it might be worthwhile contacting the HR (possibly still called personnel?!) of whatever local council you work for (that's assuming you're not at an academy). You might find that they'd be able to give you some experience at an administrative level (though of course it might be unpaid and you might have to arrange to work part time in order to support it).

    Experience counts for a lot in HR, and qualifications do too these days as it's a very difficult sector to break in to - many more people want to do it than there are jobs to do, so anything you can do to set yourself apart will be of use to you.

    Good luck,

    Owen