“I have decided to pursue a career in Human Resource Management and want to do a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management. I have been advised, however, that I would be more marketable, if I did Management Studies. Since Human Resource Management is my career objective, would I be able to work in that field if I do a Management Studies degree?”

IT is good that you have decided on a career objective. Many people entering tertiary level institutions are unsure of whether they having made the right choice or are have problems deciding on a career path.

To answer your question, if you obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Studies, you will be able to pursue a career in Human Resource (HR) Management. Many HR practitioners today did not have the option to do a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management. Instead, they have a background in Management Studies, which exposed them to areas of the HR discipline.

Management Studies will, indeed, allow you a broader scope of study, but when choosing a programme of study, you should focus not only on its marketability, but also on your level of interest in the area.

Management Studies will expose you to various areas of the Social Sciences while giving you the opportunity to focus on subjects in HR. The University of the West Indies, Mona, for example, has a comprehensive Management Studies programme, which allows students exposure to Economics, Marketing, Finance and Production while affording them the opportunity to focus on HR Management as an area of specialisation.

Meanwhile, it is advisable that you seek a mentor, possibly through participation in available mentorship programmes at your university or college.

A mentor who is an expert in HR will help expose you to areas of the discipline, while providing you with coaching and networking opportunities. Securing summer employment in the area will also complement your studies.

After graduating with a degree in Management Studies you will, therefore, be qualified to obtain an entry level position in the field of HR Management. This may very well give you the experience and exposure you need to further your interest in the area.

Given the competitive nature of the job market, if you were not successful in securing a job in HR Management, your Management Studies degree would have prepared you for others areas, such as marketing or customer service.

If you decide to continue in the field of HR Management, then this could be pursued at the Master’s level. Having a Management Studies degree would certainly enhance your skills and competencies as a HR practitioner.

Merrit Henry is career counsellor and Students Services Manager at the Placement and Career Services Unit, UWI, Mona. She may be contacted at merrit.henry@yahoo.com