I'm within 33-36 hours from graduating (online B.S.) at Park University. However, I've been toying with the idea of switching my concentration/major from Mgmt/Marketing to Mgmt/Human Resources. I don't plan to specifically work in HR but I found the HR core classes more interesting than marketing. ( I have done coursework in both marketing and HR) Which concentration/major is more marketable in the workforce? Does it even matter which concentration I pick if I'm going to Amberton for graduate school? I'm afraid of being pigeonholed if I pick an HR concentration. I appreciate your thoughts and input!
While I'd guess that each concentration might result in some pigeon-holing, I suspect that HR hole is quite a bit smaller. Jack
Excellent question! In my personal (and very practical) experience there is more demand for qualified HR graduates than for MKT graduates (I graduated with a MKT/MGT major, so I can emphathyse). However, keep in mind that most good HR jobs require a Masters degree (Just look at the classifieds). So your best route is to probably finish your current bachelor and get your masters in human resource management. Furthermore, keep in mind that there probably a higher earning potential with a marketing degree if you go into "sales" (Ouch!) than in human resources.
this is the field that i am in. if you are good and seperate yourself from the pack the earning potential is excellent. keep in mind, this can be a demanding job. i wouldn't trade it for anything but, i'm not sure if i would want to stay in it into my mid-fifties ans sixties. if your good enough, you won't have to worry about it.
Yes!!! A fellow traveler. I also work in sales. A funny thing is that most people don't realize the great earning potential that is in the field. I work as an insurance and investment broker and aside from the substantial amount of money I am making I also get to travel a lot. I have clients in several countries (Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Panama, etc...). My only regret is that because nobody told me about this earlier, and because of the snobish attitude that prevails in the academic world I did not start sooner. I wasted eight years making a lot less money as a consultant before I got into sales. Goodspeed!!!
With a few years of experience, some talent and determination six figures is pretty doable. I have a friend who worked his tail off to get a Micro Biology degree and made 16K his first few years. Five years later he is in Scientific sales and makes a nice living. Like I said, with the right personality, certain people can sale anything. It's not for everybody though. I have seen some very talented people who had no discipline (myself years ago) or desire piss away good careers.
Thanks, everyone, for your input. I have decided that HR would be a better fit for me. Market research and studies intigue me but I don't see myself working in advertising or sales. I'm currently in an organizational development class and I'm really enjoying the material!
Although I'm not into either field (I'm interested in operations, product development or project management) if I were you I'd pick marketing, which is a broader field. To get into HR you should really know exactly what it is an HR person does, whether you would be good at it and whether you might like it. Try reading lots of job descriptions for HR positions on monster.com... I may be cynical but it seems to me that HR people spend 90% of their time figuring out how to make sure disgruntled employees can't sue the company. There are definitely emotionally rewarding aspects to the job -- helping hire people, figuring out bonus systems -- but lots and lots of negatives too.
Trishbee, I have worked in HR a number of years. The information from all sources is creditable. A Master's Degree is great, however, a PHR or SPHR designation from the Society of Human Resources Management is also very desireable in today's market. I do not remember the link to their website offhand but it is easy to find. If you do not have any experience in HR, this designation will be very helpful. If you are waffling between HR and Mktg, then I would suggest that you get a M.B.A. with an HR concentration. The field is wonderful if you are a giver, and don't mind being the first segment of your organization to endure staff cuts if required. This is both a strategic, helping arm of a company that is often under-appreciated and subject to multiple changes in policy and procedures. In order words you must be adept at picking up new knowledge, be quick to provide service, willing to be flexible, and have thick skin to endure criticism by others when you make hard decisions and heart wrenching recommendations with compassion and a smile. .... often at less pay than your peers. HR is a rewarding field, but it takes a special person, a people person who is also a visionary, to be a success at it! Good Luck, Kevin
