15
Director of Catering
Looking to transition to HR
Hi All,
I am also trying to use my attorney skills, (17 years) & my management skills (15 years) to transition into HR. My company recently lost their only client so I have been laid off, receiving severance, but not for much longer!
Has anyone taken any on line certification courses specifically for HR? Also, wondering if anyone got an HR position and can briefly describe the work, or day in the life. Thanks!
Hi Goldi, as an attorney with management skills and food industry experience you most likely could find a few great opportunities that are a cut above. Just depends on who you really want to serve?
Hi, Goldi! I worked in HR for a few years years and while I never got certified it's my understanding that they're looked upon favorably so I think it could be a great way to show prospective employers that you understand the industry. SHRM seems to be the most respected but I know you have to have a certain amount of HR work experience to be eligible; if you're still interested in certifications once you start working in HR I'd keep it in mind.
In terms of what my normal day looked like? I worked for a mid-sized business (about 120 employees) and I was the only one in HR so my day was essentially dealing with one employee question/concern after another and trying to fit in payroll prep, interviews, employee reviews, etc. in between; I couldn't tell you
a specific breakdown of my day because every single day was different depending on what issue came up. I was essentially a generalist but if you work specifically in an area like payroll or benefits your day would likely be a little less crazy because you'd only be focusing on that one area. Also, if you haven't yet, I'd take some time to decide if there's a specific industry you want to work in because it definitely has an impact on the position. For instance, I worked in the food industry and the labor laws are infinitely more complicated for food establishments than say, a 9-5 office full of only salaried employees.
If you have any other questions let me know!
Hey Goldi! There are tons of great resources online that talk about working in HR, strong certification programs, the different nuances of the industry, etc. -- and there's another string in this group about it that you might want to check out. I find that Ask A Manager is a great website for a starting point, but it's only the tip of the iceberg. Given your experience, I'd be curious what makes you think HR would be a great fit for you...not because I don't think it will be, but I think there might be other opportunities that would also be a strong fit.
Hi Lisa, thanks for your response. I would be interested in talking with you about what other opportunities you have in mind. Can we schedule a phone consultation? Thanks, Goldi