Human Resources Career Overview
Human resources professionals are essential to the smooth operation of any company, as they control the issues surrounding two key components of any successful business: employee hiring and retention.
Recruiting and retention are affected by a variety of factors that human resources departments have to manage—competitive compensation, savvy recruiting tactics, and employee satisfaction on the job. Thus, success in this field is predicated upon excellent communication and organizational skills.
The specific duties of human resources employees can include:
- Handling employee complaints.
- Researching and organizing benefits packages, and making sure that they are competitive in today’s marketplace.
- Addressing questions about benefits.
- Processing related paperwork for all employees.
- Participating in training processes.
- Advising employees on how to advance in their careers.
Human resources professionals tend to work in an office environment, although recruiters may have to travel extensively. Familiarity with basic office software applications is essential, and some larger firms may require use of proprietary software to manage human resources data.
Human Resources Training & Education
The minimum qualifications for a career in human resources vary, but smaller firms are known to hire candidates with only an Associate’s degree or professional certification. Nevertheless, most competitive positions are filled by candidates holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Many different majors and programs of study can lead to success in human resources—there are no requisite pre-professional studies for a career in this field.
However, competition for entry-level positions in human resources management can be steep and having a Bachelor or Master degree may be not only advantageous but also necessary for promotion. Furthermore, prestigious positions, including those at higher levels of management or with large companies, will likely require a Master’s Degree.
Many employers also offer continuing education benefits to their HR employees, allowing professionals to receive a Master’s degree required for promotion to senior positions after being hired.
Human Resources Career & Salary Outlook
Demand for human resources professionals is strongly tied to the employment market—growing companies require more human resources staff to attract, manage, and retain new hires. Opportunities for advancement abound, with senior level positions in human resources occasionally leading to senior executive positions. Because corporate human resources requirements are tied to the specific needs of a company, demand can vary radically from sector to sector. In general, however, demand for human resources professionals tends to be relatively stable.
Starting salaries in human resources for those with a college degree can range from $36,700 to $48,000, with a median of $41,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those with experience or graduate degrees can expect to earn over $50,000 per annum, and HR department managers in large corporations may earn up to $300,000 per annum.
Career Fields/Specializations
Compensation Benefits Analyst Career
Compensation benefits analysts examine employee compensation packages and ensure they are competitive with those of industry peers. Furthermore, analysts will make sure that compensation schemes are equitable, and design and maintain incentive programs for high-performing employees.
The analytical requirements of such a career make it better suited for those with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a more quantitative subject matter. Human resources analysts can also expect to earn a salary competitive with analysts in the financial sector.
Training Specialist Career
A training specialist designs and implements various training programs to benefit employees and enhance productivity. These types of training include basic training about the company’s processes and industry-specific software applications, as well more general skill development. Additionally, training specialists may create leadership programs to help employees improve their interpersonal skills.
Training specialists should be effective and versatile teachers and able to quickly change their approach if they see that an employee is not responding to a particular training method. They should also be comfortable with public speaking and leading discussions. Specialists who have the computer know-how to create visually exciting and pedagogically sound training programs will advance quickly.
Employment Manager Career
Employment managers are in charge of the employment issues within a company. They play an active role in the recruitment and positioning of employees. In addition to this, they may work with equal opportunity employment specialists to make sure that the company’s actions are in line with their stated equal opportunity goals.
Problems solving and conflict management are skills integral to success as an employment manager. Investors frequently assess companies using employee turnover data, so the position has a substantial impact on the overall health of a corporation.
Recruiter Career
A recruiter matches eligible employees with companies who are looking to hire. Larger corporations handle recruiting in-house, while smaller companies procure new employees through a recruiting agency. Recruiters must be savvy interviewers and accomplished communicators to satisfy the needs of companies.
Individuals of nearly any academic background could make good recruiters, as recruiters are needed in virtually every field. Specialized recruiters ought to be well-versed in the industry in which they are specialized, while executive or sales recruiters tend to recruit across several industries.
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