HRGuru

I am 37 years old and will not complete schooling until 2011. I am wandering what I should do as far as entering the HR filed. I do have some experience as I have 7 years of experience working for the staffing industry. If you have ever worked in this industry, you know that you have to recruit, market, hire, fire, process payroll, provide orientation, and a lot of times training. I am not certified in HR but have completed my Associate degree in Management. I am continuing my education by completing my MBA and Bachelor's in accounting. I feel that by the time that I graduate (if not already) that it will be too late for me to pursue this career. What is everyone's advice. Should I complete my degree before entering the field or take the certification tests now and hope that it will be enough? Am I already too late for this career move??

Thank you for the advice. I am currently the president for the National College chapter of SHRM, but we are a small school and there is not much activity with our group. I am trying to get some ideas for building the chapter from the three members that we have now, but have not heard any ideas yet that I have not already tried. I am hoping that if I build the chapter up a little more, that we can start attending some of the regional and state events and meetings. If you have any advice, I am all ears!!!

Dana, I agree with the others, that it is never too late to make a change, as your quote states "to thine own self be true". Keep that mantra in your heart and mind as you evaluate your future. In addition to leading the college chapter of SHRM, it may be helpful to study for the PHR exam and get that certification, in addition to earning your degree. In addition, being able to create a solid resume that accentuates the HR skills you have developed will be important as well.

Best of luck and never give up on a dream!!!

The key to growing a chapter is constantly advertising!  How about a mail distiribution to all HR professionals in the area.  SHRM's website should be able to help with this.  I believe there is a link on their site as well for chapters such as growing them, new ideas, etc.  I wish you all the best at the success of this group!

I have a small chapter where I live but have been shying away from it due to my boss being a member without being a SHRM member and because of issues between us.  I may join another chapter in another area - always room to network! 

I agree, Dana, you're only 37.  The first time I changed careers to start my own business, I was forty-two.  I'm fifty now, and doing it again.  I know that isn't quite the same as what you're talking about, but the point is, I should be more likely to be asking that question if I were in your shoes than you should be.  You're only 37.  You're doing fantastic, and I admire your hard work ethic and your determination to better yourself.  Don't let the world's attitude towards a woman's age get you down.  You're at a great age, because you're young enough to do what you want to do, and old enough to have some wisdom and experience to help you do it.  And you're incredibly intelligent.  Someone like you is going to only go upwards, so keep going and don't doubt yourself!