When deciding which career path to choose, it’s easy to wonder about a career in Human Resources (HR). For one thing, these experts seem to be everywhere, working as significant members of almost every organization and business.
Given how prevalent HR specialists are in organizations, it is clear that they are an essential element of the company world. However, knowing that they must be important is just a start. Every student should know more about what these business professionals do as well as how to get started in the career field.
Of course, the behind-the-scenes nature of HR can make it challenging to completely understand what working in the field is like for those observing from a distance. Many employees may assume that the only time they will see HR is when they’re hired, fired or included in a workplace investigation.
They couldn’t be more wrong! These professionals always try to put the ’human’ into Human Resources as much as they possibly can in order to be successful.
What some people don’t know is that HR is also involved when an employee is seriously injured at work. This shouldn’t be surprising as they’re the core of a support system for every individual involved in the business.
If that has caught your interest, you are in for a treat. Here is what every student should know about a career in Human Resources.
Is Human Resources A Good Career Choice?
There are so many options on the table when you are choosing a career. So just how do you know if the industry you are interested in is a good pick?
Unfortunately, there is no way to know for certain. However, it is definitely possible to make an educated guess based on the field outlook and hiring opportunity.
Let’s have a look at how Human Resources weigh up.
The BLS reports that employment of HR experts is estimated to increase by 7% through 2026. The career outlook works best for those in the employment services industry, placement agencies, temporary help services, and professional employer organizations.
The great thing about this field is that it’s profitable and will provide you an opportunity to go down endless career paths. The HR community is also quite large. There’s an enormous level of support that they can provide, especially in the early stages of your career.
In order to make a good career choice, you will need to look at the earning potential. Most students that any investment in education they make will pay off for themselves, their loved ones, the lifestyle they want.
Many factors can influence compensation. Good news is that for a standard role like HR professionals, the BLS reported a 2021 median annual salary of $60,880. This is substantially above the $36,220 average median annual wage for all workers.
Skills And Qualifications Requirements
Like any other job, there are skills and qualifications that are required to be able to work in Human Resources. It is impossible to mention all the skills needed but here are 10 HR skills which are usually looked at
- Employee Relations
- Onboarding
- HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems)
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Performance Management
- Administrative Support
- New-Hire Orientation
- Data Entry
- Project Management
These skills are a brief outline of soft skills many employers are looking for in HR positions. However, a Human Resources and Organizational Leadership degree program will teach you a much deeper skill set which will prepare you for the field. Fun fact – 60% of employers prefer HR candidates to have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
What Does Human Resources Entail?
As a career, Human Resources deals with the complicated and vast realm of employer and employee relations. In other words, they manage the people who manage the people. They are responsible for the life cycle of employees.
The main goal is to make an employee’s work as comfortable and efficient as possible. However, the exact tasks may differ from company to company.
Generally, HR experts take care of employee relations, payroll, benefits. and training. They also recruit, interview and place staff.
It is basically exactly what it sounds like. A resource for employees at all levels in a variety of places. You could think of the field as the heart of the organization. Without HR there is no pulse.
Is Human Resources The Right Career for you?
Has the thought, “Why don’t organizations change their rules about XYZ policy?”, or, “Why is it so difficult to find employers who offer this benefit?” ever come to mind?
Individuals who thrive in HR don’t only see what is, they also see what could be. Generally, they look at how the workforce is changing and think about how their organizations can adapt, embrace and capitalize on it.
These days employees are wanting flexible work hours, casual dress codes, and non-traditional work environments. As an HR professional, you will need to be ahead of the trends in the industry and already working on a plan to meet these changes.
If you are still interested in working in Human Resources after gathering this information, this field may just be for you. Remember it takes a lot of work but is possible if you put your mind to it.
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