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HR Degrees - useful anymore?

Laura Fazackarley

Hi all, 

Interested in a discussion based around whether we think HR degrees are worth it?

Without being annoyingly vague, I mean are they worth the time/cost/effort for those fresh out of college when it seems the likelihood of securing an HR related role at the end of it is no greater weighted in the graduates favour when compared to non-graduates (I appreciate there are many other factors at play such as availability of roles and interview technique) but wanted opinions of others. 

I'm beginning to feel that those thinking of studying an HR degree are being promised/led to believe something that is unlikely to be achieved - they 'seem' to stand the same chance as someone with non-HR work experience getting entry-level roles into HR (maybe even less chance as they are new to the recruitment process). And no chance with non-entry level roles. So, in simplistic terms, is it the work experience that has more impact than the degree? 

Full disclosure - I worked, got into HR and did my studies alongside this, but I am mentoring a few graduates who are hitting the barrier of "no HR experience" and quite frankly, I feel like if I get someone coming to me thinking of signing up to a degree in HR I might say don't bother, go and work, and get insight into HR that way, then get your qualifications... is it like this for others? Does anyone recruit HR graduates with no experience (and not as part of a graduate scheme)? If so, what makes them stand out?

Many thanks, 

Laura

PS going down the voluntary work experience route for those I'm mentoring as a way to try and overcome the barrier! 

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  • I would say yes, definitely work experience is more important than a degree. That's not to say the degree is worthless, however you don't need to look far to see the many discussions on here with people surprised that they can't walk into a job despite having HR degrees, masters etc. Learning what the textbook tells you doesn't often make for relevant dynamic HR advice.

    I do appreciate people feeling they struggle to get experience, but I, like you, got into HR and then studied alongside that. Without that work, I would have struggled with my studies as I would have nothing to relate to. I got a role by highlighting my admin skills, being willing to start as an HR Administrator, and showing a genuine interest and understanding of HR, that is, not using the phrase "I like helping people"!

    Equally I recently hired someone for a similar entry level role, who had no HR experience, but had good transferable skills, and clear enthusiasm.
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  • I would say yes, definitely work experience is more important than a degree. That's not to say the degree is worthless, however you don't need to look far to see the many discussions on here with people surprised that they can't walk into a job despite having HR degrees, masters etc. Learning what the textbook tells you doesn't often make for relevant dynamic HR advice.

    I do appreciate people feeling they struggle to get experience, but I, like you, got into HR and then studied alongside that. Without that work, I would have struggled with my studies as I would have nothing to relate to. I got a role by highlighting my admin skills, being willing to start as an HR Administrator, and showing a genuine interest and understanding of HR, that is, not using the phrase "I like helping people"!

    Equally I recently hired someone for a similar entry level role, who had no HR experience, but had good transferable skills, and clear enthusiasm.
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