I've recently begun a search for a human-resources (HR) position. I have a social-services background but want a new challenge. I've already enrolled in a night course. What should I be considering? Will I be able to hold on to my current salary?
Start by finding three to five people who work in HR and ask them to identify the qualifications, skills and education you'll need. Once you're armed with this information, you can make a plan for how to get the qualifications you'll need to make this transition. You may find that you already possess many of them.
Your decision to take a course is a good one. To help move the process along, offer your services to a nonprofit organization to handle its HR needs for a year. Not only will you be providing a much-needed service, but also you'll get some of the skills and experience you may now lack.
When you switch careers, you often have to take a pay cut because of your lower level of experience. It's a sacrifice you'll have to make, but consider the "compensation" you'll receive from doing a job you like which offers the challenges you need.