CAREERS IN PERSONNEL-MANAGEMENT

Considers the career profiles of 103 personnel specialists from research carried out in Ireland, in 1989/1990. The study examined education and training, career progression, reasons for working in personnel, membership of the Institute of Personnel Management and the differences in male and female careers. The research indicated that career progress in personnel management is more rapid if the individual is male and in possession of a postgraduate degree. The initial choice of organization may be critical to the type of career experienced. Some personnel specialists will find themselves confined to the resolution of industrial relations disputes or the provision of an administrative support system. For others a career in personnel will offer the opportunity of involvement in a wide range of activities and initiatives. The research indicated that there may be little movement between these two career paths.