Mid-Career Transition To HR

Hi Simon

When I first joined HR in heavy manufacturing industry many many years ago, it was not at all unusual for very senior ‘Personnel’ managers to have line manager backgrounds. Of course all the present Level 7 PgD and similar‘ underpinning knowledge for professional CIPD membership’ stuff and similar hadn’t been invented then, either. And, with hindsight - but I hope without selective vision - I tend to think that our profession was not at all the worse for not having it then, and probably in many ways just as effective and credible as it is now - if not more so.

Many might disagree with this view and with some justification point out that that was then and this is now, so it’s not a valid comparison etc etc. But I’m recalling a former functional boss - a blue chip holding company HR Director - was a retired RN Rear Admiral, and could hardly have been more effective in his new role in industry.

Another fairly common managerial practice then was to cross-post managers largely from other functions to jobs such as ‘Assistant to the Personnel Director’ where they could learn the senior managerial ropes in a new function often with a view to in time taking them over themselves in a full blown functional Head role, either for succession or elsewhere.

Perhaps these practices of days gone by still persist to a certain extent these days: in any event, it might pay you to draw up a ‘hit list’ of HR Directors of companies etc known to be enthusiastic about employing ex-military officers and put yourself forward to them in an appropriate way.

I don’t know whether or not the armed forces and those they task with resettling ex officers into civilian roles offer to potential employers any forms of short ‘try before you buy’ or experiential secondments but something like that seems the obvious thing to do....And even if they don’t, you might consider offering to do it yourself from your own resources if your own personal circumstances permit.

Sorry I don’t think I can be of much more possible assistance to you, but I’m sure Communities colleagues will soon be along with very sound and salient advice and guidance and whatever your future career, do wish you well in it.

David

Many thanks for your thoughts. I am at a very early stage of my research and will talk to our resettlement people about companies that may be willing to offer short secondments, as this is something I would be very interested in trying. Not only would it provide valuable experience but also help me in translating my skill sets into something more recognisable to civilian employers. Thanks once again.

Simon

Good luck in your transition Simon

I agree with David up to a point, certainly there is a long tradition of people moving from Ops / Functions into HR roles and often at pretty senior levels. I think these people can and did make some great HR Directors and the like. Most of the ones I came across in my earlier career were great X Directors in their firm and were moved into the HR job in their Firm - an internal transfer.

But I think the challenge you will face is (a) transitioning into HR (b) transitioning from military to civilian and (c) maintaining a senior level role. I think to some extent those are three big challenges and you will need how you over come the challenges of each of the three both individually and then all three collectively.

I don't think its impossible, but I do think you will find it incredibly difficult and need to go into this with your eyes open. You may need to decide which you compromise on?

The Level 7 wont hurt but you will need to demonstrate both qualifications and relevant experience. Whilst your military experience may carry weight with some I fear (and as in PC as this is) it will turn off as many or more. So you will need to target your experience and search really closely.

Good luck

Good luck in your transition Simon

I agree with David up to a point, certainly there is a long tradition of people moving from Ops / Functions into HR roles and often at pretty senior levels. I think these people can and did make some great HR Directors and the like. Most of the ones I came across in my earlier career were great X Directors in their firm and were moved into the HR job in their Firm - an internal transfer.

But I think the challenge you will face is (a) transitioning into HR (b) transitioning from military to civilian and (c) maintaining a senior level role. I think to some extent those are three big challenges and you will need how you over come the challenges of each of the three both individually and then all three collectively.

I don't think its impossible, but I do think you will find it incredibly difficult and need to go into this with your eyes open. You may need to decide which you compromise on?

The Level 7 wont hurt but you will need to demonstrate both qualifications and relevant experience. Whilst your military experience may carry weight with some I fear (and as in PC as this is) it will turn off as many or more. So you will need to target your experience and search really closely.

Good luck

Keith

Thanks for your comments. I appreciate the realism in your reply and recognise the challenges ahead. I think you have hit the proverbial nail on the head in your description of the issues I will face. I have some time to work these through and am keen on the qualification as it will help in my current role even if it does nothing else. Thank you for your time and input.

Simon