Human Resources Careers

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Are you considering a career in human resources (HR)? This comprehensive guide explores the reasons to pursue a career in HR, potential career paths, and how to switch to an HR career from another industry.

Human resources professionals play a crucial role in any organization. They’re responsible for recruiting new employees, overseeing employee benefits programs, coordinating professional development, and ensuring compliance with labor laws, among other tasks. A career in HR can be rewarding, offering opportunities to positively impact individuals’ careers and the company’s overall success.

HR professionals have the chance to work in a variety of industries and settings, adding to the appeal of this career path. Let’s dive into the career outlook for professionals in the field and the skills you can gain from an HR degree program.

The future of human resources appears to be robust and adaptable to technological and generational changes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects positions for human resources specialists to grow 6% over the next decade, resulting in 78,700 new openings by 2032. HR specialists earned an annual median salary of $67,650 as of May 2023. HR managers earned $136,350 during the same period, per the BLS.

Higher-level positions that require master’s degrees are also in high demand. As technology continues to change the ways people work, HR professionals need to be increasingly adaptable. Focusing on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as staying informed about new technology, can help HR professionals remain hireable and move up.

A career in HR requires a combination of personal and professional competencies. Essential personal skills include:

Organizational skills are critical for time management, scheduling, project management, and maintaining records. Adaptability allows HR staff to be flexible and make informed decisions amidst changes. Confidentiality is paramount, as HR has access to sensitive personal and company information.

Leadership skills are particularly important for HR managers, but all HR staff can benefit from being decisive and assertive when necessary.

Technical skills are increasingly relevant due to the role of automation and human resource information system (HRIS) software in HR tasks. The ability to handle various HR tasks, such as creating work schedules, onboarding, and compliance, is also essential.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The field of human resources offers a plethora of career paths. From HR generalists and specialists to HR managers and directors, each role has its unique responsibilities and requirements.

Entry-level professionals often pursue positions such as HR assistant or coordinator, which provide a foundation in HR tasks.

Mid-level roles, such as HR specialist or manager, require a deeper understanding of HR functions and often demand a bachelor’s or master’s degree in HR or a related field.

Senior HR roles, such as HR director or chief HR officer, require extensive experience and strategic skills, often alongside an advanced degree.

Some HR jobs require certification, while many others recommend it. Certification provides additional training to professionals pursuing careers with a human resources degree. Professional organizations typically oversee certification opportunities; to earn these credentials, professionals usually need to pass an exam.

Professionals with careers in human resources can find several certification options. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers certified professional and senior certified professional certification. SHRM recommends these credentials for human resources professionals who implement policies, communicate regularly with staff and stakeholders, and/or deliver operational services.

The HR Certification Institute awards a professional in human resources certification. Candidates with a master’s degree need one year of work experience before taking the certification exam, while candidates with a bachelor’s need at least two years of experience. Professionals with only a high school diploma can sit for this certification exam after accruing four years of professional experience.

According to the BLS, many companies that hire human resources specialists and human resources managers give preference to candidates who hold a human resources certification from one of these professional organizations.

Professionals should note that organizations charge a fee to take their certification exam. Individuals should also look into renewal requirements for these credentials, which may include earning continuing education credits or additional testing.

In the following sections, we’ll explore HR educational requirements and potential career outcomes at each level.

The path to a career in HR typically begins with education. Whether you’re starting from scratch or transitioning from another field, earning a degree in HR or a related discipline can provide the knowledge and skills needed for success in the industry. Let’s explore the different degree levels and what you can do with each.

HR professionals can work in a variety of industries and locations. From corporate settings to nonprofit organizations, and healthcare facilities to educational institutions, opportunities abound. HR roles exist in nearly every industry, as all organizations need to manage employee relations, hiring, benefits, and other HR functions. Let’s explore the industries and locations where you can work as an HR professional.

HR professionals can work in nearly any industry, including business, healthcare, education, government, and nonprofit organizations. In all of these fields, HR professionals manage talent acquisition, benefits administration, employee relations, and more.

HR professionals can work in a variety of locations, from major cities to rural areas. Major cities often offer more opportunities due to the concentration of businesses, but competition can also be fierce.

Rural areas may offer fewer opportunities but also less competition. Depending on their role and their organization’s policies, some HR professionals may also be able to work remotely.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 20, 2024.