If you enjoy working with people and are interested in the inner workings of the employee life cycle, then a career in human resources (HR) could be right for you. What exactly does a human resources career entail, then? Knowing what to expect in an HR career and how to become qualified for work in human resources, you may better determine whether this could be your ideal path.
Defining the Role of Human Resources
Is human resources a good career for you? To make this call, you should first understand what this type of work entails. Generally speaking, HR refers to the branch or department of a business that handles hiring, training, and other administrative tasks related to the workforce.
Key Functions and Responsibilities in HR
While the specific duties and responsibilities of an HR professional may vary greatly based on role and other factors, there are several key responsibilities that are common in the field. Examples include:
- Preparing compensation and benefits packages
- Managing employee relations
- Recruiting and hiring new employees
- Onboarding and training
- Conducting disciplinary actions when needed
- Terminating employment when needed
- Maintaining a positive work environment
The Evolution of HR in the Modern Workplace
The role and function of human resources in the workplace have shifted significantly over the years. The first inklings of a need for HR grew during the Industrial Revolution when it became clear that businesses needed more human labor to operate machinery.
Still, HR as a department did not actually emerge until the 1940s, when United States employers began to really focus on their hiring, recruitment, and labor relations. Today, it is hard to imagine running a successful business without the support of a skilled and knowledgeable HR team.
Educational Pathways for HR Careers
If you have your sights set on a career in human resources, you might be curious what kinds of experience and qualifications you need to break into this field.
Degrees and Certifications for HR Professionals
Specific degree and certification requirements may vary from one employer to the next. In most cases, however, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field is required to work as a human resources specialist.
Likewise, human resources managers may have a bachelor’s degree, too, though some may have more advanced degrees. Additional certifications, such as a certificate in human resource management, may also be desirable for those wanting to work in HR leadership and management roles.
Online Courses and Workshops for Skill Enhancement
In addition to earning a formal degree or relevant certification in human resources, professionals in this field may further build upon their skills and knowledge by taking advantage of professional development opportunities. This may include online courses, workshops, and other special learning events.
Gaining Relevant HR Experience
Even once you have on paper all the qualifications needed to work in human resources, you may still need to gain some relevant experience; this offers a better understanding of how the field works and some of its nuances.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to go about gaining relevant HR experience, both in and out of college.
Internships and Entry-Level Positions
Internships and entry-level HR roles are a hands-on way to start putting some of your knowledge to work in a real-world setting. Internships may be paid or unpaid and available while you are in school or after you graduate. An entry-level HR role, such as that of an HR specialist for a larger organization, could also help you get your foot in the door and begin learning the proverbial ropes.
Working and Volunteering for HR Roles in Nonprofits
HR students and recent graduates may also find success applying or volunteering for HR-related roles at nonprofit organizations. Many find working in non-profits rewarding due to the experience—especially if you are able to find a role within a nonprofit whose cause resonates with you.
Networking and Professional Development
It is never too early to start thinking about networking and professional development, particularly in the dynamic HR field.
Joining HR Professional Associations
There are plenty of reputable HR professional associations you might want to consider affiliating with as your career takes off. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is one of the most common, offering numerous ways to connect with other HR professionals and useful resources for those in the field. A couple of other such associations include:
Attending HR Conferences and Seminars
Special HR conferences, trade shows, seminars, and industry networking events are also go-to ways to connect with others in your field. These events tend to have special demonstrations, speakers, workshops, and other learning opportunities where you may develop and build upon your skills.
Building Essential HR Skills
Speaking of skills, you might be wondering what kinds of skills you need to be successful in the HR field. Ultimately, this may vary based on the job you want and other factors—but there are a few skills all HR professionals should possess in order to do their jobs well.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Two non-negotiable skills in the HR world include communication and interpersonal skills. In HR, communication is at the heart of nearly everything you do, so you must be able to communicate strongly both in written form and orally. Similarly, solid interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with others are a must in this people-oriented field.
Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving
Human resources professionals also need to be strategic thinkers and excellent problem-solvers. This is especially true considering the various challenges and obstacles the average HR professional encounters on a regular basis. They must think quickly on their feet and come up with creative solutions to problems.
Understanding HR Laws and Ethics
In addition to having the right skills to succeed in HR, these professionals need a solid understanding of ethics and the specific HR laws that may apply to their fields or industries. This includes employment laws and regulatory compliance requirements along with basic ethical practices in HR.
Employment Laws and Regulations
Different industries have different regulations that businesses must follow to remain in compliance and avoid costly penalties or legal troubles. In the healthcare industry, for example, HIPAA laws need to be strictly adhered to at all times. Often, staying on top of these compliance requirements and employment law is the responsibility of the human resources team. When entering the field of HR, then, you must be prepared to remain up to date on changes to these laws and regulations.
Ethical Practices in HR Management
HR professionals must also operate and make decisions ethically. This means upholding a sense of privacy and confidentiality in their work as well as avoiding potential conflicts of interest. Meanwhile, HR professionals should maintain ethical leadership and set a positive example to others within the business.
Specializing in HR Domains
Within the HR realm, there are some areas of specialty that professionals may want to consider in order to sharpen their expertise or qualify for new employment opportunities.
Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
Recruitment and talent acquisition are among the hottest topics in human resources. Many businesses struggle with recruiting and hiring the right talent for specific roles—but working with a knowledgeable, experienced talent acquisition or recruitment expert could cut down on hiring time while saving businesses money. If you are thinking about getting into HR and want to specialize, this is one possibility to consider.
Employee Relations and Engagement
Another area of HR in today’s workforce worth mentioning is employee relations and engagement. With a strong focus on employee relations, HR professionals may more effectively keep employees engaged and improve job satisfaction rates. This, in turn, could help reduce turnover and protect a company’s bottom line.
Leveraging Technology in HR
These days, HR professionals are expected to use more technology in their work than ever before. With this in mind, it is ideal for aspiring HR professionals to understand some of the most common technologies used in this growing field.
HR Information Systems (HRIS)
Many businesses rely on human resources information systems (HRIS), a type of software that helps manage HR processes while even automating some of them. HR professionals should be familiar with common HRIS platforms and how to use them to their own advantage on the job.
Using Social Media for Recruitment and Branding
Social media has become a more popular avenue for recruiting and branding in HR, so this is another technology with which HR professionals should be familiar. A solid knowledge of commonly used social media platforms and how to leverage them in recruiting could go a long way in your future human resources career.
Preparing for HR Certification
You may further your knowledge by pursuing additional HR certification but keep the below in mind before you get started.
Overview of SHRM and HRCI Certifications
First, decide on the HR certification that is best aligned with your interests and professional goals. Some of the most popular include:
- SHRM-CP – Designed for individuals in human resource management
- SHRM-SCP – Designed for senior-level professionals already in strategic-level management roles
- HRCI – Certifications available include Professional in Human Resources (PHP) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)
Study Tips and Resources for Certification Exams
Most certifications require professionals to complete training courses (which are usually available online) and pass a certification exam. Study guides, practice exams, and other resources can be valuable when preparing for these exams. In many cases, you may also need to renew your certification every few years.
Advancing Your HR Career
You may have wondered, “Is human resources a good career in terms of growth opportunities?” In addition to pursuing certification and other types of professional development, you may be able to advance your career in human resources with mentorship, coaching, and more.
Seeking Mentorship and Coaching
Having a mentor or coach as you get started in your HR career can be invaluable, especially when it comes to gaining your footing and receiving guidance throughout your career progression. There are numerous potential ways to seek out mentors or coaches in HR. If you complete a formal degree program, you might be able to ask an alumnus who is working in the field to mentor you. If you take on an internship role, this could be another great resource for finding career coaches or mentors.
Exploring Advanced Roles and Specializations
Many HR professionals start off as human resource specialists. From there, they might work their way up into more advanced roles, including leadership positions as HR managers and the like. One of the best ways to advance your own career is to explore specializations that allow you to focus your talents on an area of HR (such as talent acquisition or employee relations) that most deeply resonates with you.
Start Building Your HR Education Today
Human resource professionals help organizations handle everything from recruiting and hiring to training and much more. Based on the type of work it entails, is human resources a good career for you?
For those aspiring to establish a foundation of human resources knowledge, pursuing a formal degree could be a practical decision. At Post University, we offer two HR-related degrees and certificates, including our Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management degree and our undergraduate Certificate in Human Resource Management. Both programs are offered online, so you can work toward your degree on your own time—without putting other aspects of your life on hold.
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