Hr Career Advice Required!

[Rose]

Im hoping that someone would be able to offer some advice and opinons on my career question...........as below

In the next 6 - 12 months I will be finishing my Bachelors degree in HRM. Thus combined with four years in Administrative roles, of that time one year within a recruitment agency and 6 months in a HR Administration role.

I was wanting to know, what role would be most common for one to obtain once I have my degree, combined with my experience?

Would it be more a "HR Graduate Role", or more along the lines of a "HR Co-ordinator / HR Officer" role?

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Rose.

[kevinh]

Rose, given your previous experience, I think you could aim a little higher than an straight graduate HR role. But to some extent the opportunities available will depend upon where you are. If you are in Sydney or Melbourne there should be plenty of opportunities. These two cities account for about 65% of the market for HR roles and demand is running high.

That said, a fresh graduate level role with the right organisation where you can really develop your career is still worthy of consideration.

[Alison]

Rose,

I'm a huge advocate of HR Graduate roles, having come through a graduate program myself. I think that it would be really valuable for any new graduate (with or without experience) as the position gives you a little more 'freedom to fail'. If you went straight into an HR Coodinator or HR Officer role there would be a much higher expectation and that could be pretty scary if you don't have a strong background (I'd suggest that you'd be part the way there with 6 mth HR admin experience but not quite...)

Also, graduate roles often include a lot more development opportunities than a straight up HR Officer/Coordinator role. If you could find an organisation that had a really good graduate program, you'll get development in areas outside of the technical HR sphere. I often tell graduate candidates who are in a hurry to work their way up the ladder that it's an opportunity that is often not afforded to other levels of the organisation so it's a worthwhile step to take.

I guess the only down side would be that a graduate position will pay less than the HR Officer/Coordinator role.

I hope my advice is helpful for you Rose. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk about it in further detail!

[cam]

Rose,

In regard to a graduate position, some of the higher end companies take a holistic view of graduates. Graduates who have participated in volunteer work are highly regarded and may take precedence over a candidate with higher marks.

Some of these positions are highly sought by the top students and with a background of experience in HR it could be a good way to get your foot in the door of a company that could really boost your career.

[Rose]

Originally Posted by kevinh

Rose, given your previous experience, I think you could aim a little higher than an straight graduate HR role. But to some extent the opportunities available will depend upon where you are. If you are in Sydney or Melbourne there should be plenty of opportunities. These two cities account for about 65% of the market for HR roles and demand is running high.

That said, a fresh graduate level role with the right organisation where you can really develop your career is still worthy of consideration.

Hi Kevin
Thanks so much for your advice and opinions! It really does give me something to work with. Unfortunately Im based in Brisbane, so the market is not running as hot as Sydney and Melbourne just yet.
Cheers - Rose.

[Rose]

Originally Posted by Alison

Rose,

I'm a huge advocate of HR Graduate roles, having come through a graduate program myself. I think that it would be really valuable for any new graduate (with or without experience) as the position gives you a little more 'freedom to fail'. If you went straight into an HR Coodinator or HR Officer role there would be a much higher expectation and that could be pretty scary if you don't have a strong background (I'd suggest that you'd be part the way there with 6 mth HR admin experience but not quite...)

Also, graduate roles often include a lot more development opportunities than a straight up HR Officer/Coordinator role. If you could find an organisation that had a really good graduate program, you'll get development in areas outside of the technical HR sphere. I often tell graduate candidates who are in a hurry to work their way up the ladder that it's an opportunity that is often not afforded to other levels of the organisation so it's a worthwhile step to take.

I guess the only down side would be that a graduate position will pay less than the HR Officer/Coordinator role.

I hope my advice is helpful for you Rose. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk about it in further detail!

Hi Alison
Yes your advice has been very helpful too. I agree with you and do appreciate that a Graduate role would be fantastic ground to gain exposure and opportunities for development that other roles in organisations do not offer. I guess my next question would be....how do I know / how can I tell if a particular Companies Graduate Program is a good one?!
Cheers - Amanda

[HRbeat]

Hi Rose,

I didn't go through a graduate program, but have certainly considered it. Usually, graduate programs offered by companies are described in detail in company websites. They also have testimonies of previous participants.

The other option would be to tap into HR contracting roles. In our current environment, people are taking extended leave from 6 months to 2 years. This way, you can get a feel of the different industries and the unique HR challenges they face. It may also help you consider which industry you want to pursue and dedicate your well-gained HR knowledge, skills and experience there!

If you are ready to relocate interstate, there are states with a shortage in which you may want to explore further. The remuneration and benefits may be different, but the richness of opportunity is there.

[Rose]

Thanks HRBeat for the advice. Greatly appreciated.
I have given it a lot more thought, and in regards to Graduate programs - the positions are really hard to secure with so many applicants and limted positions. I will be leaning towards a more HR Generalist role.

I have considered moving interstate - as options are great in NSW, VIC and WA!

In regards to remuneration and benefits... I still find that QLD is somewhat a little behind the capital cities of other states, (according to many salary monitors that I have viewed).

Its so hard to find out what a ball park - median figure is for the work Im currently involved with...... any suggestions??

[HRbeat]

Salary surveys indicate the different ranges with median for each state in Australia, including different levels in HR. However, you need to consider not just the job title but what it actually involves prior to comparing salaries to what you are applying for. I'll PM you an online source of salary survey (dont want to get booted out of here).

[kevinh]

Originally Posted by HRbeat

I'll PM you an online source of salary survey (dont want to get booted out of here).

Hey HRbeat - we're not complete ogres

If it's relevant to the discussion you can post it here. We only object to blatant promotional posts which are not relevant to the thread.

[HRbeat]

Great!

here you go Rose: www.hays.com.au; www.michaelpage.com.au

[Micky_Jay]

Rose

There seem to be plenty of HR jobs in Brisbane it is just a matter of finding one that suits your experience. A graduate program would be good if you can get in but if not, try your luck with the recruitment agencies. There are many short –mid term government or university jobs that are recruited through an agency rather than an official advertisement. Once you get your foot in the door, it is a lot easier to secure ongoing or extended contracts.

Your first HR job is likely to be more administrative but the more experience you get, and the more often you put your hand up to do project work, the more likely you are to advance in your role. Also, once you have a bit of experience under your belt, especially if it is with a reputable company (which includes the government) the easier it is to get your next job.

My advice is not to be too choosy early on (within reason). Taking a short term contract might lead to a longer term job, if not, it always adds to the resume. You can still be on the look out when you are doing the short term jobs as well.

While the salaries in Brisbane might not be the same as down south, you can always take comfort in the way of life up here!

[Lisa-Jane]

Hi Rose,

When I completed my HRM Degree I was 22 years old and had several years of admin experience behind me (partly due to completing the majority of my degree part time while working full time).

When applying for roles I found that graduate recruiters were more interested in the younger graduates with less work experience.

One piece of advice that I can give is that, if you can get a graduate role it might be worth while taking it. I find that one thing that lets me down when applying for roles is that I lack experience in big corporations (having worked in small to medium enterprises) and a graduate program will give you that. It will also expose you to different aspects of HR, and you may decide to specialise in OD or IR etc.

When taking on a HR admin or co-orddinator role you are so busy doing the everyday it can be hard to find time to gain exposure to other areas of HR.

Hope, this helps.

[Rose]

Hi Micky Jay
Can I firstly say thank you very much for your words of wisdom! What you have said below in your response is completely correct! I value your thoughts and must say what you have said is a mirror image of what has taken place for me. I have landed my first HR job as an Hr Administration Coordinator, and trust me Im putting my hand up for project work, further development and exposure to a lot of other areas of HR. Luckily I do work for what you suggested - a large reputabe company, and hopefully it will put me in good sted for future roles, within or outside of this company.
Agree - heaps of roles are out there in Brisbane at the moment, and the$ arent so bad at all.

Originally Posted by Micky_Jay

Rose

There seem to be plenty of HR jobs in Brisbane it is just a matter of finding one that suits your experience. A graduate program would be good if you can get in but if not, try your luck with the recruitment agencies. There are many short –mid term government or university jobs that are recruited through an agency rather than an official advertisement. Once you get your foot in the door, it is a lot easier to secure ongoing or extended contracts.

Your first HR job is likely to be more administrative but the more experience you get, and the more often you put your hand up to do project work, the more likely you are to advance in your role. Also, once you have a bit of experience under your belt, especially if it is with a reputable company (which includes the government) the easier it is to get your next job.

My advice is not to be too choosy early on (within reason). Taking a short term contract might lead to a longer term job, if not, it always adds to the resume. You can still be on the look out when you are doing the short term jobs as well.

While the salaries in Brisbane might not be the same as down south, you can always take comfort in the way of life up here!

[Rose]

Hi Lisa Jane
Like you I also have completed a lot of my degree part-time whilst juggling full time work.
I have also experienced the same thing in regard to graduate recruitment with the younger grads wanted with less work experience
If I could find a great grad role - trust me I would take it, but they are not to easy to find. As I reach my graduation point in the near future, I will continue to apply, but knowing the amount of applicants for such roles, competition is fierce and landing one is like a miracle.
Thanks for your advice, you have been helpful with your thoughts.

Originally Posted by Lisa-Jane

Hi Rose,

When I completed my HRM Degree I was 22 years old and had several years of admin experience behind me (partly due to completing the majority of my degree part time while working full time).

When applying for roles I found that graduate recruiters were more interested in the younger graduates with less work experience.

One piece of advice that I can give is that, if you can get a graduate role it might be worth while taking it. I find that one thing that lets me down when applying for roles is that I lack experience in big corporations (having worked in small to medium enterprises) and a graduate program will give you that. It will also expose you to different aspects of HR, and you may decide to specialise in OD or IR etc.

When taking on a HR admin or co-orddinator role you are so busy doing the everyday it can be hard to find time to gain exposure to other areas of HR.

Hope, this helps.