So, you’ve completed your Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management (MBAHM) from IGNOU, and now you’re wondering what’s next. Well, congratulations! You’ve already taken a major step towards a career in HR. Now comes the fun (and sometimes challenging) part—becoming an HR Manager.
But hold on, don’t expect companies to throw job offers at you just because you have a degree. The HR world is competitive, and you need a mix of education, experience, and good old-fashioned people skills to climb the corporate ladder.
Let’s break it down step by step (with a few laughs along the way) on how you can turn that degree into a solid career as an HR Manager.
Step 1: Understand What an HR Manager Really Does
Before you start applying for HR Manager roles, let’s be clear about what they actually do. Being an HR Manager is not just about hiring and firing (though, yes, that’s part of it). It’s about:
- Recruiting and Hiring – Finding the right people for the right job (aka playing corporate matchmaker).
- Employee Relations – Making sure employees don’t declare war on each other in the office.
- Training and Development – Helping employees grow so they don’t leave you for another company.
- Compensation and Benefits – Ensuring people get paid well enough to keep showing up.
- Compliance and Policies – Making sure the company isn’t breaking any laws (and avoiding lawsuits!).
Think of HR as the glue that holds the company together—without you, things could get pretty messy!
Step 2: Gain Some Real-World Experience
Your degree gives you the knowledge, but experience is what makes you valuable. If you’re fresh out of MBAHM, don’t expect to land an HR Manager job right away (unless you have a magic lamp with a genie granting wishes).
Start with:
- Internships – If you haven’t done one during your MBA, look for HR internships now. They give you hands-on experience and look great on your resume.
- Entry-Level HR Jobs – HR Assistant, HR Coordinator, or even Recruitment Executive roles can be a good start.
- Freelance or Volunteer Work – Helping small businesses or NGOs with HR-related tasks can add experience to your resume.
Remember, even the biggest HR Managers once started as clueless interns fetching coffee for their bosses!
Step 3: Work on Your People Skills
HR is all about people, so if you’re not great at dealing with them, you need to sharpen those skills. Here’s how:
- Be a Good Listener – Employees will come to you with problems. Sometimes, they just want someone to hear them out (without rolling their eyes).
- Master the Art of Diplomacy – You’ll have to tell someone they’re not getting a raise without making them cry.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure – Office drama? Arguments? Disagreements? Yep, that’s part of the job. You have to keep your cool.
- Improve Your Communication – You should be able to explain policies in a way that employees understand (and not in a way that puts them to sleep).
Step 4: Get Comfortable with HR Tools & Software
Gone are the days when HR was just about paper files and long meetings. Today, technology is a big part of HR management. You should be familiar with:
- HR Software like BambooHR, Workday, or SAP – These help with managing employee data.
- Recruitment Platforms like LinkedIn, Naukri, and Indeed – Knowing how to navigate these will make hiring easier.
- Payroll and Benefits Tools – Because employees will chase you if they don’t get paid on time.
If you’re not tech-savvy, don’t worry. You don’t need to be a computer genius—just knowing the basics will be enough.
Step 5: Get Certified (Optional but Helpful)
Even though your MBAHM is a solid qualification, some extra certifications can make you stand out. Consider:
- SHRM Certification – Globally recognized HR certification.
- PHR (Professional in Human Resources) – Shows expertise in HR practices.
- HR Analytics Certification – Because data-driven HR is the future!
Think of these certifications as the sprinkles on top of your already impressive HR cake.
Step 6: Start Applying for HR Manager Roles
Once you have a decent amount of experience, it’s time to start applying for HR Manager positions.
- Polish Your Resume – Highlight your HR experience, skills, and certifications.
- Write a Strong Cover Letter – Explain why you’d be a great HR Manager (without making it sound like a boring essay).
- Use LinkedIn & Job Portals – Networking is your best friend in the HR world. Connect with industry professionals.
- Prepare for Interviews – Expect questions like:
- How do you handle employee conflicts?
- What HR strategies would you implement in a growing company?
- How do you ensure employee engagement?
Pro tip: Don’t just memorize answers—speak naturally and confidently!
Step 7: Keep Growing and Learning
HR is an ever-evolving field. New policies, workplace trends, and technologies emerge constantly. If you want to be a great HR Manager, never stop learning.
- Attend HR webinars and workshops.
- Follow HR influencers and blogs.
- Stay updated on labor laws and company policies.
And most importantly—never lose your sense of humor. Because trust me, when you’re handling employee complaints, unexpected resignations, and last-minute payroll issues, a good laugh will save your sanity!
Final Thoughts
Becoming an HR Manager after an MBAHM from IGNOU is completely achievable if you follow the right path. Start small, gain experience, work on your people skills, embrace technology, and keep growing professionally.
And hey, even if your journey takes a few twists and turns, don’t stress! Some of the best HR Managers started in unexpected places. After all, HR is about handling surprises—why not start with your own career?
So, go out there, put that MBAHM to good use, and build the HR career you’ve been dreaming of!
