Can I work in Human Resources with a BA in Psychology?
I am graduating soon and would like to go on to Graduate school in Industrial Organizational Psychology, but first I would like to gain some experience. Since HR and I-O Psychology are related. (dealing with work behavior) is it possible to find an entry level job in HR? Any of you in HR with a Psy degree? Please state Personal experiences if you have any. Thanks.
sunshine_today said,
Wrote on December 3, 2010 @ 8:46 am
Sure you can, and if you are smart, you will target an employer that offers tuition reimbursement benefits so while you are working in that department, they will pay you for further education in that field. A lot of companies offer tuition reimbursement. Keep an eye out for that.
Mary Jane said,
Wrote on December 3, 2010 @ 9:41 am
Yes, it’s possible. HR, and many other office jobs could care less in what you majored. Of course, your major is really important if you’re studying to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc. However, not in this case.
BA and M.Ed degree. Was asked to fulfill HR position, with a BA in Anthropology. Declined to start my M.Ed and begin teaching overseas.
Erika C said,
Wrote on December 3, 2010 @ 10:00 am
Many, many HR professionals have degrees in psychology, business, and various other areas. Most good entry level HR jobs will want a 4 year degree, but smart employers will not focus on only one area of education as a requirement. My degree is in business (with a minor in psych) and I went from insurance (wrongful termination claims while I was working on my degree) into HR. I was lucky to know employment law pretty well by then, but it didn’t really factor into the employer’s decision to hire me. I-O psychology will be seen as a huge positive by any employer and you should have no difficulty finding something in entry level HR at a decent salary. In my case I had intended to go on to law school and get tuitional reimbursement from my employer, but I ended up not doing so. I spent 10 years in HR and went on (through a series of weird events) to become a Plant/General Manager with a fortune 500 company. Sometimes I still dream of going back to get my law degree, but the reality is that I couldn’t afford the pay cut to become an attorney. My best advice is to look for the HR job that you want, but keep your ambition about going to school to get your graduate degree. Also, you might consider getting a PHR or SPHR certificate through SHRM – it will greatly increase your earning power while you get your graduate degree. Good, good luck!