Need an MBA to soar in HR? Definitely maybe

Is hitting the books to earn your MBA degree more important than gaining valuable real world work experience? Lee Xieli finds out

Rosemary Soong, VP HR, Swissport Singapore

Inherent within an MBA program is the academic rigour that instills knowledge and specific general and human resources related managerial techniques. It provides an avenue to better the person's
analytical, coordination, planning and organising skills. An MBA experience provides wider reading business with practical real life exposure to business and work environment and great opportunities for benchmarking and networking. It also gives a holistic perspective on the subject matter. All these are helpful in a human resources practitioner's quest for career advancement.

However, effective job performance depends on a person's ability to bring about positive changes to the workplace. This is reliant on the
person's sharp business acumen and initiative in utilising the competences attained to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the company.

The MBA title in itself does not infer that someone is a great performer; however the experiences and knowledge that an MBA program provides are catalysts for great performances. Ultimately, companies reward and recruiters select based on track records in addition to the title.

Elfast Goh, group HR manager, Gallantventure

Holding an MBA does not guarantee or equate to a successful career but one cannot deny that it is an essential key to a path towards success when pursuing the corporate ladder. An MBA combined with relevant working experience will increase the credentials for higher earning potential.

The knowledge acquired through MBA studies can also be an asset to complement one's career growth when applied effectively. For example, it has widened my horizons and helped me understand how HR can perform its role in a bigger playing field and how I can get involved in the participation of decision making to enhance the organisation's effectiveness.

My personal opinion is young and energetic candidates should, at all expense, enrol in an MBA programme as soon as they enter the labour force. Coupled with their on-the-job learning pace, this will allow them to excel in their career development to meet the demand of a fast evolving business environment and the challenges ahead.

Jessica Chwee, HR business partner, PeopleSearch

In my opinion, many people in the business world today tend to associate an MBA with reaching the pinnacle of success while some may view it as more of a requirement to be taken seriously in their career advancement. Certainly, an MBA looks impressive on the resume and it provides a macro overview which complements the major business aspects in an organisation. Hence, an MBA constitutes and gives you autonomy to move across industries.

Having said that, whether it is necessary to have an MBA depends on the industry sectors or function within the organisation. The HR person acts as the bridge to help organisations align people management and employee relations strategies with organisational
goals and strategy.

Most employers value HR professionals who have the relevant experience, networking skills, contacts and the ability to communicate and work with different levels of people. Moreover, having cultural fit and good business acumen play an important role too.