Launch Your Human Resources Career Today
A human resources career can provide a rewarding job experience to anyone who has an interest and enjoyment in exercising their communication and interpersonal skills, as well someone who would enjoy a career where management skills are an asset and strength. Getting to know the basics behind the expanding human resources career field can give you an idea if this career will fit your employment needs and expectations.
What Exactly Is a Human Resources Career?
The human resources career emerged in the 1960’s when various companies and corporations began to give official titles to individuals who were tasked with the responsibilities of overlooking the work force of a company. Specifically, these individuals were responsible for ensuring successful hiring, training, and productivity practices were implemented in the company. This career quickly grew as other organizations and companies began to realize the same need for individuals who were equipped with the strategy and managerial skills necessary to ensure a healthy and competent work force.
Today, the human resources career spectrum has widened to include an array of responsibilities and expectations of employees working in this field. Some of the tasks that a person may encounter in this career include:
- Hiring and Training Programs
- Monitoring Work Productivity
- Creating Employee Incentives
- Integrating New Technology
- Handling Work Place Disputes
- Adhering to Employment Laws and Practices
It’s easy to see why communication and interpersonal skills are considered valuable in a human resources career since so much of the responsibilities of the job require working effectively with others and managing work force capital.
Additional skills, such as proficiency in multiple languages or a firm grasp of current technological trends will also assist anyone trying to grown in a human resources career.
What Kind of Degree Will I Need?
A human resources career doesn’t necessarily require a degree in order to get started right away. Many positions will cater to entry-level applicants who are looking to break into the field. Those with certification or a degree in human resources will enjoy a particular advantage in the job market as it denotes a higher level of understanding and sharpened skill sets, which will be appealing to most employers
Students can earn a degree in human resources at the Associate’s, Bachelors, MBA, and even Doctorate levels. Depending on the amount of time you have to dedicate to your career, you can obtain one of these degrees from a traditional on-campus college or from an online college. Many online colleges are appealing to students as it offers flexible schedules and more affordable tuition.
A degree can certainly help to get you through the door when applying for a human resources career. It can also make you more valuable to current employers for those considering going back to school to earn their degree as a career supplement.
The next available option would be to pursue certification. Certification in a human resources career is offered by the Human Resources Certification Institute, and is awarded only once an individual has successfully passed a rigorous exam. Certification programs also require a candidate to have first completed a minimum of two years in their human resources career before they sit for the exam. Therefore, certification is really the better option for someone who has already been working in human resources and would like to increase their value.
You can obtain certification at several different levels. Below are the different levels offered to interested candidates:
- Professional in Human Resources, PHR
- Senior Professional in Human Resources, SPHR
- Global Professional in Human Resources, GPHR
California residents will also be required to sit for a PHR and SPHR exam that has been tailored to meet California standards.