<p>I am in my late 20's, and I am about to transfer to a top school in my studies as a Bus. Admin. major. I had pretty much decided that I was going to concentrate in accounting because I didn't mind the classes and everyone around seemed to say it was the most practical concentration. Well just recently I decided I think the best course would be to concentrate in Management and Human Resources, and this is my reasoning.</p>
<p>I've worked for the last 10 years in the civilian sector and in the military. I spent 2 years working as a warehouse manager for a small construction supplies company, and the last 8 years as an electronics technician. Most of these 10 years has been spent in management type roles and utilizing lean practices to streamline processes. I've also been in charge of large scale training programs, and auditing, mentoring, and advising from various departments.</p>
<p>So I guess my reasoning is that accounting is seen as the safe major with the best jobs prospects. However, I have no relevant experience in the field and would be at the same level as every other recent grad. Management and Human Resources seems to fit with and have support from my previous work experience, and I feel like I will have a significant advantage over recent grads at my school in that respect.</p>
<p>Does anyone see any flaws with my reasoning?</p>
<p>Well, it seems that you already have some adequate experience in terms of management - so I think that it would actually help your future prospects by concentrating in something that you already have experience in. </p>
<p>Lets assume you get a job opportunity for a job relating to accounting. Now during the interview you won’t really be able to show off any hands on experience.</p>
<p>But, with management/HR, you can talk about all your past experiences and how they relate to the job. IMO, you’d be at the top of my hiring list for out of college grads and have a big head start on everyone else.</p>
<p>This is a late response but maybe you’ll come across it…I work as an HR manager and I would say you already have some direct relevant experience in training and mentoring. A large part of my job is to train and develop associates to both enhance current performance and prepare them for promotional opportunities - think succession planning.</p>
<p>The detail oriented nature of auditing can also cross over, since HR is audited in record keeping/file retention, meeting EEO/Affirmative action efforts, and many other areas. </p>
<p>HR has excellent job prospects and expected growth. It is very difficult to break into for a recent college graduate with no experience; however, since you already have 10 years of relevant job experience it will greatly increase your ability to get through initial screenings which puts you well ahead of the pack. You will likely have an easier time getting good internships in HR than your fellow classmates, which can lead to a permanent job offer.</p>
<p>The two concentrations are very different though. HR is about performance management, development, recruiting/interviewing, and employee relations - a lot of people-stuff. You will feel like a parent at times, a counselor at times, and a coach at times. Accounting is on the other end of the spectrum requiring different skill sets. From what I’ve heard, people either enjoy it or hate it and you can’t force it if it’s the latter. Many HR programs include introductory accounting courses, so maybe you could start with HR, get a taste of accounting, and decide which one to continue with.</p>