Is an masters degree in HRM worth it ?
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Hello — looking for guidance on a workplace issue. We hired a manager’s son because he was highly qualified and has done a great job. Recently, two employees raised concerns about perceived favoritism. In reality, he’s often taken on difficult tasks others declined, but we can’t share those details. The perception is now affecting morale and team dynamics. Global HR said upper management should handle instead of HR. Seems not right. Any advice on managing the perception and team dynamics?
I had an exit interview recently where the employee said: "The job was not the problem." It was the team culture. That stayed with me. We spend a lot of time talking about pay, workload, recruitment and retention. Yet so many people leave because of how they felt every day at work. Have you ever left a role because of the culture rather than the job itself?
Someone asked me recently: "What actually creates a good workplace culture?" My answer? I do not think it is values posters. I do not think it is free coffee. I do not think it is engagement events. I think it is how people are treated on an ordinary Tuesday when nobody is watching. What would your answer be?
It was for me. I completed my MBA, specializing in HRM, and was offered the role of HR Manager a year later. I likely would not have been promoted so soon if I only had my BS. I do not currently have any HR certifications but do plan to pursue them through HRCI over the next couple of years. The certs are not vital to keeping or advancing in my role but more of a goal for self-improvement and sense of accomplishment.
I suppose it depends on your goals. If you are looking into inching up into the corporate ladder, then it could be useful. Personally though, I feel like post-grad degrees are overrated. It's only valuable maybe in the first 2 years after you earn it but its value dwindles in time. Although for some industries, having a master's degree is the minimum.
It depends on what you want to do. DEI is growing in popularity, but you have to consider if you want to be more specialized or have more general knowledge. You will likely take at least one course and have DEI included other courses in the HR masters and learn other hr topics to make you more diverse in what you can contribute to the workplace.
It somehow helps if you want to go far as an HR practitioner and become a manager or a position in the executive management. For me, I would as it could be worth it as part of your career pathing in HR. Good luck!
I'm assuming you mean worth it for getting a job. If that is the case, my answer is yes, it won't hurt. Also, there are other ways to get jobs you want.
I got my MS HRM at stony brook university graduated in 2014. It’s been instrumental in opening doors for me as a beginner in the career and establishes credibility earlier. I wish I would’ve done an MBA with a focus in HR though vs an MS HRM.
I don’t think so.