The best way to start your career in Human Resources
There are many reasons why a career in Human Resources can be a great life experience. First and foremost, Human Resources is a field that is always growing and changing. This means that there are always new opportunities to learn and grow in your career. Additionally, Human Resources is a very people-focused field.
This means that you get to work with people on a daily basis and help them achieve their goals. Finally, Human Resources is a great way to make a difference in people’s lives. You can help employees feel appreciated and supported, which can make a big difference in their lives.
Common HR Career Path
- Start in an entry-level position. Start working in Human Resources. The first step on the HR career path is to find an entry-level position in Human Resources. This can be done by searching online job boards, contacting local businesses directly, or through networking. Once you have found an entry-level position, it is important to learn as much as possible and take on as many responsibilities as you can.
This can be done by working in HR for a company or by working in an HR-related position such as benefits administration or recruitment. Once you have experience working in HR, you will be better positioned to move into an HR management role.
- Get a degree in Human Resources. Pursue HR Degree. While not required, getting a degree in Human Resources can help you to advance your career. A degree in Human Resources will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the field. There are many online and offline programs available, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs.
Another way to advance your career in HR is to pursue an HR degree. A degree in Human Resources can help you to better understand the field of HR and give you the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in an HR management role.
- Become certified in Human Resources. Get an HR Certification. Once you have a few years of experience under your belt, you may want to consider becoming certified in Human Resources. There are many different certification programs available, so you will need to do some research to find one that is right for you. Becoming certified will show employers that you are serious about your career and that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful.
One way to advance your career in HR is to get an HR certification. There are a number of different certifications available, and each one has its own set of requirements. However, most certifications require that you have a certain amount of experience working in HR and that you pass an exam.
- Join a professional organization. Joining a professional organization is a great way to network with other HR professionals and to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in the field. There are many different organizations to choose from, so you should be able to find one that fits your interests and needs.
Joining an HR association can also help you to advance your career in Human Resources. These organizations provide networking opportunities, professional development resources, and job postings. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire candidates who are members of an HR association.
Advance your career with additional education or experience. Once you have a few years of experience, you may want to consider advancing your career by pursuing additional education or training. There are many online and offline programs available, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs. Additionally, gaining more experience through internships or volunteering can also help you to advance your career.
Attend HR Conferences and Events Attending conferences and events related to Human Resources is another great way to advance your career. These events provide the opportunity to network with other professionals, learn about new trends and developments in the field, and find out about job openings.
Become a manager or executive. Once you have several years of experience, you may want to consider becoming a manager or executive in Human Resources. This can be done by pursuing management or executive position within your company or by starting your own HR consulting business.
Get Involved in Community Activities Human Resources professionals can also advance their careers by getting involved in community activities related to the field. This could include volunteering for a local Human Resources organization or participating in community outreach programs. Getting involved in these activities can help you to build your network and gain valuable experience.
Write for a Human Resources Management Publication Writing for an HR publication is another great way to advance your career in Human Resources. This could include writing articles, blog posts, or even books on topics related to Human Resources. Writing for an HR publication can help you to build your credibility and expertise in the HR Management field.
Common Human Resources Jobs
One of the best things about a career in Human Resources is the variety of jobs that are available. Human Resources professionals can work in a wide range of industries and positions, including:
- Recruiting
- Training and Development
- Employee Relations
- Benefits Administration
- Payroll
- HRIS
- Labor Relations
- Compensation and Benefits
- Safety and Risk Management
The above list is just a sampling of the types of jobs that are available in Human Resources. There are many other positions that fall under the umbrella of Human Resources, so there is sure to be a job that is a good fit for your skills and interests.
A list of typical jobs in HR Career Path
Human Resources Generalist The Human Resources generalist is responsible for a wide range of HR duties, including recruitment, employee relations, training and development, and benefits administration. This is typically an entry-level position, and most HR generalists have a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field.
Human Resources Specialist The Human Resources specialist is in charge of a variety of HR responsibilities, such as compensation and benefits, talent development programs, or HR Project Management. This is usually a mid-level position for an HR professional.
Human Resources Manager The Human Resources manager is responsible for all aspects of HR for their organization, including recruitment, employee relations, training and development, benefits administration, and more. This is typically a senior-level position, and most HR managers have a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field. Additionally, many HR managers have earned certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Training and Development Manager The training and development manager is responsible for designing and implementing training programs that help employees improve their skills and knowledge. This is typically a mid-level position, and most training and development managers have a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field. Additionally, many training and development managers have earned certification from the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD).
Compensation and Benefits Manager The compensation and benefits manager is responsible for designing and administering compensation and benefits programs that are fair and competitive. This is typically a senior-level position, and most compensation and benefits managers have a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field. Additionally, many compensation and benefits managers have earned certification from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP).
Employee Relations Manager The employee relations manager is responsible for managing employee relations issues, such as grievances, disciplinary actions, and compliance with employment laws. This is typically a senior-level position, and most employee relations managers have a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field. Additionally, many employee relations managers have earned certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Diversity Manager The diversity manager is responsible for promoting diversity within an organization through initiatives such as recruiting diverse candidates, developing diversity training programs, and increasing awareness of diversity issues. This is typically a senior-level position, and most diversity managers have a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field. Additionally, many diversity managers have earned certification from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE).
Conclusion
Progression and advancement in a career in Human Resources is possible through taking on different functional roles within the field. There are many different areas of specialization to choose from, such as recruiting, benefits administration, training and development, and employee relations. You can also become a certified Human Resources professional (CHRP) or SHRM-CP by completing specialized coursework and examinations.
This will demonstrate your dedication to the field and could lead to better job opportunities. Finally, networking with other professionals in HR is an important way to stay up-to-date on current trends and developments in the industry. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to advancing your career in Human Resources!