Is 30 Too Old to Get a Human Resources Degree?

30 is not too old to get a human resources degree. While earning an HR degree in your 30s may come with challenges, there are also many benefits, like job stability.

No, 35 is not too late to get a human resources degree. Whether you've decided to return to school to finish your degree or start a new one, or you've never attended college before, there are a few reasons to earn your human resources degree at 30.

Reasons To Earn Your Human Resources Degree at 30

These include an in-demand career field, growth opportunities, and a sense of stability. We break these down a little more below.

In-Demand Career

Nearly every type of company needs human resources (HR) specialists. As a result, roles in human resources are often in demand. While demand varies by area and by specific role, many types of human resources roles are expected to increase job growth over the next decade. For example, job growth for basic human resources specialists is expected to grow by 6%.

Room for Growth

Because human resources are a part of every company, there is often a lot of room for job growth within human resources. This can be by switching roles or by changing companies. For example, someone may start as a human resources specialist, and then move to human resources manager. Or they may opt to specialize in an area of human resources, such as training and development.

Sense of Stability

Going back to school at 30 can have its challenges, and it may make life a little crazy for a bit. However, after graduating with a degree in human resources and landing an HR job, you may find it offers stability. An in-demand career with room for growth and a decent salary can offer stability in a variety of ways. Most meaningfully, it allows you to find a job more easily and make ends meet.

What Will I Learn In a Human Resources Degree Program?

Human resources degree programs train students how to handle the 'people' side of a company. Human resources is responsible for managing the relationship between employees and the company.

Human resources programs typically cover topics like:

compensation
employment law
human resources management
staffing
training and development

Understanding these topics will allow students to be successful in a range of human resources careers.

What Can I Do With My Human Resources Degree?

There are a few different career options available to those with a degree in human resources. We've gone into detail about some of these careers below.

Human Resources Specialists

Human resources specialists work within the HR department of a company. Their job duties may include:

recruiting and interviewing candidates
hiring and training new employees
managing payroll and benefits
settling employee disputes
terminating employee contracts

Human resources specialists may work for companies in a variety of industries. A small company may only have one or two HR specialists, while a large company may have a whole team, with each specialist responsible for a particular area.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects jobs for HR specialists to grow by 6% by 2032. Most HR specialists earn in the mid-to-high five figures.

Human Resources Managers

Human resources managers oversee the HR department and other administrative functions of a company. They are in charge of things like hiring, benefits, and handling staffing issues.

As with HR specialists, HR managers can work for companies in many different industries. The size of their team will often depend on the size of the company. According to the BLS, jobs for HR managers are estimated to grow by 5% over the next decade. Pay for human resources managers is often over six figures.

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Compensation and benefits managers are HR employees who focus on compensation and benefits. They may research these things to establish what their company should offer in terms of salary, time off, health insurance, and more.

The BLS expects jobs for compensation and benefits specialists to grow by 7% and jobs for managers to grow by 2%. Specialists often make mid-to-high five figures while managers make over six figures.

Training and Development Specialists and Managers

Training and development specialists and managers are responsible for planning and establishing training programs for employees of an organization. They may also write training manuals, plan training sessions, and assess training results.

According to the BLS, jobs for training and development specialists and managers are expected to increase by 6% over the next ten years. Specialists usually make mid-to-high five figures, while managers make over six figures.

FAQs About Starting a Human Resources Degree at 30

Below, we've tackled some frequently asked questions about starting a human resources degree at 30.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Human Resources Degree at 30?

Starting a human resources degree at 30 can be scary, but there are benefits. First, as human resources is an in-demand field, it can create stability in your life, as mentioned above.

Additionally, waiting to go to college means that when you start courses, you'll have several years of life experience and work experience that can help you excel, such as time management skills. You're also more likely to be sure of your choice when you go back to school at 30. While it may be nerve-wracking, you'll be more likely to change majors or drop your program.

Can I Complete My Human Resources Degree Online?

Several colleges and universities offer degrees in HR completely online. These include:

Can I Work and Go To College?

Many students, especially older students, work while they go to college. One of the best ways to balance work and school is through online courses, which allow students to do their work at the time that works best for them.