Dated 14th Aug. 2002

I have secured admission in MA (Human Resource Management) and MBA with HR specialisation at a university in England. Which course would be better in terms of pursuing a career as a human resource professional or in other words, which one would fetch a better job?

Gupta

Delhi

If you wish to specialise in the HR line, any additional qualification is bound to enhance your prospects further. It is therefore a matter of preference whether you choose between an MA in human resource or an MBA in HR. In the UK there is only a marginal difference between the two degrees.

However, an MBA in HR may prove to be more useful since the syllabus also introduces the student to general principles of management in addition to a focus on HR.

On graduating with an HR degree you will have opportunities to build management careers, either as specialists, in areas such as training, recruitment and industrial relations, or in making a more general strategic contribution towards corporate success.

A degree from UK is respected and recognised. The various job profiles in the human resources sector are: director of recruitment, career counsellors, human resources assistant, director of training, social responsibility auditor, director of personnel, human resources manager, human resources management advisor, recruitment advisor, head hunter, outplacement specialist, and coach.

I am pursuing a Master's course in human resource management, from Kakatiya University, Warangal, A.P. I would like to know how I can get a job as an HR trainee. Please mention the names of some of the companies where I can be placed. What would be the qualities required for this position, and what would be the pay I can expect. Finally, I wish to know what sort of openings that can be expected after the completion of my course.

Umamaheshwar Reddy

Warangal

Besides having a strong base in HR concepts, you need to have good interpersonal skills, knowledge of various HR policies and trends and a pleasing personality.

You can try registering yourself and submitting your resume at various HR consultancies.

A person with a degree in HR will find an opening in any company since most companies have a HRdepartment. Initially, the pay could vary between Rs.3000 - Rs 5000.

However, the pay gets enhanced depending on the nature of your job and the company you are placed with.

Typically, a fresher will begin as an HR trainee and then later may get promoted as HR executive.

As an HR trainee, you will be required to work with a seasoned executive who will train you in the nuances of the job, its responsibilities and so on. You will be allotted specific duties such as maintenance of employee records, organising and conducting employee induction programmes etc.

I was employed as a production manager with a world-class garments manufacturer for the last 6 years. Due to work pressure and circumstances, I was forced to resign in April and took a competitive examination in May. Now after 4 months I have started seeking fresh job opportunities again. While applying and during interviews, Should I maintain that I'm still employed to have a better standing and command good salary? If not, how do I justify my earlier decision of quitting my job and trying for a government service?

M. Aravind

Mumbai

It is best never to misrepresent facts when you meet prospective employers because you will certainly get caught when reference checks are done and it may sour any professional relationship with your future employer.

Be frank and tell them the truth so that a relationship of credibility is built up.

State the reasons that compelled you to leave and the fact that you have learnt from your experience.

Emphasise that you will not abandon a job under any kind of family or circumstantial pressure.

I am a final year B.V.Sc student and interested in doing a post graduation in animal genetics. What is the scope for this subject?

Vidya

Via Email

A career in animal genetics offers many opportunities to the individual with a strong background in the subject. Here are some of typical avenues for an animal scientist to be in: Education, dairy husbandry, animal food, and meat industries,agricultural sector, research and development, and government departments. Though a very lucrative career option the world over, it is still in its nascent stage in India.

My younger brother has completed his geo-physics technology from Andhra University. I would like to know what the career prospects for him are.

Amar S

Andhra Pradesh

Graduates in geo-physics find employment with companies involved in environmental engineering, petroleum or mineral exploration.

If he is interested in becoming a research scientist he should consider taking up postgraduate study.

There are several categories of geophysics jobs such as: consulting, oil, academic, and government. Government and academicemployment is highly competitive but very desirable.

The biggest employer is the government of India. One can become a surveyor with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) through the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination.

One could also gain employment with the Indian space and research organisation, and even lend your expertise in remote sensing projects.

The FAQ column addresses career concerns addressed to C&K Management Ltd, PO Box NO. 2178, Secunderabad-500003, or emailed to faqs@cxknetworks.com