Human Resources
A Career in Human Resources
Human resources is a fascinating people-oriented career field that primarily covers employee hiring, salary and benefits, training, performance assessment, labor relations and additional duties involving a company’s personnel and training needs. Those who enter this profession will discover a broad selection of jobs that reflect the diverse knowledge and skills necessary for a position in human resources. A college degree is recommended in order to take full advantage of a growing demand for trained professionals in this field.
Online degrees are a great education match for those who desire to pursue this profession; since online degree programs allow students the flexibility to gain valuable work experience through internships or entry-level jobs in the human resources field. Later, that work experience usually translates to better paying jobs and faster advancement.
Although there are a number of human resources specialties, they primarily fall under three major headings – employment and placement; compensation, benefits and job analysis; and training and development. Employment and placement covers the recruitment, hiring and placement of personnel. Compensation, benefits and job analysis focuses on matching job duties with the proper salary, working with labor unions, and managing employee benefit programs (like health care, pension, 401K, life and disability insurance, etc.). Training and development specialists oversee employee training programs in order to hone skills that enhance individual performance and improve overall productivity. Human resources specialists should keep up with changing information, including the implementation of new federal and state employee laws or industry-wide advances and fluctuations.
Most businesses and government agencies require a staff of human resources specialists, though small companies may utilize the services of just a few employees who specialize in tasks synonymous with this area. For example, one or more knowledgeable human resources personnel may recruit, interview and hire employees; initiate background checks on resumes and applications; formulate job descriptions; set salaries; handle employee benefits; supervise layoffs; initiate employee training; mediate employer/employee disputes; manage payroll; and act as liaison between management and high-level executives.
As today’s businesses struggle to remain competitive in an uncertain economy, the role of human resources specialists is expanding. Although staffing, training and labor-related needs continue to be the primary focus of these professionals, in larger companies they are consistently being drawn into higher management discussions regarding how to better utilize employees for greater efficiency, performance and cost-effectiveness. Experienced human resources managers are coveted experts in long-term staff planning and are able to make recommendations that relate to maximizing the strengths of current and future employees to reach desired financial goals.
Students who plan to work in the human resources field should major in human resources, labor relations, personnel, compensation and benefits, training and development, business management, or other related specialties. It is possible to enter the field through a degree in computer science, psychology, statistics or others. However, certification, internship experience and a proven track record in a similar field are advantages in gaining the best human resources jobs.
Certification is not necessary, but may enhance job opportunities. The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is one of several organizations that offer certification training in specialty areas – including compensation, retirement and group benefits. Most certification programs require taking additional college-level classes, passing a competency exam, and gaining adequate work experience. College graduates may take an entry-level job in human resources, then use a certification program to advance in the field.
Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary for human resources specialists in carrying out their duties. Although a small percentage of human resources positions require little interaction with others, most are enhanced by the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people – including other employees, managers and top executives. Employers depend upon their human resources team to keep workers satisfied with their job environments and working conditions in order to avoid high job turnover and maintain satisfactory morale.
Employment in the human resources field is expected to rise faster than in most other occupations, with an anticipated 17% growth rate expected between 2006 and 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Starting salary offers in 2007 averaged about $41,680 annually for bachelor’s degree candidates who majored in human resources, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. However, experienced human resources managers may earn tens of thousands more annually, with top-earning managers receiving three-figure salaries. Human services specialists may be found in a variety of settings – including state and local government, insurance companies, private companies, consulting firms, employment services, the federal government and computer systems design.
The human resources field is a promising, stimulating career area that can provide a long, stable employment life for those who obtain the necessary education, credentials, and experience. Online schools and online degree programs are one flexible, convenient way to access the training needed to enter this growing, multidimensional field.
