Respected Seniors,
I am an MBA HR fresher and am going to start a job as an accounts assistant. My question is, if I do this job now, will it hamper my career when I search for an HR job in the future? Additionally, I have completed a one-and-a-half-year course on financial accounting systems. Please advise me accordingly.
From India, Kolkata
Acknowledge(0)
Amend(0)
4I am an MBA HR fresher and am going to start a job as an accounts assistant. My question is, if I do this job now, will it hamper my career when I search for an HR job in the future? Additionally, I have completed a one-and-a-half-year course on financial accounting systems. Please advise me accordingly.
From India, Kolkata
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
It may hamper. If you look for HR jobs later, the employers may not count this experience, and you may have to start from scratch. Secondly, it may reflect poorly on your aptitude for HR and your uncertain views about your career. These are the factors that may raise doubts in employers' minds while screening your CV. Even if you start with a recruitment consultant, it may be relevant to HR. Try for a generalist HR position or a recruitment job with a sprinkling of administration. That will be found relevant when you go for core HR jobs later.
B. Saikumar HR & Labour Law Advisor Mumbai
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
B. Saikumar HR & Labour Law Advisor Mumbai
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Yes, I totally agree with Mr. B. Saikumar. I would like to add one more thing. Instead of pursuing a career in Finance and Accounts, you have the best option to choose the HR field. The HR field is more interesting than Finance and Accounts. If you have a degree in MBA HR, it is more preferable. When looking for jobs in Finance and Accounts, many companies prefer Chartered Accountants over those with an MBA in Finance.
So, I encourage you to consider HR as the best career option.
Vaibhav Patel
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
So, I encourage you to consider HR as the best career option.
Vaibhav Patel
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Saikumar ji and Vaibhav ji, both of you are right. I am interested in an HR job rather than accounting, but I have been attending many interviews for the last 6 months and have not been able to secure any opportunities in HR. Some are saying I am a fresher, some are commenting on my communication skills, and some consulting firms are even asking for money. Sir, what should I do now?
From India, Kolkata
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Kolkata
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Do not get disheartened by 'fresher' remarks. All those who are experienced now were once fresher only (saas bhi Kabhi bahu thi). Therefore, you will definitely get your chance. You need to make some efforts from your side. In my view, you can take the following steps to improve your chances of employability.
1) Be positive. It may sound empty. Why you need to be positive is unless you are positive, you will not keep expecting good and unless you keep expecting good, you will not make efforts, and unless you make efforts, you will not hit your target. Remember, for every fresher, there is a place to work. You need to find it through your efforts. You will find the thing you want unless you seek it. By harboring thoughts like 'freshers cannot find jobs,' you will stop making efforts. An employer needs different kinds of manpower to suit different needs of his. It is not that he only needs experienced personnel. An experienced person may not be willing to do an entry-level job or trainee's job, and therefore an employer needs freshers to do entry-level jobs. Therefore, bide your time, you will get it.
2) You must have received some feedback about yourself from the interviews you attended. For example, someone told you to improve your communication. Start working on it. In HR, communication is an essential tool. Work on any other feedback received by you.
3) Someone said sincere people work and smart people network. But be sincere and smart too. Contact your friends who are already in some company and inquire whether they can refer your case. Also, go through your inner circle to find someone who has the right connections with HR, like any relative. If so, try to activate the network.
4) See whether your professors in the college are of any help.
5) If you are not getting any core HR job in a reputed company, try small companies where it is relatively easy to get in. Do not focus much on the pay package now. Money will flow to you later.
6) Public sector banks, insurance companies, and other public sector undertakings are regularly advertising HR posts. Apply for them.
7) Kolkata is a big metro, and there will not be any scarcity of posts and people. It is a great advantage for you to be in Kolkata when compared to people graduating from smaller cities. Make use of this advantage. It is half the battle won for you.
All the best.
B. Saikumar
Mumbai
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
1) Be positive. It may sound empty. Why you need to be positive is unless you are positive, you will not keep expecting good and unless you keep expecting good, you will not make efforts, and unless you make efforts, you will not hit your target. Remember, for every fresher, there is a place to work. You need to find it through your efforts. You will find the thing you want unless you seek it. By harboring thoughts like 'freshers cannot find jobs,' you will stop making efforts. An employer needs different kinds of manpower to suit different needs of his. It is not that he only needs experienced personnel. An experienced person may not be willing to do an entry-level job or trainee's job, and therefore an employer needs freshers to do entry-level jobs. Therefore, bide your time, you will get it.
2) You must have received some feedback about yourself from the interviews you attended. For example, someone told you to improve your communication. Start working on it. In HR, communication is an essential tool. Work on any other feedback received by you.
3) Someone said sincere people work and smart people network. But be sincere and smart too. Contact your friends who are already in some company and inquire whether they can refer your case. Also, go through your inner circle to find someone who has the right connections with HR, like any relative. If so, try to activate the network.
4) See whether your professors in the college are of any help.
5) If you are not getting any core HR job in a reputed company, try small companies where it is relatively easy to get in. Do not focus much on the pay package now. Money will flow to you later.
6) Public sector banks, insurance companies, and other public sector undertakings are regularly advertising HR posts. Apply for them.
7) Kolkata is a big metro, and there will not be any scarcity of posts and people. It is a great advantage for you to be in Kolkata when compared to people graduating from smaller cities. Make use of this advantage. It is half the battle won for you.
All the best.
B. Saikumar
Mumbai
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Dear Sahelly,
Listen to me. It is not a question of whether HR is a good field or Accounts is a good field.
Listen to my story which is very well related to your story. In 2004, I completed my BCom and was searching for a job, doing all odd jobs like small secretary/office assistant roles. Then, I got an opportunity with a very big MNC as an HR assistant and joined that company. The HR department motivated me to complete my PGDHRM from Symbiosis through distance learning in just 2 years on my first attempt. However, my struggles began after that. I was not able to secure a proper HR job; almost all HR positions were filled, or openings were filled internally. In reality, there is not much in HR – anyone can do HR, but not everyone can do accounts.
After working as an admin/secretary assistant and feeling frustrated with my job, as I was unable to land a good HR job or HR generalist role despite my HR experience, I, like you, found an opportunity in accounts. I applied and now work as an accounts assistant in a government organization. My basic qualification, BCom, now provides my bread and butter. Over the past year, I have learned a lot about accounts, taxation, salary matters, and everything else related to accounts. My pay is good as well.
If you don't have a job at hand, instead of waiting, consider trying a different job. If you don't like it, you can always make a change. Accounts is not a bad field; accountants have significant authority in processing bills and payments. If the salary in an accounts job is good, you should consider taking it.
Vaibhav mentions that finance companies prefer CAs, but that is only one aspect of accounts. Not every accountant is a CA; accountants can hold qualifications like BCom, ICWA, CA, CS, MCom. Similarly, not all HR professionals have an MBA from IIMs; some have backgrounds in BCom, MBA, PGDHRM, etc. I hope this clarifies things for everyone.
Regarding jobs in PSUs, it would be wise to start preparing for competitive exams.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
From India, Madras
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Listen to me. It is not a question of whether HR is a good field or Accounts is a good field.
Listen to my story which is very well related to your story. In 2004, I completed my BCom and was searching for a job, doing all odd jobs like small secretary/office assistant roles. Then, I got an opportunity with a very big MNC as an HR assistant and joined that company. The HR department motivated me to complete my PGDHRM from Symbiosis through distance learning in just 2 years on my first attempt. However, my struggles began after that. I was not able to secure a proper HR job; almost all HR positions were filled, or openings were filled internally. In reality, there is not much in HR – anyone can do HR, but not everyone can do accounts.
After working as an admin/secretary assistant and feeling frustrated with my job, as I was unable to land a good HR job or HR generalist role despite my HR experience, I, like you, found an opportunity in accounts. I applied and now work as an accounts assistant in a government organization. My basic qualification, BCom, now provides my bread and butter. Over the past year, I have learned a lot about accounts, taxation, salary matters, and everything else related to accounts. My pay is good as well.
If you don't have a job at hand, instead of waiting, consider trying a different job. If you don't like it, you can always make a change. Accounts is not a bad field; accountants have significant authority in processing bills and payments. If the salary in an accounts job is good, you should consider taking it.
Vaibhav mentions that finance companies prefer CAs, but that is only one aspect of accounts. Not every accountant is a CA; accountants can hold qualifications like BCom, ICWA, CA, CS, MCom. Similarly, not all HR professionals have an MBA from IIMs; some have backgrounds in BCom, MBA, PGDHRM, etc. I hope this clarifies things for everyone.
Regarding jobs in PSUs, it would be wise to start preparing for competitive exams.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
From India, Madras
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Thank you Saikumar ji for your response again.
Saikumarji, I know there will not be a scarcity of posts in Kolkata, but it's too difficult to get a job due to my communication skills. However, I'm trying to overcome it. I'm sure if I get proper association and a suitable environment, I will not face such problems. Anyway, some of my working friends are saying that I will not face any problems.
From India, Kolkata
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Saikumarji, I know there will not be a scarcity of posts in Kolkata, but it's too difficult to get a job due to my communication skills. However, I'm trying to overcome it. I'm sure if I get proper association and a suitable environment, I will not face such problems. Anyway, some of my working friends are saying that I will not face any problems.
From India, Kolkata
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Sahely, it is not a question of comparing which function is better than the other because for running an organisation, all functions are essential, such as administration, HR, finance, marketing, and material management, etc. It is not that everyone can do any job. One needs to have the right attitude and aptitude for a specific job.
Regarding HR, it is not everyone's cup of tea. One should have good communication skills, problem-solving skills, analytical skills, good interpersonal skills, and presentation skills, as well as great emotional intelligence since HR has to deal with people with emotions, feelings, and sentiments. Aspirations need to be taken care of by HR through proper HR practices and initiatives, along with some sound knowledge of labor laws as HR has to ensure statutory compliances and cannot tinker with them as they invite penal consequences. All these aspects keep HR on a tight leash and on its toes always.
B. Saikumar
Mumbai
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Regarding HR, it is not everyone's cup of tea. One should have good communication skills, problem-solving skills, analytical skills, good interpersonal skills, and presentation skills, as well as great emotional intelligence since HR has to deal with people with emotions, feelings, and sentiments. Aspirations need to be taken care of by HR through proper HR practices and initiatives, along with some sound knowledge of labor laws as HR has to ensure statutory compliances and cannot tinker with them as they invite penal consequences. All these aspects keep HR on a tight leash and on its toes always.
B. Saikumar
Mumbai
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Saikumar jiii I’ve nothing to say more just would say I’m not ignoring your words. My uncle also agree with you.
From India, Kolkata
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Kolkata
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Dear Sahelly,
I have gone through your dilemma and the discussions.
I have noted that you "...have done a one and a half-year course on a financial accounting system."
I would like to know - What is your basic qualification? Have you taken Commerce in your graduation?
Being an HR professional, I agree with B. Saikumar's opinion in principle.
However, as it is a matter of your career and livelihood - both in the short and long-term perspective; it is advisable to have an open and practical viewpoint.
There is some merit in what Kravi has to say, especially the following:
"I was not at all able to get a proper HR job, almost all jobs in HR were full or whenever an opening comes, it gets filled up internally. Actually, if you see, there is nothing in HR; any person can do HR, but not all can do accounts."
There is some truth in it. The perception of people about HR as given here is correct. So, being a fresher, there would be tough competition as small organizations think (erroneously) that anyone can do an HR job. Whereas, it is true that not everyone can do Fin/Accounts.
So, since you have a relevant degree in financial accounting, you can opt for it as a 'filler' / short-time engagement as you keep looking for a proper HR job.
A short stint in Fin or accounting shall make you sharper and acclimatized to the working of an organization; and hopefully dilute the label of a 'fresher.' Being employed in Fin/Accts would look better on your CV than drawing a blank.
Do work hard, and you'll understand the linkages of HR with Finance, which will benefit you later in your career.
Warm regards.
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
I have gone through your dilemma and the discussions.
I have noted that you "...have done a one and a half-year course on a financial accounting system."
I would like to know - What is your basic qualification? Have you taken Commerce in your graduation?
Being an HR professional, I agree with B. Saikumar's opinion in principle.
However, as it is a matter of your career and livelihood - both in the short and long-term perspective; it is advisable to have an open and practical viewpoint.
There is some merit in what Kravi has to say, especially the following:
"I was not at all able to get a proper HR job, almost all jobs in HR were full or whenever an opening comes, it gets filled up internally. Actually, if you see, there is nothing in HR; any person can do HR, but not all can do accounts."
There is some truth in it. The perception of people about HR as given here is correct. So, being a fresher, there would be tough competition as small organizations think (erroneously) that anyone can do an HR job. Whereas, it is true that not everyone can do Fin/Accounts.
So, since you have a relevant degree in financial accounting, you can opt for it as a 'filler' / short-time engagement as you keep looking for a proper HR job.
A short stint in Fin or accounting shall make you sharper and acclimatized to the working of an organization; and hopefully dilute the label of a 'fresher.' Being employed in Fin/Accts would look better on your CV than drawing a blank.
Do work hard, and you'll understand the linkages of HR with Finance, which will benefit you later in your career.
Warm regards.
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)Looking for something specific? - Join & Be Part Of Our Community and get connected with the right people who can help. Our AI-powered platform provides real-time fact-checking, peer-reviewed insights, and a vast historical knowledge base to support your search.