Having a talented staff is one of the most valuable assets to any company, and a human resources manager plays a large role in that process. HR managers also work closely with all departments, manage company-wide benefits, and help businesses reach their full potential.
If this sounds like the perfect career—a human resources manager’s position may be right for you. Here’s how to get into HR management and the process it takes to get started.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Work in HR Management?
Human resource managers are typically HR professionals who have earned their bachelor’s degree in human resources and have several years of HR experience. In some cases, some employers may require a bachelor’s degree or additional certifications, such as the certifications we help professionals prepare for at HR Education Network, to become an HR manager.
Within HR careers, there are many specialties and levels of management. If you’re just starting your career path, here’s an example of an education roadmap you could follow to land yourself into human resources and work toward becoming an HR manager or director.
High School Diploma
As an obvious first step, it’s important to first have your high school diploma. It helps students to take business-related courses as electives such as finance, business, and accounting. A high school diploma, as well as your GPA and test scores, will set you up for college or an associate degree.
Bachelor’s Degree
Many colleges offer a human resources program. However, most degrees are flexible and have several specialties and areas of study that work for various careers. For example, human resource managers may consider majors, such as business, management or psychology.
Bachelor’s degrees in human resources may be structured as:
- Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in areas such as human resources, organizational behavior, or management and leadership.
Optional: Master’s Degree
A master’s degree in human resources provides the proper education for a sturdy foundation as an HR director. Human resources professionals, including directors and other managers, aren’t limited to pursuing an undergraduate or a graduate degree in just human resources.
HR Management Roles
Now that you have your education in-tow, it’s time to look at how each HR professional role stacks up against each other.
HR Assistant
HR assistants are, in most cases, the starting point in your HR career. Typically, you will aid HR managers and HR specialists. They perform many administrative duties, including filing job openings, posting job positions, interviewing applicants, and keeping employee records.
HR Specialist
As an HR specialist, you can choose from a variety of specialties like employee relations, explaining human resource policies, payroll, benefits, and compensation. You may even take an interest in leadership education.
HR Manager
HR managers oversee an organization’s HR department. They consult with other department supervisors, oversee the recruiting, interviewing, hiring and termination of employees, and develop employee benefit plans. Becoming an HR manager requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business management, finance, or a related field.
Candidates who aspire to work in human resources can choose from other positions.
Experience in The Workforce
Professional work experience is key for anyone who is seeking a managerial position in that field. Most high-level positions require several years of on-the-job experience. Experience gained helps sharpen an individual’s skills and the opportunity to apply what they have learned.
HR Certifications
Certifications aren’t required to work in human resources. Any additional certifications are optional in most situations. However, today’s human resources professionals are seeking certifications such as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). These certifications can help you advance your skills and give you an advantage in the workforce.
Whether you are thinking about a career as an HR manager or are a current professional looking to get recertified, HR Education Network has tools that will help you succeed. Visit our catalog and browse through the wide selection of online courses we offer.
