I've been in HR for 5 years. I have a BS degree in Medical Social Work (never worked a day in that field), and have worked for the same non-profit organization for 19 years. Fourteen of those years were spent managing Employment and Training Programs (JTPA), and developing new projects. One day my boss comes to my office and says "I've got an idea...." and thus our HR department was started with me to develop it. Prior to that, each department head did their own thing and we all hoped it was the RIGHT thing. **smile** I've learned a lot, and the changes just over the past 5 years have been interesting...but I love it! Far, far more than project management!!!
Ah, a popular poll!! OK, I've been working in HR since 1996, six years now. I have worked in HR for two companies in those six years, and in-between the two companies I was a legal secretary for an attorney. Hey, it paid the bills!
The first college I went to I majored in Broadcast Communications and dropped out because I lost my grant (the grant committe got sucked dry)so I went to a second school and decided on what I thought would be a very easy profession: Court Reporting. What a nightmare. So i finally graduated out with a Paralegal AAS degree. Si igjess I jjstllinglll
>1. How long have you been working in HR? >2. How many companies have you worked for? >3. Did you graduate from college in the field or did you just fall >into it?
I've been working in HR for about 19 years now. I graduated from college with a BS in Business Administration, with a concentration in Management and a minor in computer science (although the computer science of the early 80's bears no resemblance to the computer science of today!) I knew I wanted to do something in business, but wasn't sure what. I fell into HR working in the recruiting department for a "Big 8" accounting firm (I'm dating myself again!). Since then I've worked for a placement agency, a savings & loan, a hotel, and now for the last 14 years as the Director of HR for a manufacturing company. I love HR as life is never dull!
1. How long have you been working in HR? 5 years 2. How many companies have you worked for? 3 3. Did you graduate from college in the field or did you just fall into it? Fell into through the temporary staffing industry in 1997 and actively pursued additional education later in 2000. I received my PHR in December 2000. I am now a one person HR department for a credit union with 47 employees.
1. How long have you been working in HR? 7 years 2. How many companies have you worked for? 1 3. Did you graduate from college in the field or did you just fall into it? As a returning student got a BA in journalism with PR emphasis. PR jobs weren't paying enough for a single mom with three boys so started as an admin asst in HR (my previous profession)with an Indian gaming casino. Wasn't too thrilled so transferred after six months and spent a year in mktg dept. HR dir and GM called me back to HR (the company needs you here!) as employee relations manager, so I went. Been back six years now and have certainly grown into the job, really enjoy what I do, and seem to have an affinity for it.
I have been in HR for 13 years now. I have worked for 6 different companies in the HR department. I survived three mergers in healthcare (that accounts some of those different companies above) and now am in banking. I have a BA in Communications and a MS in Human Resource Development. I fell into HR when the small hospital where I was an administrative assistant was going the Chapter 11 way, the HR director walked off to pursue her own goals, and a buyer came out of nowhere and they needed someone to juggle everything until the deal went through. Lucky for me, I'm good at juggling and went with the merger as the HR specialist and the rest is history!
1. 5 years exclusively; 2 years as "other duties as assigned" 2. 2 companies 3. Fell into it, courtesy of experience at the "other duties as assigned" job!
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 07-22-02 AT 01:30PM (CST)[/font][p]I started as a secretary in 1982 right out of Technical School and worked for six companies in between. I worked my way up the ranks from Secretary to Benefits Assistant/HRIS Administrator, HR Administrator, Generalist, Sr. Generalist to my current position HR Manager. I've been with my current company for 3 years.
1-Working in HR for 6 years, Past 2 years as supervisor 2-Have worked for same company since 1980. 3-As supervisor: school of hard knocks plus wonderful SHRM sponsored PHR prep class last Fall. Pushed into HR - always swore I never wanted to be in HR, but sometimes we have no choice & must make the best of it. Enjoy helping people.
Hi all! I've been in HR for a little over two years now. I work at a non-profit educational organization. I started out as the Administrative Assistant for the Assessment Development department. I showed interest in HR, so I was eventually moved to the "Human Resources Assistant" position.
Whereas before my job was something to pay the bills, now I love it! I love how HR is different everyday, and I love being involved with all the employees within our organization. I am basically the benefits administrator at our company and I think a promotion is in the works for a Specialist, Benefits and Administration (or something of the sort). I work directly for the Director of HR, and she has helped me grow tremendously. I feel lucky to have such a great boss. Wish me luck...
I am also working on my BA in Behavioral Sciences. (Going to school and working in HR full time is tough! Anyone else out there having difficulties with that?)
Any advice for a newcomer to HR would be greatly appreciated - I read this forum every week!
I have been in HR for 17 years. I have worked for 2 companies.
I also fell into HR. Didn't even know HR existed when I graduated high school, but was hired as a receptionist through one of my business classes. From there I moved up to Stenographer. At the time, the company didn't even have an HR Department. A year or two later, the company hired an HR Manager and I became her assistant and mentored under her. I began working more and more with payroll and benefits and when the company was sold, I didn't see eye to eye with the GM so I searched for a new job. I was hired at the second company as a Payroll and Benefits Administrator and I just love my job! I have learned more in 4 short years that I had in the 16 years I spent at the first company!
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 07-19-02 AT 10:38AM (CST)[/font][p]I have been working in HR for 4 years with 2 different companies. Before I came upon HR, I received a paralegal degree. Then I received a BA in Business Admin. and an MBA with concentration in Human Resources. After my MBA is when I started working in HR. I became PHR certified this past spring and plan to go to law school in the near future. I agree that HR and Law school go hand in hand.
1. How long in field? 6 years 2. How many companies worked for? 4 companies 3. My Bachelor degree is in Psychology and that really helps HR Professionals to have those people skills, and my Master's degree is in HR.
2. Between downsizings, acquistions and dumb decisions - 12 (O&G, Healthcare, Finance/Banking)
3. Undergraduate Speech Communication in Educaion - BSE 10 years later night graduate school while working full-time, MS -Management and Human Relations
4. Lessons learned over 25+ years: the grass is not always greener; develop thick skin, keep learning: rules, laws, technology and methods; don't allow your boss to be surprised; provide feedback; seek clarity; have confidence; take stands diplomatically based on facts and right; pick the important stands & negotiate only those of high value; gain consensus; and have a strong sense of humor.
I've been in HR for almost 14 years. I fell into it without a degree. I used to be a police dispatcher and the ability to function under stress, prioritize and focus transferred well. After severe burnout I applied for a job as a secretary/receptionist at a Court. In the interview I was asked what type of position I would like to be in and I said "Personnel". It turns out the position they were interviewing me for was shared between Personnel and Administration. It evolved and so did I. I am the senior employee now with lots of history behind me. I did pursue and receive a Certificate in HR Management from a State University. Someday maybe I'll work on my PHR. I love people and like dispatching...never a dull moment!
I graduated with a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon. I spent the next 15 years in corporate training and as a career coach and outplacement executive. After working with dozens of companys and thousands of outplaced employees, I was ready for a change. I joined a start-up in 1996 and recruited and trained new employees for their rapidly growing retail operation. I also ran a sub-division of this company and was in charge of all HR related matters. With the downturn in retail in 2000, I was laid off and found my current position as an HR generalist. Certain parts of the HR responsibility come easily, as it is in keeping with my training and experience; recruiting, employee relations, performance coaching and evaluation, team building, and training and development for example. Other parts that are more law driven such as benefits admin and 401(k) have required additional learning. Bottom line - in HR 4 years, somewhat related degree, fell into HR - was intending to change the world through enlightened consciousness raising and human potential training. AHHHHH, the 70's.
>was intending to change the world through enlightened consciousness >raising and human potential training. AHHHHH, the 70's.
Hey M. Warner. Thanks for reminding me of the dreams we had in the 70's! Do you still have that little brass incense burner on your credenza? I found mine the other day and still have my rose-colored-glasses from back then but they do not fit me anymore. Have a good one. Don D.
I have been in HR for about 2 years with the same company. I started out as a receptionist and just fell into this role when they finally decided we needed someone dedicated strictly to HR. I am current working towards a degree in Health and Fitness, but I don't know if will want to leave the HR profession once I have my degree.
1.I have been in HR for 8 years. 2. I was "suckered" into the job, but now I love it. Of course it does have it's moments & I can do without whiny employees. 3. My degrees are: BA in Secondary Ed & BA in Mathematics. I have a lapsed PHR & intend to take the SPHR test in December. Would like to get an advanced degree in HR on-line someday, but must wait til the last child has left the nest.
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 07-19-02 AT 05:20PM (CST)[/font][p]1. I have been with this company 23 years. I started taking on some of the HR responsibilities 16 years ago and now have sole responsibility of HR. Due to downsizing earlier this year, we eliminated an administrative assistant's position, so of course - it was my job 23 years ago - so it's no big deal to take on those duties also - right?
2. I was in retail advertising for 5 1/2 years prior to that.
3. No college degree (much to my regret) and I got swallowed up in HR. I really do enjoy the work now. I would love to go back to school, but I'm getting terribly old and tired. Have been thinking about testing for certification, however.
Company ownership is going to change within the next month - wish me luck. I hope I'm not looking for employment soon.
I have been in HR for a little over six years and have worked for just one company. My degree is in English. I use English every day so I've got that going for me.
I have been in HR for over 14 years, my major is in Business Management. Started working as an Assistant to the VP of Finance & Administration right out of school. This guy was so bad, he used to give me memos written on a brown lunch bag IN PENCIL! Was moved to HR after he had a major heart attack. Been in HR ever since. LOVE IT! I've worked at 6 companies -always scoring a better position for myself and a better company to work for. I think I'm staying here for as long as they want me...........
Comments
The first college I went to I majored in Broadcast Communications and dropped out because I lost my grant (the grant committe got sucked dry)so I went to a second school and decided on what I thought would be a very easy profession: Court Reporting. What a nightmare. So i finally graduated out with a Paralegal AAS degree. Si igjess I jjstllinglll
>1. How long have you been working in HR?
>2. How many companies have you worked for?
>3. Did you graduate from college in the field or did you just fall
>into it?
2. How many companies have you worked for? 3
3. Did you graduate from college in the field or did you just fall into it? Fell into through the temporary staffing industry in 1997 and actively pursued additional education later in 2000. I received my PHR in December 2000. I am now a one person HR department for a credit union with 47 employees.
2. How many companies have you worked for? 1
3. Did you graduate from college in the field or did you just fall into it? As a returning student got a BA in journalism with PR emphasis. PR jobs weren't paying enough for a single mom with three boys so started as an admin asst in HR (my previous profession)with an Indian gaming casino. Wasn't too thrilled so transferred after six months and spent a year in mktg dept. HR dir and GM called me back to HR (the company needs you here!) as employee relations manager, so I went. Been back six years now and have certainly grown into the job, really enjoy what I do, and seem to have an affinity for it.
2. 2 companies
3. Fell into it, courtesy of experience at the "other duties as assigned" job!
two companies
I graduated with a HR degree.
I have worked for this firm for 21 years.
I did not have a degree in a human resources field. I came through the operations side of the business.
2-Have worked for same company since 1980.
3-As supervisor: school of hard knocks plus wonderful SHRM sponsored PHR prep class last Fall. Pushed into HR - always swore I never wanted to be in HR, but sometimes we have no choice & must make the best of it. Enjoy helping people.
Whereas before my job was something to pay the bills, now I love it! I love how HR is different everyday, and I love being involved with all the employees within our organization. I am basically the benefits administrator at our company and I think a promotion is in the works for a Specialist, Benefits and Administration (or something of the sort). I work directly for the Director of HR, and she has helped me grow tremendously. I feel lucky to have such a great boss. Wish me luck...
I am also working on my BA in Behavioral Sciences. (Going to school and working in HR full time is tough! Anyone else out there having difficulties with that?)
Any advice for a newcomer to HR would be greatly appreciated - I read this forum every week!
I also fell into HR. Didn't even know HR existed when I graduated high school, but was hired as a receptionist through one of my business classes. From there I moved up to Stenographer. At the time, the company didn't even have an HR Department. A year or two later, the company hired an HR Manager and I became her assistant and mentored under her. I began working more and more with payroll and benefits and when the company was sold, I didn't see eye to eye with the GM so I searched for a new job. I was hired at the second company as a Payroll and Benefits Administrator and I just love my job! I have learned more in 4 short years that I had in the 16 years I spent at the first company!
2. How many companies worked for? 4 companies
3. My Bachelor degree is in Psychology and that really helps HR Professionals to have those people skills, and my Master's degree is in HR.
2. Between downsizings, acquistions and dumb decisions - 12 (O&G, Healthcare, Finance/Banking)
3. Undergraduate Speech Communication in Educaion - BSE 10 years later
night graduate school while working full-time, MS -Management and Human Relations
4. Lessons learned over 25+ years: the grass is not always greener; develop thick skin, keep learning: rules, laws, technology and methods; don't allow your boss to be surprised; provide feedback; seek clarity; have confidence; take stands diplomatically based on facts and right; pick the important stands & negotiate only those of high value; gain consensus; and have a strong sense of humor.
Bottom line - in HR 4 years, somewhat related degree, fell into HR - was intending to change the world through enlightened consciousness raising and human potential training. AHHHHH, the 70's.
>raising and human potential training. AHHHHH, the 70's.
Hey M. Warner. Thanks for reminding me of the dreams we had in the 70's! Do you still have that little brass incense burner on your credenza? I found mine the other day and still have my rose-colored-glasses from back then but they do not fit me anymore. Have a good one. Don D.
2. I was "suckered" into the job, but now I love it. Of course it does have it's moments & I can do without whiny employees.
3. My degrees are: BA in Secondary Ed & BA in Mathematics. I have a lapsed PHR & intend to take the SPHR test in December. Would like to get an advanced degree in HR on-line someday, but must wait til the last child has left the nest.
2. I was in retail advertising for 5 1/2 years prior to that.
3. No college degree (much to my regret) and I got swallowed up in HR. I really do enjoy the work now. I would love to go back to school, but I'm getting terribly old and tired. Have been thinking about testing for certification, however.
Company ownership is going to change within the next month - wish me luck. I hope I'm not looking for employment soon.
[email]paulknoch@hotmail.com[/email]