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How does a person that want to be and office adminstration want to get into the HR work and or join the military with in the same filed work of office adminstration?
I'm getting a certificate in office administration and working on trying to go into the military with in that filed of work, I also want to work in the HR filed also something's along the lines of working in an office and applying to things within that nature. I also want to work in the field off being in the field of just and office work things that have to deal with office work and typing, filing, etc.
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10 answers
Updated
Zachary’s Answer
Hello Tiye,
I'm in the U.S. Navy, so I can only talk about the programs here.
The Navy offers several HR jobs. If you don't have a college degree, you can become a YN or PS. YNs work like secretaries, handling records, documents, and performance reviews, usually for a higher-ranking officer. PS roles are more administrative, dealing with pay, policies, and personnel transfers.
As you advance in your career, you can apply to be an NC or LN. NCs serve as career counselors, helping Sailors with their career paths. LNs focus on legal matters, advising officers on Navy laws.
Good luck!
I'm in the U.S. Navy, so I can only talk about the programs here.
The Navy offers several HR jobs. If you don't have a college degree, you can become a YN or PS. YNs work like secretaries, handling records, documents, and performance reviews, usually for a higher-ranking officer. PS roles are more administrative, dealing with pay, policies, and personnel transfers.
As you advance in your career, you can apply to be an NC or LN. NCs serve as career counselors, helping Sailors with their career paths. LNs focus on legal matters, advising officers on Navy laws.
Good luck!
Updated
Marisa’s Answer
Great question! If you're interested in moving from office administration to HR or a similar role in the military, here are some helpful steps:
Building Skills: HR and military admin roles need strong organization, communication, and people skills, which you likely already have. Learning about HR basics, like hiring or using HR software, can be really useful.
Education and Certifications: Taking courses or getting HR certifications, like SHRM-CP or PHR, can boost your qualifications. The military also offers special training for admin or HR roles after you enlist.
Networking and Research: Talk to people working in HR or military roles to learn about their daily tasks and career paths. Look into different military branches to see what admin roles are available and what you need to join.
Highlighting Experience: When applying, focus on skills that transfer well, like keeping records, scheduling, and handling confidential information, which are important in both office admin and HR or military admin roles.
Military Pathway: To work in military admin, you usually enlist first, then get training in specific areas like personnel or HR. A military recruiter can explain your options and what you need to do.
Switching between these fields is possible because they share key skills. You've got this! Good luck!
Building Skills: HR and military admin roles need strong organization, communication, and people skills, which you likely already have. Learning about HR basics, like hiring or using HR software, can be really useful.
Education and Certifications: Taking courses or getting HR certifications, like SHRM-CP or PHR, can boost your qualifications. The military also offers special training for admin or HR roles after you enlist.
Networking and Research: Talk to people working in HR or military roles to learn about their daily tasks and career paths. Look into different military branches to see what admin roles are available and what you need to join.
Highlighting Experience: When applying, focus on skills that transfer well, like keeping records, scheduling, and handling confidential information, which are important in both office admin and HR or military admin roles.
Military Pathway: To work in military admin, you usually enlist first, then get training in specific areas like personnel or HR. A military recruiter can explain your options and what you need to do.
Switching between these fields is possible because they share key skills. You've got this! Good luck!
Updated
Heather’s Answer
Consider applying for administrative assistant roles in the HR field. This can help you gain valuable experience and develop skills that are useful in many areas of business. Working for a company can allow you to learn about different key areas, making you a valuable team member. For instance, I began as an Executive Assistant 23 years ago and learned about HR, account payables, supply chain, and more. Now, I am a project manager overseeing corporate compliance for a large organization.
Best of luck in your career journey.
Merry Christmas!
Best of luck in your career journey.
Merry Christmas!
Updated
L'Shaun’s Answer
I've spent over 25 years in HR, and the field has changed a lot since I moved from Operations. Now, students can study Human Resources in college, get certifications, and gain experience much earlier in their careers. Many companies offer clear paths for employees to move into HR roles or try short-term assignments in HR to get practical experience.
To start, focus on building strong office skills like typing, filing, scheduling, record keeping, and keeping information confidential. These are important in both HR and military admin roles. Getting certifications, doing internships, and seeking admin or clerical jobs can also set you up for long-term success. Whether you're in the military or civilian workforce, having strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and professionalism will help you transition into HR or other office roles and grow in the field over time.
To start, focus on building strong office skills like typing, filing, scheduling, record keeping, and keeping information confidential. These are important in both HR and military admin roles. Getting certifications, doing internships, and seeking admin or clerical jobs can also set you up for long-term success. Whether you're in the military or civilian workforce, having strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and professionalism will help you transition into HR or other office roles and grow in the field over time.
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Brad’s Answer
I would look into a career as a 42A Human Resources Specialist in the Army.
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Rachel’s Answer
Hi Tiye! I've been in HR for over 25 years and did not go to school specifically for HR. I learned customer service first, it helped me working with employees and leaders in the business. Administrative work is fast paced and requires you to be agile and flexible as things change often. Look for opportunities that are administrative/ HR specialist. If possible network with local organizations. If there is a, SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) chapter, that is local to you it may be helpful to get involved and begin building your network. SHRM also offers certifications that can help you stand out when applying for roles. Good luck to you!
Roxanne Johnson
Inclusion Networks and Strategic Investments Senior Manager
1
Answer
Updated
Roxanne’s Answer
Hi Tiye! That Office Administration certificate will certainly provide great skills for both a career in the military and HR. Keep in mind that you can build HR experience over time and through a variety of roles so be conscious of leveraging the experience you will gain through the military or other roles to build your profile as an HR professional. Also, seize opportunities to upskill and embrace your professional and personal development at every step. Best of luck!
Updated
Alla’s Answer
Hi Tiye,
If you're coming from an administrative background and looking to move into HR, you're already starting with a strong foundation. Administrative roles build essential skills—organization, communication, scheduling, document management, handling confidential information—that directly translate to HR work.
Having been in an administrative role before transitioning into HR myself, one of the most important things you can do is maximize learning opportunities within your current organization. HR is a broad field with many functions, and getting exposure to how your company’s HR team operates is one of the fastest ways to make the shift.
A great entry point is pursuing a coordinator-level role that supports HR generalists, talent acquisition, or employee experience teams. These roles give you visibility into HR processes such as onboarding, compliance, employee relations, and recruiting. They also allow you to build relationships with HR professionals, learn terminology, and understand the “why” behind HR decisions. This hands-on exposure helps you understand the business holistically and positions you well for future advancement.
While gaining experience, consider working toward an HR certification such as the SHRM‑CP or PHR. These credentials are highly respected and help strengthen your foundational knowledge, especially as you accumulate the required hours for eligibility. Even studying for the exams—before you're formally in an HR role—demonstrates initiative and commitment to the field.
You can also enhance your transition by:
Volunteering for HR‑adjacent tasks like helping with onboarding, preparing policy documents, coordinating interviews, or supporting culture initiatives.
Taking HR‑related coursework through LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or your organization’s internal training library.
If you're coming from an administrative background and looking to move into HR, you're already starting with a strong foundation. Administrative roles build essential skills—organization, communication, scheduling, document management, handling confidential information—that directly translate to HR work.
Having been in an administrative role before transitioning into HR myself, one of the most important things you can do is maximize learning opportunities within your current organization. HR is a broad field with many functions, and getting exposure to how your company’s HR team operates is one of the fastest ways to make the shift.
A great entry point is pursuing a coordinator-level role that supports HR generalists, talent acquisition, or employee experience teams. These roles give you visibility into HR processes such as onboarding, compliance, employee relations, and recruiting. They also allow you to build relationships with HR professionals, learn terminology, and understand the “why” behind HR decisions. This hands-on exposure helps you understand the business holistically and positions you well for future advancement.
While gaining experience, consider working toward an HR certification such as the SHRM‑CP or PHR. These credentials are highly respected and help strengthen your foundational knowledge, especially as you accumulate the required hours for eligibility. Even studying for the exams—before you're formally in an HR role—demonstrates initiative and commitment to the field.
You can also enhance your transition by:
Volunteering for HR‑adjacent tasks like helping with onboarding, preparing policy documents, coordinating interviews, or supporting culture initiatives.
Taking HR‑related coursework through LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or your organization’s internal training library.
Updated
Corey’s Answer
Having left the military, I'm taking a fresh approach to this question:
1. It's completely fine not to tie your life to the military. You can be a supportive spouse while also building your own identity and career outside of the military world.
2. With remote work on the rise, you can pursue a career that truly excites you. Follow your education and passions to do what you love. Many military towns may not offer many fulfilling roles, so it's important to find your own path.
3. Make use of the education opportunities available to you. If you're interested in HR, use your benefits to start studying in that field. You can also look for internships, either locally or online.
I hope this helps, Tiye.
1. It's completely fine not to tie your life to the military. You can be a supportive spouse while also building your own identity and career outside of the military world.
2. With remote work on the rise, you can pursue a career that truly excites you. Follow your education and passions to do what you love. Many military towns may not offer many fulfilling roles, so it's important to find your own path.
3. Make use of the education opportunities available to you. If you're interested in HR, use your benefits to start studying in that field. You can also look for internships, either locally or online.
I hope this helps, Tiye.
Updated
Tiffany’s Answer
Agree with Heather - if you're interested in gaining working experience while working towards your goal of entering the world of HR, find a company that has entry level positions, such as an admin assistant or executive assistant. Learn the business while working the entry level role, utilize the tools within the company to understand the company/staff, upskill yourself with learnings they have within the HR field, and connect with people that are already within the HR field to see what else you can do. When ready, you can apply for roles in HR, then work your way up while upskilling in your field. Not all companies require certifications and such, but it is always good for you to ask ahead of time so you have a good idea of what that growth will need to look like on your end. Wishing you all the best!