Are you are looking to join the Human Resources (HR) field? There are a few different directions this career choice can take you. Whether you are interested in climbing the HR ladder to become a Chief HR Officer or you have an interest in recruiting prospective employees, you are going to need some form of experience and training from a reputable school. Options for schools are never limited, including online options. People looking for education but not full time for 4 years should consider starting online at school like www.sanfordbrown.edu or University of Phoenix.
The degree or certification hinges on the type of position you are interested in. Important skills a human resources employee should have include active listening, management skills, public speaking, critical thinking, coordination, reading comprehension, negotiation, complex problem solving, mathematics, law and government, psychology and administration. You will commonly use computers, scanners, accounting software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, spreadsheets, and word processing software.
Certification
Some professionals seek certification—though it is not necessarily required—as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), formerly known as the American Society for Personnel Administration (ASPA). The Society for Human Resources Management describes their mission as “building and sustaining partnerships with human resource professionals, media, governments, non-governmental organizations, businesses and academic institutions to address people management challenges that influence the effectiveness and sustainability of their organizations and communities.” They also help human resource professionals network, continue education, have access to media publications and be aware of any concerns regarding the profession.
Vocational Training and Associates Degree
Many technical or vocational schools offer diploma programs that will prepare you for an entry level position as a Human Resources Assistant. These positions generally involve assisting Human Resources Specialists. You may be responsible for processing applications, explaining company policies, recording data (such as absences, performance reports, terminations, etc.), filing, arranging appointments and notifying eligible workers.
Bachelor’s Degree
A Bachelor’s is commonly sought after for a position as a Human Resources Specialist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “the 2010 median pay for Human Resources Specialists was $54,690 per year or $25.33 per hour. They also indicate the job outlook is expected to grow 21 percent from 2010 to 2020.” Human Resources Specialists are responsible for recruiting, interviewing, screening and hiring new employees. They may also be in charge of other related duties including employee relations, benefits, training and payroll.
Master’s Degree
If you decide to further your education and get a Master’s degree, you may be eligible to pursue positions such as Human Resources Managers, Human Resources Vice President, Employee Relations Manager, Director of Human Resources or Chief HR Officer (also referred to as Chief Talent Officer, Chief Culture Officer and People and Places Head.) This is a head position that oversees all aspects of human resources. Most other human resources positions would report to the Chief HR Officer. You may also be responsible for collaborating with high level executives and molding or creating the company’s policies.
Related Occupations
Other occupations similar to HR could include Trainers, Tax Examiners, Insurance Agents, Public Relations Managers or Social and Human Service Assistants. There are many branches of employment a human resources major can follow.
