Human resources is one of the most promising career options in the U.S. It offers good career growth and stability, and leads to executive position within a larger organization. Unlike yesteryear, it has changed from an administrative function into a strategic function. Meaning, human resource professionals perform tasks which lead to growth of organization, compared to earlier when it simply fulfilled administrative function.
If you’re interested in a career in human resources, read on!
How does a company benefit from human resources?
Human resources contribute to business’ strategic plans which lead to increased employee engagement, and maintains and develop work culture. Additionally, recruiting, interviewing, and maintaining a relationship between employee and senior management comes under the scope of human resources. Like most roles in a business environment, HR responsibilities too have been quantified.
Following responsibilities summarize the scope of human resources—
- Ensure that company abides to changing labor laws
- Hire and train workforce
- Administer performance management
- Build and develop a conducive work culture
- Conflict management
- Maintain a healthy staff-management relation
Scope of a career in human resources
Human resources is one of the fastest growing career options in the U.S.A. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of jobs in human resources is projected to grow at 9 percent between 2014 to 2024. On the other hand, it offers good salary. The median salary of a human professional is a little over $1,00,000. The salary, however, varies across industries as well as function. For instance, the median salary of recruiters and HR specialists is $57,000, while the median salary among labor relations specialists and benefits and compensation manager is $108,000.
How to pursue a career in human resource management?
Most companies hiring graduates for entry-level roles in human resources require at least a bachelor’s degree. Educational background in human resources is preferred, but not mandatory. Many companies are open to hiring graduates from other educational backgrounds as long as they possess required skills—communication skills, interpersonal skills, and interest in hr career.
For further progress, middle and senior-level roles, some organizations require a master’s degree. Certifications are a good way to move to next level. Human resource certifications from prominent bodies are valued over regular certifications. In fact, some senior level roles in human resources require to have certain credentials. For fresh graduates, entry-level certifications can accelerate career growth. For middle and senior level professionals, certifications are a definite booster to advance career.
Additionally, staying on top of the game – changes in labor laws, HR technology, strategies, is essential to keep growing in career. Especially in the US where human resources landscape is extremely dynamic.
In a nutshell, develop your skills and keep learning to advance in your human resources career. Opportunities are endless, scope ever-expanding, and lucrative.