Had I known when I started the Human Resource Management program at UMUC.edu that I'd need basic HR experience for it to benefit me in the job world, I probably would have stuck with trying Library Science. I had originally asked an advisor before I signed up for this program if I needed HR background. She said no. Technically I don't need an HR background to be in the program but little did I know that not having one would 1) make the classes harder because I didn't understand a lot of the HR issues and 2) not be able to find a job in HR because of lack of experience in both HR and management. This hindsight is unfortunate.
However, I found a job in customer service with data entry that was right up my alley and I enjoy it so much. Even though my master's degree was not helpful, I was still able to find a job that fit me perfectly. I'm not a manager per se but I still managed to streamline the government sales team and create a functional and efficient system for handling a customer base. Because of this, our customers keep coming back because we are responsive and easy to deal with.
So no, I'm not in HR, but yes, I am fulfilled in my current position and hope to remain there until retirement at age 70-75 if I am able to make it that far. Cheers. -Carla
