8 answers
Sanilia
Student
Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
3
Questions
Updated
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How do I plan my college and career ?
I'm currently doing my Cambridge alevels ( bs Econ and accounts) unfortunately I wasn't happy with the bs result and hence am planning to resit . But the marksfor my as will be carried forward to this may/June 2024 and this will lead to me having two separate result sheets . I'm worried if that'll be an obstacle while applying to a college. I'm planning to pursue HR(human resource management) imnnot quiet sure how to get started like what degree shd I do and what must I choose in college to both work and study along with it to gain experience..not sure
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8 answers
Paul Emello
Financial Analyst
2
Answers
Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hello Sanilia,
Please remember, it's perfectly okay not to have everything mapped out from the beginning. In my own experience, I switched my college major multiple times and still managed to graduate ahead of schedule. Initially, I chose engineering as my major because I had a passion for math. However, I soon realized it wasn't for me. I then pivoted to economics, a subject I found both fascinating and enjoyable.
By the end of my sophomore year, I had made my final switch to managerial economics, a blend of finance and economics. This choice appealed to me because it struck a balance between a subject I enjoyed and one that I believed would equip me with practical skills for the professional world.
During college, I also had the opportunity to intern in two different fields, which helped me understand my career preferences better. My first internship was in accounting for my state government, a role I found less than stimulating. This experience was valuable, though, as it made me realize that I didn't want to pursue a career in government or accounting.
The next summer, I interned in sales and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I missed the numerical aspect of my previous accounting job. After graduating, I joined a Financial rotational program where I change roles within the company every six months. I'm finding this experience very rewarding.
My advice to you is not to stress about having everything figured out. As you journey through life, you'll naturally discover what suits you and what doesn't. Even after graduating from college, I'm still exploring my career options and I'm not certain I'll ever find a definitive answer. The key is to keep your options open and never shy away from trying something new, even if you're unsure whether you'll like it.
Please remember, it's perfectly okay not to have everything mapped out from the beginning. In my own experience, I switched my college major multiple times and still managed to graduate ahead of schedule. Initially, I chose engineering as my major because I had a passion for math. However, I soon realized it wasn't for me. I then pivoted to economics, a subject I found both fascinating and enjoyable.
By the end of my sophomore year, I had made my final switch to managerial economics, a blend of finance and economics. This choice appealed to me because it struck a balance between a subject I enjoyed and one that I believed would equip me with practical skills for the professional world.
During college, I also had the opportunity to intern in two different fields, which helped me understand my career preferences better. My first internship was in accounting for my state government, a role I found less than stimulating. This experience was valuable, though, as it made me realize that I didn't want to pursue a career in government or accounting.
The next summer, I interned in sales and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I missed the numerical aspect of my previous accounting job. After graduating, I joined a Financial rotational program where I change roles within the company every six months. I'm finding this experience very rewarding.
My advice to you is not to stress about having everything figured out. As you journey through life, you'll naturally discover what suits you and what doesn't. Even after graduating from college, I'm still exploring my career options and I'm not certain I'll ever find a definitive answer. The key is to keep your options open and never shy away from trying something new, even if you're unsure whether you'll like it.
thanks a lot .tbh its pretty stressing out .at the moment im in the bottom when it comes to my financial needs so i thought i cant switch majors or redo any degrees or sort so sticking to one thing was my plan.thanks for adding in .
Sanilia
Moataz Elfar
general manger
17
Answers
Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt
Updated
Moataz’s Answer
Planning your college and career involves thoughtful consideration of your academic goals, interests, and the steps you need to take to achieve them. Here are some steps to help you plan your college and career path, especially with a focus on pursuing a degree in Human Resource Management (HR):
College Planning:
Research Colleges and Programs:
Look for colleges or universities that offer strong programs in Human Resource Management. Consider factors such as reputation, accreditation, and faculty expertise.
Admission Requirements:
Understand the admission requirements for the colleges you're interested in. Check if they consider both AS and A2 results separately or if they focus on the overall A-level performance.
Resitting A-levels:
Since you plan to resit your A-levels, make sure to focus on improving your performance. Consult with your teachers or academic advisors for guidance on preparing for the resits.
Application Process:
Pay attention to the application process for each college. Some may consider your entire A-level performance, while others may look at specific subjects related to your intended major.
Personal Statement:
Craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your passion for Human Resource Management, your academic achievements, and any relevant experiences or skills.
Career Planning:
Explore HR Specializations:
Research different specializations within Human Resource Management (e.g., recruitment, training and development, employee relations) to understand where your interests lie.
Choose a Relevant Degree:
Consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration with an HR focus, or a related field. Some colleges offer specialized HR programs.
Internships and Work Experience:
Seek internships or part-time work in HR or related fields during your college years. Practical experience is valuable and can enhance your resume.
Networking:
Attend career fairs, networking events, and connect with professionals in the HR industry. Networking can open doors to mentorship and job opportunities.
Certifications:
Explore HR certifications such as the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) once you're eligible.
Part-Time Work:
Look for part-time work or volunteer opportunities that allow you to gain experience in areas related to HR, even if they are entry-level roles.
Develop Soft Skills:
HR professionals need strong interpersonal and communication skills. Work on developing soft skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving.
Graduate Education (Optional):
Consider whether pursuing a master's degree in HR or a related field aligns with your long-term career goals.
Remember, it's okay not to have everything figured out immediately. Your college and career journey may involve exploration and adjustments along the way. Utilize the resources available at your college, seek advice from mentors, and stay proactive in pursuing opportunities that align with your goals.
College Planning:
Research Colleges and Programs:
Look for colleges or universities that offer strong programs in Human Resource Management. Consider factors such as reputation, accreditation, and faculty expertise.
Admission Requirements:
Understand the admission requirements for the colleges you're interested in. Check if they consider both AS and A2 results separately or if they focus on the overall A-level performance.
Resitting A-levels:
Since you plan to resit your A-levels, make sure to focus on improving your performance. Consult with your teachers or academic advisors for guidance on preparing for the resits.
Application Process:
Pay attention to the application process for each college. Some may consider your entire A-level performance, while others may look at specific subjects related to your intended major.
Personal Statement:
Craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your passion for Human Resource Management, your academic achievements, and any relevant experiences or skills.
Career Planning:
Explore HR Specializations:
Research different specializations within Human Resource Management (e.g., recruitment, training and development, employee relations) to understand where your interests lie.
Choose a Relevant Degree:
Consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration with an HR focus, or a related field. Some colleges offer specialized HR programs.
Internships and Work Experience:
Seek internships or part-time work in HR or related fields during your college years. Practical experience is valuable and can enhance your resume.
Networking:
Attend career fairs, networking events, and connect with professionals in the HR industry. Networking can open doors to mentorship and job opportunities.
Certifications:
Explore HR certifications such as the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) once you're eligible.
Part-Time Work:
Look for part-time work or volunteer opportunities that allow you to gain experience in areas related to HR, even if they are entry-level roles.
Develop Soft Skills:
HR professionals need strong interpersonal and communication skills. Work on developing soft skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving.
Graduate Education (Optional):
Consider whether pursuing a master's degree in HR or a related field aligns with your long-term career goals.
Remember, it's okay not to have everything figured out immediately. Your college and career journey may involve exploration and adjustments along the way. Utilize the resources available at your college, seek advice from mentors, and stay proactive in pursuing opportunities that align with your goals.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Sanilia
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
456
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Pursue a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and if available, consider specializing in Human Resources. This degree will unlock numerous opportunities for you.
If you find yourself lacking in areas that employers are looking for, don't worry. You have the option to either pursue a Master's degree or aim for a double major in your Bachelor's degree.
Your high school grades and the subjects you love will guide your future journey. Remember, there's no need to confine yourself to a single path. College is a wonderful platform to discover and follow what you would happily do for the rest of your life.
If you find yourself lacking in areas that employers are looking for, don't worry. You have the option to either pursue a Master's degree or aim for a double major in your Bachelor's degree.
Your high school grades and the subjects you love will guide your future journey. Remember, there's no need to confine yourself to a single path. College is a wonderful platform to discover and follow what you would happily do for the rest of your life.
Thanks for the advice. The thing is I'm not even sure whether to take HRM because of the number of careers available. If I do bachelor's in business administration next what do I do is my question. Do a postgraduate and then masters for HRM or directly to masters.
I want to have a flexible career. Where I could enjoy and work at the same time. I'm not sure if that exists in the HRM field neither . I planned on doing auditing . Not sure if it's really as hard as many say . I need someone to guide me through my planning coz there's none near me or someone who I could talk to at the moment personally.
Sanilia
Dustin Leszcynski
Talent Acquisition
3
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Dustin’s Answer
Hello Sanilia - Just like the advice from others, I'd strongly recommend going for a broad business management or administration degree. After that, you can concentrate on gaining practical experience in the HR field through internships, co-op programs, or work experiences. The more you grasp and can converse in the business language of the companies you'll be assisting as an HR partner, the more trust, credibility, and value you can provide. This will undoubtedly strengthen your partnerships.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Sanilia
Juanita Hanley
1
Answer
Updated
Juanita’s Answer
There is no need to stress about retaking exams. An economic background to pursue a career in HR is helpful to understand cyclical market trends as to why during certain times of the year may be difficult to locate talent. This background may also assist you in HR in determining the best time to provide compensation awards or salary evaluations. This is more about messaging and what you will want to tell the university as to why you pursued a second attempt. I think it is perfectly OK to say you wanted the opportunity to better demonstrate your knowledge in this subject and to provide a more wholesome representation of your skills.
Best of Luck
Juanita H.
New Jersey, USA
Best of Luck
Juanita H.
New Jersey, USA
Houcine Lakhchach
Career Development Specialist | U.S Department exchange Alumnus | EFL/ESL trainer | Program manager
139
Answers
Kenitra, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Morocco
Updated
Houcine’s Answer
Dear Sanilia,
Planning your college and career path is an exciting yet challenging process, and I'm here to provide guidance on how to navigate it effectively:
1. College Application:
Transparency: Be transparent about your academic journey in your college applications. Address any concerns about having two separate result sheets in your personal statement or additional information section. Emphasize your dedication to improvement and your passion for pursuing HR.
2. Degree Choice for HR:
Undergraduate Degree: While pursuing HR, you can choose various undergraduate degrees, such as Business Administration, Human Resource Management, or Organizational Psychology. Research the curriculum of different programs to find one that aligns with your career goals and interests.
3. Gaining Experience:
Internships: Look for internships or co-op programs related to HR during your college years. Many universities have career services that can assist in finding opportunities.
Part-Time Work: Consider part-time work in roles that involve administrative tasks, customer service, or team collaboration, as these experiences can contribute to your HR skill set.
On-Campus Jobs: Some universities offer on-campus jobs, providing students with work opportunities that align with their studies.
4. Networking:
Professional Organizations: Join HR-related professional organizations or student chapters to network with professionals in the field. Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars to build connections.
LinkedIn: Create a strong LinkedIn profile and connect with HR professionals, alumni, and peers. Engage in discussions and seek informational interviews to learn more about the industry.
5. Balancing Work and Study:
Time Management: Develop strong time-management skills to balance your studies and work commitments effectively.
Flexible Study Options: Explore flexible study options such as online courses or evening classes that allow you to work during the day.
6. Further Education:
Consider Graduate Studies: Depending on your career goals, you might consider pursuing a Master's in HR or a related field later in your career to enhance your expertise and career prospects.
Remember, your unique journey and experiences can contribute to your success in HR. Be persistent, stay focused on your goals, and seek guidance from mentors and professionals in the field. Best of luck on your academic and career endeavors!
Best regards,
Houcine
Planning your college and career path is an exciting yet challenging process, and I'm here to provide guidance on how to navigate it effectively:
1. College Application:
Transparency: Be transparent about your academic journey in your college applications. Address any concerns about having two separate result sheets in your personal statement or additional information section. Emphasize your dedication to improvement and your passion for pursuing HR.
2. Degree Choice for HR:
Undergraduate Degree: While pursuing HR, you can choose various undergraduate degrees, such as Business Administration, Human Resource Management, or Organizational Psychology. Research the curriculum of different programs to find one that aligns with your career goals and interests.
3. Gaining Experience:
Internships: Look for internships or co-op programs related to HR during your college years. Many universities have career services that can assist in finding opportunities.
Part-Time Work: Consider part-time work in roles that involve administrative tasks, customer service, or team collaboration, as these experiences can contribute to your HR skill set.
On-Campus Jobs: Some universities offer on-campus jobs, providing students with work opportunities that align with their studies.
4. Networking:
Professional Organizations: Join HR-related professional organizations or student chapters to network with professionals in the field. Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars to build connections.
LinkedIn: Create a strong LinkedIn profile and connect with HR professionals, alumni, and peers. Engage in discussions and seek informational interviews to learn more about the industry.
5. Balancing Work and Study:
Time Management: Develop strong time-management skills to balance your studies and work commitments effectively.
Flexible Study Options: Explore flexible study options such as online courses or evening classes that allow you to work during the day.
6. Further Education:
Consider Graduate Studies: Depending on your career goals, you might consider pursuing a Master's in HR or a related field later in your career to enhance your expertise and career prospects.
Remember, your unique journey and experiences can contribute to your success in HR. Be persistent, stay focused on your goals, and seek guidance from mentors and professionals in the field. Best of luck on your academic and career endeavors!
Best regards,
Houcine
Thank you!
Sanilia
Joseph Ford
125
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Well for one thing HR job market is wide open. Business Management and a minor in Psychology would be very helpful. Again the HR job market is open in all areas of workforce.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Sanilia
Sudip Roy
Human Resources
1
Answer
Redwood City, California
Updated
Sudip’s Answer
Hi Sanilia, with respect to your first question, there's no issue in having two separate results sheets. If you can demonstrate an improvement in performance from your first sitting, a decision maker will be impressed by your motivation, aptitude, and capacity for learning and growth.
With respect to the degree you wish to pursue, there are a couple of factors to consider:
1. If you know you wish to study HR, choosing a degree in Human Resource Management or Organizational Behavior (OB) will help.
2. If you're not sure, and wish to explore other potential career paths as well, a degree in Business Management / Administration may be useful (and you can choose courses in HR / OB as part of the course curriculum).
With respect to the degree you wish to pursue, there are a couple of factors to consider:
1. If you know you wish to study HR, choosing a degree in Human Resource Management or Organizational Behavior (OB) will help.
2. If you're not sure, and wish to explore other potential career paths as well, a degree in Business Management / Administration may be useful (and you can choose courses in HR / OB as part of the course curriculum).
thankyou so much for answering both of my questions ! ill look through it
Sanilia