Career change assistance.

Anonymous

March 8,2024 at 9:30PM UTC

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Career change assistance. For context I most recently worked as a high school counselor for 12 years. Moved to higher ed for a change of environment and have worked as an academic advisor the last 2 years. I'm burned out, frustrated by the lack of upward mobility and cut in pay. I would like to change career fields to something that doesn't entail direct student support services. In doing so, I want to be very intentional on what career field I pivot to because I anticipate having this career until retirement. I am considering HR because of the many areas it encompasses. I am looking at enrolling in a certificate program or two through some of the following modalities (Coursera, management professional development series or graduate certificate through a college) and then taking the aPHR exam to get my foot in the door. Are these advisable first steps to transition to HR? Will my lack of education in business and work history in the field be a hindrance to me? Any advise or words of wisdom are greatly appreciated

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James CarterSeptember 17,2025 at 9:58AM UTC
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Scarlett SantiagoOctober 28,2026 at 9:49AM UTC
Your background in counseling and academic advising could be a real advantage when transitioning into HR. You already have transferable skills in communication, conflict resolution, confidentiality, and supporting people through challenging situations all of which are valuable in human resources.
Earning the aPHR is a great first step, but before investing in additional certificates, I’d recommend reviewing entry-level HR job postings to identify the qualifications employers actually want. Roles such as HR coordinator, recruiting coordinator, and training and development specialist could be good starting points.
If you’re planning to pursue another HR certification, PracticeTestMaster can be a helpful resource for exam preparation, practice questions, and reinforcing key concepts before your next certification.
Most importantly, don’t underestimate your existing experience. You’re not starting from scratch; you’re building on skills you already have and learning how to apply them in a new field. Focus on practical experience, tailor your resume to HR roles, and take your transition one step at a time.