Too Stupid for a Successful Career? Think about a career in HR!

Seriously though - if you aren't good at anything in particular and don't have any specific career interests, get your Human Resources Certification.

This will give you the flexibility to work in virtually any industry, and if you work for a global corporation, it will offer you travel opportunities and/or the chance to live and work abroad in one of their subsidiary offices.

There is no better department to work in than HR if you're looking for a fast track up the corporate ladder. You can honestly go from a junior administrative position to a Vice President in a large organization within 10 years (I personally know two people who have done this). And it is unbelievable how much HR people make on their way up the ladder.

You don't have to be amazingly smart. (In fact, most HR people I’ve met seem too stupid to be in the positions they're in. I hope that’s part of the act – that they don’t want to be intimidating – but it’s a very convincing act!) The main characteristics you need for an HR job are optimism and enthusiasm. And the best part is, many companies will pay for your education for you.

Step #1: Target corporations that stress professional development and offer tuition reimbursement – then apply for entry level jobs.

Step #2: After you're hired, meet with your Human Resources representative and let him/her know that you're interested in pursuing a career in the HR field. Ask what courses you need to take to get the appropriate certification for a senior position. They will be encouraging, and tell you where and what you need to take to be considered for advancement. Most importantly they will authorize you for reimbursement upon successful completion of the courses. (Note: these programs normally take several years if you are doing them on a part-time/evening basis.)

Step #3: Portray an incredibly positive, chipper attitude at work (this is the most important part!)
- Volunteer for the social committee
- Participate in and offer to help organize any corporate events
- Contribute to the company intranet/newsletter
- Stay apprised of any networking opportunities.

Step #4: Apply for any and all positions within HR. Accordance with #3 above will ensure you are HR's first choice for these positions. In fact, more often than not, they will go out of their way to recruit you.

Step #5: Complete the certification program. This is the hardest part, because it's exhausting to work and go to school at the same time. But keep in mind that all you need are passing grades to get your certification - C's get degrees! Leave your perfectionism at the office, and do the bare minimum to complete the program as quickly as possible.

I wish someone had given me this advice when I was 20. I changed my major a bunch of times (stupid !), and graduated with a useless general arts degree (too stupid !). I took an administrative job in the Finance department of a large company and worked my way up to Senior Executive Assistant (way too stupid !!) The girl that started in the mailroom 5 years later, and then switched into Human Resources, is now a Vice President.