To think it's impossible to get into HR?

[HereBirdies]

I'd love to work in HR, but with a degree in a different subject, it feels impossible to find even an entry level job.

It's the age old adage of 'no experience without doing the job but you can't get a job without experience'.

If you work in HR, how did you get into it?

I managed so it's clearly not impossible! It's the same as any job though, without relevant qualifications/experience you won't get in. Even at entry level you really need to be part CIPD qualified. It's worth the investment.

Ive been considering a move into HR, and if I did I would take a year out to do a masters in HR management that’s accredited at CIPD advanced level to get me all the basic knowledge first. Could you do this?

What is your expectation of 'entry-level'?
Even with a Psychology Undergraduate and a Post-Graduate Diploma in HR I started out in temp admin roles. Unless you are eligible for Graduate Training Schemes then you will probably need to initially apply for HR Admin/Co-ordinator positions.

I'd aim for a promotion/move within 2 years to Advisor/Officer so you need to get experience in ER (dealing with absence/performance issues and low level disciplibary) or other relevant skills if you are aiming to specialise.

Also start working towards CIPD qualification as soon as you can.

Do the CIPD qualification

I got in with a secondment in an entry-level administrative role . Through that, learnt recruitment and payroll systems, contracts, etc, etc, have done internal training courses and am now a step above where I started.

If I want to be anything more than an HR assistant, though, I'll need to do my CIPD at some level.

Only do it if you have emotional intelligence. Ppl in HR without it give the professional a bad name...