The skills you learn from an associate's degree program in human resources (HR) prepare you for a variety of entry-level opportunities in the growing field of HR management. HR jobs are available in the areas of recruiting, training, benefits management or administration. Read on to learn more.
HR Recruiting Jobs
With an associate's degree, you may be able to participate in the recruitment process for new employees by screening applicants. An HR program also teaches you how to post job listings, write job descriptions, participate in job fairs, conduct interviews, administer assessment tests, collect employee data and answer questions from potential employees. HR recruiting jobs include:
- Human resources generalist
- Personnel recruiter
- Staffing specialist
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutHumanResourcesCareers">Important Facts About Human Resources Careers</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th></th><th> Human Resources Manager </th><th> Human Resources Specialist </th><th> Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk</th></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021)* </td><td> $126,230 </td><td> $62,290 </td><td> $47,610</td></tr>
<tr><td> On-the-Job Training</td><td> None </td><td> None </td><td> Some provided, depending on organization</td></tr>
<tr><td> Work Environment</td><td> Office setting </td><td> Office setting </td><td> Various office settings</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-31)* </td><td> 7% </td><td> 8% </td><td> -15%</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.</i>
</p><h3 id="section---HRTrainingJobs">HR Training Jobs</h3><p>In HR training, you may conduct new employee orientations and assist in the development and implementation of employee training programs. You can also explain employee policies and regulations, administer surveys, prepare presentations and write training manuals. HR training job titles include:
</p><ul><li>Training and development coordinator
</li><li>Employment training specialist
</li><li>Assistant training manager
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HRBenefitsManagementJobs">HR Benefits Management Jobs</h3><p>Working with benefits management includes maintaining legal forms and records, filing reports and assisting with benefits and compensation administration. It also includes researching benefits packages and maintaining employee information. HR benefits managers may work as:
</p><ul><li>Compensation and benefit assistants
</li><li>Compensation and benefits administrators
</li><li>Human resources specialists
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HRAdministrativeJobs">HR Administrative Jobs</h3><p>There are many administrative functions carried out by the HR department that require some knowledge of HR management. Functions may include compiling data, providing customer service, entering payroll, issuing employee identification or documents and maintaining files. Positions with these HR responsibilities include:
</p><ul><li>Human resource specialist
</li><li>Human resource generalist
</li><li>Payroll specialist
</li><li>Personnel clerk
</li></ul><h3 id="section---AssociateSDegreesInHumanResources">Associate's Degrees in Human Resources</h3><p>Associate's degree programs in HR provide hands-on training in the basic skills used in many HR positions. As a student, you learn computer, communication and administrative skills. You can also learn the basics of compensation structures, benefits management, evaluation practices, labor law and employee development techniques. Courses will cover basic HR functions, including:
</p><ul><li>Listing jobs
</li><li>Interviewing
</li><li>Tracking hours
</li><li>Managing payroll
</li><li>Training new employees
</li><li>Evaluating applicants
</li><li>Maintaining employee files</li></ul>
