- Professor, how important is the role of an HR professional in organizations today?
The role of an HR professional in today’s organization is more important than ever. The role is that of an enabler - enabling organizations to be agile and effective, enabling business leaders to achieve organizational objectives and execute growth strategies, and enabling employees for high performance and reach their potential. The role is important from two perspectives. One, the pace of change and uncertainty in business environment pushes organizations to bring in huge transformations quickly, and HR professionals act as an engine and driver of those transformations and join hands in enhancing business performance. Second perspective is related to the new challenges and demands that comes with multi-generational workforces and contemporary technology-laden work arrangements. HR professionals are expected to ensure that organizational culture is maintained and is aligned with core business goals.
- How has the role of HR changed over the last decade?
In the last decade, the role has changed significantly, or we can say that it is now that many have understood the role clearly. The role has changed from merely being recognized as a support function to the trusted business partner in growth, from controller and compliance to enabler, from being reactive to proactive, from regressive to progressive, from being rigid to flexible and agile, from process-centric to employee centric, from theory/philosophy-driven to data and evidence driven, from just being operational to strategic, technology shy to user of high-end sophisticated technologies. Most of these changes are result of changed preferences, expectations and aspirations of both individuals and that of the businesses. The increased use of social media, analytics, automation, gamification, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and new working models have completely changed the field.
- How has the HR curriculum evolved to keep up with the changing industry requirements?
The curriculum of PGDM-HRM program is developed in partnership with SHRM and is aligned to SHRM body of competency and knowledge (BoCK) which is based on extensive global research that included employers, academics and practicing HR professionals at all levels. The alignment makes students eligible for taking SHRM-Certified Professional exam which is an endorsement to the knowledge and competency gained in the program. Further, the program benefits from the regular feedback from program advisory board comprising of very senior HR leaders, renowned academicians, and very senior alumni working in HR domains. Program leadership also keep a watch on the latest trends in HR and accordingly add the relevant modules to the curriculum.
- At TAPMI, how do you train fresh young minds to become top-notch HR professionals?
Rigorous and updated curriculum is delivered by the best of academicians and industry practitioners. Regular interaction with industry leaders (in-person as well as webinar series), dove-tailing of courses with industry immersions, filed visits, intense use of Harvard/Ivey case studies and simulations, workshops for building hands-on skills and competencies, certifications, live-projects, extended internships, career support are few ways to shape young minds into a top-notch HR professional.
Let’s discover what some of the current PGDM - HRM students, Aleena George, Ruturaj Balasaheb Kolte
& Sonali Srivastava at TAPMI had to say when asked about their experience being in the program
- Why did you choose to pursue HR?
The constantly evolving role of HR in organizations has always fascinated me. Companies have increasingly begun to realize how aligning effective talent practices with strategic objectives can drive business results. I wanted to be a part of and contribute to the continued growth of the HR industry. I was also inspired by how HR leaders solve complex people related challenges and felt my skillset would be perfect to undertake a role in this field.
- How is TAPMI’s PGDM-HRM Program different from other HR programs across the country?
It is the only HR Program that exclusively offers the opportunity to its students to become SHRM-CP Certified Professionals while pursuing the program. The concepts taught develop the basic framework, followed by a compelling internship experience, adds the required practical knowledge and helps in shaping a logical thought process. Along with that, students of the PGDM- HRM Program go through various courses and certifications ranging across the field of Marketing, Finance, Operations, Strategy, IT etc. to equip themselves with a 360-degree understanding of the business.
- Take us through your achievements in competitions, internships and projects while studying here at TAPMI.
My stint as a Workforce Advisory Intern at EY GDS was a thoroughly enjoyable experience which provided me with multiple learning opportunities. I was able to gain a deep understanding of the HR consulting space and several other valuable insights. I have received a PPO from them as well. Other than my summer internship, I pursued live projects with three organizations from different industries, namely, engineering solutions, retail and digital marketing. These live projects gave me the chance to devise solutions for unique HR problems and also helped me establish a good rapport with several industry stalwarts.
- Tell us about the most interesting aspect/course/project/experience you have gone through as part of TAPMI's PGDM-HRM program
Firstly, I would like to tell you about the Leadership Assessment and Development Centre (LADC) that we have here at TAPMI. The LADC conducts highly coveted psychometric tests on students to evaluate their competencies and skills sets. Students have access to famous test like the MLQ, FIRO-B, EQ etc. that help them better chart their approach to personal skill development. This was a completely new experience for me as it was for majority of my batchmates. The LADC reports helped me understand my leadership competencies and target my efforts in developing those competencies which I lacked. Secondly, the Organizational Behaviour faculty (OB Faculty) will make sure that each and every aspect of how individual and groups in an organization interact and behave with each other are drilled down into you, as per one of my professor’s quote “80% of the time, the hurdles that you face in an organization are OB related”. Something I realized during my summer internship.
- What areas of HR excite you the most and you would like to work in after graduating?
With TAPMI’s PGDM- HRM Program, I got introduced to each and every function in the field of HR ranging from Talent Acquisition to HR Analytics. Each subject made me aware of the various intricate aspects of that field and sparked my interest in equal proportions if not more. When it comes to working after graduation, I am thrilled to move out of my comfort zone and accept the challenge of working and building solutions across different functions of HR and become the driver of on-going change and transformation.
- Which alumni from TAPMI’s PGDM- HRM program do you look up to?
I have got the most wonderful opportunity to interact with many alums of TAPMI through TAPMI’s management conclave Disha and Ignite. I personally look up to three great HR Leaders and proud alums of TAPMI, Ms. Shraddhanjali Rao (Vice President, HR - SAP India), Ms. Priya Prabhu (Associate Director, HR - Eli Lilly) and Mr. Anish Raj (HR Advisor – Business Partner & Talent Advisor – Lowe’s India Services Pvt. Ltd.) Their vast amount of knowledge, experience, passion and dedication towards the field of HR inspires me the most. Their willingness and enthusiasm to provide guidance humble me.
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