Career paths> from finance to hr?

Hi everyone,

I have been off the boards for a while due to family, work, and school, but here I am again! My question concerns the viability of changing career paths from finance to human resource management. I will be graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College in January 2007.

My work background includes 3 years as an assistant to an engineering department and 3 years as a cost analyst. Both are with the same company. However, I am interested (at least I think so), in human resources management. I am unable to apply for a position within my company due to the fact that my spouse also works here. What would be the best next step for me?

Obtain:
A 30-credit Human Resource Management certificate from my local Community College

A 12-credit Graduate Certificate in HRM from University of Maryland University College (near my home)

The MS in HRM from Thomas Edison State College (36 credits)

Would any of these even help with my having no prior HR experience? I consider myself a mid-level professional in my current career and I would hate to come in at entry level for HR. Do you think it's possible that I would be hired as a Generalist with just the Post-Graduate education or CC certificate coupled with my Bachelors?

Thanks for any replies!

Rhonda

 

I would suggest getting your PHR or SPHR designation. You won't be able to actually receive the certification until you fulfill the experience requirement, but you having already passed the exam goes a long way with most employers.

With no background in HR, I doubt you would be hired as a generalist, however, I suggest you ask the HR experts on the SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) message board. You might have to join first.