Is HR a Good Career? Top 10 In-Demand HR Jobs

Working in human resources (HR) is a great career choice, and individuals with HR degrees are in high demand. The top HR careers involve managing, contributing to, and consulting on various aspects of HR within organizations.

An HR degree equips you with the interpersonal skills needed to enhance workplace environments, support employees through hiring processes, and implement training programs to improve employee productivity. Human resources management is a fast-growing field and a degree qualifies you for HR jobs in a wide range of industries.

What Is HR?

HR, or human resources, is a department within a company that manages the hiring process from recruitment to training and also handles employee benefits and compensation. A human resources department acts as a mediator between organizations and their employees. HR professionals take on various tasks to help ensure hiring and training processes go smoothly and that organizational policies are in compliance with workplace regulations.

HR departments play a vital role in ensuring organizations are providing a positive and motivating work environment that complies with labor laws. Human resource professionals ensure employees have the support to work productively by helping them overcome workplace challenges and maintain a respectful environment.

HR departments are responsible for:

• recruiting, screening, and interviewing new employees
• processing payroll
• resolving workplace conflicts
• developing employee retention strategies
• creating benefits and compensation packages
• employee retention
• ensuring labor law compliance

What Are the Benefits of Earning an HR Degree?

Earning a degree in HR comes with many advantages when you enter the human resources field, giving you the skills needed to help employees work productively and reach their potential. Aside from being one of the main requirements for working in human resources, an HR degree teaches you the processes and policies of human resources and qualifies you to support employee well-being in the workplace effectively.

Benefits include:

• access to a high-demand, growing field
• increased earning potential
• contribute to building a positive workplace culture
• advanced interview and recruitment skills
• strategic planning skills to enhance organizational growth
• effective conflict resolution strategies
• increased interpersonal skills
• knowledge of labor laws and workplace regulations

Top 10 In-Demand HR Jobs

Knowing how to resolve workplace conflicts and offer support to employees is an important role of HR professionals. Since human resources is a fast-growing field, career opportunities are available in various industries. These are some of the top in-demand HR jobs.

1. HR Manager

The role of an HR manager involves overseeing the entire human resources department, from recruiting processes to employee relations. They develop policies, plan training, and ensure organizations comply with labor laws. A career as an HR manager allows you play a critical role in shaping a company's work culture.

2. Recruitment Specialist

Recruitment specialists, who collaborate with hiring managers, find and screen candidates for jobs. They find qualified employees who can meet and exceed job requirements. Their ability to recruit and accurately evaluate candidates ensures that organizations hire highly skilled employees.

3. HR Consultant

HR consultants offer advice to organizations regarding matters such as policy implementation, employee training, and areas for improvement. Their guidance provides strategies to improve company HR practices and enhance the organization's overall performance.

4. Benefits Manager

Benefits managers work in human resource departments, creating and managing employee compensation and benefits programs. With their ability to analyze trends in the job market, they ensure that benefits packages and employee compensation align with industry standards. They can enforce fair but competitive compensation rates.

5. Employee Relations Specialist

Employee relations specialists handle various workplace issues regarding employees. They use interpersonal communication skills to resolve conflict and encourage positive employee interactions. Employee relations specialists are vital to maintaining a productive work environment.

6. HR Specialist

HR specialists handle various roles within human resources. They conduct employee screenings, interview applicants, and handle matters related to employee relations and compensation packages. HR specialists utilize their versatile skill sets to manage numerous tasks in human resources departments.

7. Learning and Development Trainer

A career as a learning and development trainer involves designing and implementing employee training. These HR professionals play a vital role in keeping organizations' employees up to date with new industry information and helping them strengthen their skills. Through effective training, learning, and development, trainers ensure employees are able to meet company goals with more efficiency and productivity.

8. Payroll Processor

Payroll processors are responsible for ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time. They oversee the organization's financial integrity by verifying that wages, tax withholdings, deductions, and other payroll processes are accurately recorded.

9. HR Business Partner

HR business partners hold a senior position within an organization. They work with company leaders and upper management to identify areas for improvement. They develop strategies to increase productivity and motivation among employees. This includes improving communication, collaboration, and teamwork. Their human resources expertise helps companies reach their intended goals.

10. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist

An HR career as a diversity, equity, and inclusion specialist focuses on improving employee respect in diverse workplaces. They facilitate a positive and compassionate environment where employees are treated fairly. Their strategies help retain employees, increase teamwork, and make organizations more inclusive.

FAQs About Starting Your HR Career

Pursuing an HR degree can be a great advantage to your career, enhancing your skills and giving you more job opportunities. These FAQs can help you gain a better understanding of HR degree programs and what they entail.

What Do You Learn in an HR Degree Program?

In an HR degree program, you learn the basic processes of human resources and gain an understanding of the labor laws that organizations must comply with. After graduating with an HR degree, you will have strengthened your conflict resolution and interview skills along with other interpersonal skills that are necessary for working in human resources.

Is an HR Degree Worth It?

Yes, an HR degree is worth it. An HR degree provides you with job security and increases your earning potential. Human resources professionals are in high demand, with a 6% growth increase predicted between 2022 and 2023, as noted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nearly every industry utilizes human resources, and candidates with HR degrees are highly sought after, making an HR degree a worthwhile investment.

Can You Earn an HR Degree Online?

There are many HR degrees offered online through accredited universities. They provide the same quality education as on-campus degrees but with a more flexible schedule and lower tuition costs. Online HR degrees offer the convenience of completing coursework at your own pace and even begin gaining hands-on experience by working while you are earning your degree.