A degree in human resources provides a foundation for a career centered on managing an organization’s people, from recruitment to employee relations. This field offers a wide range of career paths that focus on supporting and developing a company’s workforce, opening doors to numerous opportunities for those interested in the human side of business.
Common Human Resources Jobs
Human Resources Generalist
The Human Resources Generalist is a “jack-of-all-trades” within the HR field. These professionals handle a wide array of functions, including assisting with recruitment, onboarding new employees, administering benefits, and helping to implement company policies. In smaller companies, a generalist might be the sole HR professional.
A typical day for an HR Generalist can be varied, involving both administrative and strategic tasks. They might spend the morning processing paperwork for new hires and the afternoon advising managers on employee relations issues. Their broad knowledge across different HR functions makes them an integral part of any organization.
Recruiter
A Recruiter, sometimes known as a Talent Acquisition Specialist, focuses on finding and hiring new talent. This process begins with collaborating with hiring managers to understand the needs of a role and drafting compelling job descriptions to attract candidates.
The daily tasks of a recruiter involve screening resumes, conducting initial interviews, and coordinating subsequent interview stages with the hiring team. They are the primary point of contact for candidates throughout the hiring process, providing updates and guidance to ensure a positive experience that can influence the company’s reputation.
Human Resources Specialist
While a generalist has a broad scope, a Human Resources Specialist concentrates on a single function within HR. Common areas of specialization include compensation and benefits, HR information systems (HRIS), or employee relations. These professionals develop deep expertise in their chosen area.
For example, a Compensation and Benefits Specialist designs and manages salary structures, bonus plans, and employee benefit programs. An HRIS Specialist manages the technical systems that store and process employee data, ensuring data integrity and efficiency.
Training and Development Coordinator
A Training and Development Coordinator is responsible for enhancing the skills and knowledge of an organization’s workforce. They identify training needs by conferring with managers, conducting surveys, and analyzing performance data.
Based on these assessments, they design and implement training programs on topics from new employee orientation to leadership development. The coordinator’s role involves scheduling sessions, preparing materials, and evaluating the effectiveness of training programs.
Employee Relations Specialist
An Employee Relations Specialist focuses on fostering a positive and productive work environment. A significant part of their job involves managing and resolving workplace conflicts between employees or between employees and management.
They conduct impartial investigations into complaints and grievances, ensuring that all parties are heard and that outcomes are fair. These specialists also work proactively to prevent issues by developing policies that promote fair treatment and clear communication.
Advanced and Specialized HR Careers
After gaining several years of experience, professionals can advance to positions with greater responsibility and strategic focus. These advanced careers often involve leading teams, developing long-term strategies, and working closely with senior leadership to drive organizational success.
HR Manager
An HR Manager oversees the HR department or specific functions. Their work is both strategic and operational, involving planning benefits programs, collaborating with executives on workforce strategy, and directing recruitment and employee relations policies. They act as a link between an organization’s management and its employees.
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Compensation and Benefits Managers specialize in designing and administering an organization’s pay and benefits programs. They analyze market data to ensure salary structures are competitive and create benefits packages that attract and retain talent. This role involves managing budgets and ensuring legal compliance.
Labor Relations Manager
Labor Relations Managers are specialists who manage the relationship between a company and a labor union. Their primary role is to interpret and administer the collective bargaining agreement. This involves negotiating contracts, handling grievances, and participating in arbitration proceedings.
Director of HR or CHRO
A Director of HR or Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is a senior executive responsible for the overall leadership of the human resources function. They are involved in top-level strategic planning, shaping the company culture, and ensuring that HR strategies support the long-term mission of the organization.
Alternative Career Paths
A human resources degree equips graduates with skills applicable to roles outside of traditional corporate HR departments. The knowledge of organizational behavior, employment law, and interpersonal dynamics is valuable in various professional contexts.
- Work for a firm or for themselves as an HR Consultant, providing expert advice to multiple client companies on HR matters like hiring, compensation, or professional development.
- Serve as a Corporate Trainer for an external firm, designing and delivering training programs for a variety of corporate clients to improve employee skills and productivity.
- Apply skills in managing people and coordinating activities in the non-profit sector as a Program Manager, where they might oversee specific programs and manage volunteers.
- Use people-management skills as an Operations Manager to oversee the production of goods or services, handling the staffing logistics necessary for smooth and efficient operations.
Essential Skills for HR Professionals
Success in the human resources field depends on a blend of specific skills that enable professionals to manage the human side of a business effectively.
- Strong communication skills are needed to clearly convey information to employees, managers, and job candidates through written policies, verbal interviews, and presentations.
- Problem-solving is used to analyze complex issues, from resolving employee disputes to navigating organizational change, and develop effective and fair solutions.
- Empathy and emotional intelligence are important for handling sensitive employee situations with understanding and tact, which helps build trust and a positive workplace culture.
- Strong organizational skills are needed to manage administrative tasks, maintain accurate records, and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Data analysis is used to track metrics like turnover and engagement, informing strategic decisions, while a thorough understanding of employment regulations is required for compliance.
Career Outlook and Salary Potential
The field of human resources is projected to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for human resources specialists is expected to increase by 6% between 2022 and 2032, driven by the need to handle complex employment laws.
Salaries in human resources vary based on role, experience, industry, and location. The BLS reported a median annual salary for HR specialists of $64,200 in November 2023, with HR managers earning more. As individuals gain experience and pursue certifications, their earning potential is likely to increase.