If you're a born leader with an eye for talent, consider a career in Human Resources . Human resources professionals have the job of attracting the most qualified employees to their organization and matching them to the jobs for which they are best suited. Not only do they perform the administrative functions of an organization, such as hiring, managing employee benefits, handling equal employment opportunity and affirmative action matters, and providing employee training and development, they also lead the company in suggesting and changing policies and consulting on strategic planning.
Human resources degrees
A bachelor's degree is a critical asset to securing an entry-level human resources position. You can major in human resources, human resources administration, or industrial and labor relations; you might also increase your job prospects with a technical or business background or a well-rounded liberal arts education. A master's degree is recommended for human resources management positions.
Human resources coursework typically covers Business Administration, compensation, economics, industrial psychology, labor law, organizational structure, performance appraisal, political science, principles of management, public administration, recruitment, sociology, statistics, and training and development.
Human resources skills
Human resources professionals must speak and write effectively and demonstrate a strong commitment to organizational goals. They must be able to work well with individuals of various cultural backgrounds, levels of education, and experience. Human resources professionals must also be able to handle pressure and conflict with discretion, integrity, and fair-mindedness.
Human resources certification
To demonstrate competence and enhance your advancement opportunities, you may wish to pursue human resources certification. The Human Resource Certification Institute offers four certifications for human resources professionals: Professional in Human Resources, Senior Professional in Human Resources, Global Professional in Human Resources, and California state-specific human resources certifications. The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans confers the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designation, and the American Society for Training & Development Certification Institute offers the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance credential. Finally, the WorldatWork Society of Certified Professionals awards the Certified Compensation Professional, Certified Benefits Professional, Global Remuneration Professional, and Work-Life Certified Professional designations.
Human resources career outlook
Great news: Overall employment of human resources professionals is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And according to a 2005 National Association of Colleges and Employers salary survey, bachelor's degree candidates majoring in human resources received average annual starting offers of $36,967.
Earn your human resources degree, and prepare to advance the world of work.
About the author:
Robyn Tellefsen is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.
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