How To Become a Human Resources Manager Without a Degree

Nearly all businesses and companies have a human resources (HR) department to oversee employee relations, training efforts, onboarding, and more. Human resources managers lead these departments, which are in charge of managing an employee's relationship with the company and vice-versa.

You may need experience or skills to work as an HR manager, but not all roles require a degree. Though it's easier to become an HR manager with one, it's not a necessity for all companies. Keep reading to discover the steps to become an HR manager without a degree.

Can You Become an HR Manager Without a Degree?

While it is possible to become an HR manager without a degree, it can also be difficult. Many HR departments require at least a bachelor's degree, if not a master's degree.

Still, it's possible to move up into this position without a college degree by starting in an entry-level job, such as an HR assistant. As you gain HR experience, you may be able to work your way up to senior HR roles, including the HR manager role.

What Does a Human Resource Manager Do?

Human resource managers are responsible for overseeing the HR department within a business or organization. Their job duties often include managing things such as:

• recruitment and hiring
• training programs
• employee mediation
• firing and layoffs
• employee records
• employee benefits

HR managers must be up-to-date on employment law and require various skills, such as communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Steps To Becoming an HR Manager Without a Degree

As mentioned, becoming an HR manager without a degree is not always easy, but it can be done. It requires obtaining HR competencies and work experience. We've broken down the steps below.

1. Take Business Courses

Even if earning an HR degree or completing a business degree program isn't an option, there are still many places online where you can take business courses and courses in related fields. These help you develop the skill set necessary for your HR career path.

Websites like Coursera and edX offer free online HR courses, while some universities offer financial aid for students taking professional development courses.

2. Gain Related Work Experience

If you don't have an HR degree, job experience in the HR field or a related field is a must. Not only does this provide you with real-world, practical experience, but it also helps you develop your hard and soft skills.

There are a few ways you can gain work experience. These include:

• taking an HR internship
• working in entry-level HR positions
• working in secretarial or office management positions

3. Develop HR Skills

While you take classes and gain hands-on experience, you'll increase your HR knowledge and skills. Soft skills like time management, organization, decision-making, and communication are key, but there are several HR-specific skills you'll need as well.

Recruitment and Selection

Staffing is a huge part of HR. Job tasks may include recruiting new candidates, posting job ads, scheduling and conducting interviews, and selecting which candidates to hire.

HR job descriptions may also include onboarding, training new employees, and coordinating their benefits packages. Unfortunately, it can also include firing or laying off employees.

Employee Relations

Employee relations can be one of the trickiest parts of an HR job. This refers to how employees interact with each other.

Part of your job as an HR manager may be to intervene when there's a problem between employees or to note down romantic relationships or conflicts of interest between employees. Because of these tasks, some employers prefer that HR managers have degrees in psychology or communications rather than a human resources degree.

Compliance

Compliance means that a company is acting according to employment law. This is often an important part of an HR job.

If a company violates employment law, they can be sued, which may cost them a lot of money. HR ensures this doesn't happen by creating clear policies and dealing with complaints immediately.

4. Pursue Human Resources Certifications

After you've had some HR experience, you can look into certificate programs for HR professionals. A few HR certifications don't require a college degree — others don't even require experience. You can easily complete some HR certificates online.

Society for Human Resource Management - Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

The Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is a certification for those who perform general HR duties or want to pursue a career in HR. You don't need a degree or experience to obtain this certification. You only need to pass an exam; study materials are available through the SHRM.

After you've had this certification for three years or have at least three years of experience in performing strategic-level HR duties, you can take the exam for the Senior Certified Professional (SCP) certification.

Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is a credential offered by the Human Resource Standards Institute. It emphasizes a practitioner's operational responsibilities for the organization's HR department.

Those without a college degree need to have at least four years of HR experience. Once you've reached that point, you can take the exam to obtain your certification.

Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)

The Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) is offered by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. It's geared towards HR specialists focused on employee benefits.

To earn this certification, you'll need to complete five self-paced online courses. Each concludes with an exam, and you'll need to pass all five to earn your certification.

5. Network With HR Professionals

Networking is a great way to get your foot in the door with an HR department. If you already work in a business with an HR department, you can network by speaking with those HR professionals.

Other networking options include attending conferences or conventions specifically for those in human resource careers or taking on an HR internship.

Alternative HR Management Jobs for Non-Degree Holders

You probably can't jump straight into an HR management job without higher education. However, there are several entry-level positions you can start with.

Learn more: How To Get an Entry-Level Job in Human Resources

Human Resources Assistant

HR assistants work to assist HR managers with the basic administrative and day-to-day duties of the department. They often complete tasks like maintaining employee records and processing employee documentation.

They may also schedule HR meetings or interviews with job candidates. Their job duties may vary depending on whether their manager specializes in a specific facet of HR or if they're an HR generalist.

Human Resources Coordinator

HR coordinators are similar to HR assistants, in that, they take care of many basic administrative and day-to-day tasks. However, they typically have a little more responsibility than an assistant.

They're often the first point of contact for those trying to reach out to the HR department, whether they're employees or job applicants. They may also assist with employee performance reviews and conduct training sessions.

Employee Relations Specialist

Employee relations specialists specifically focus on assisting employees with issues. This may include things like employee-manager disputes and labor contracts.

Instead of focusing on common HR tasks like staffing and talent acquisition, training, or benefits, they focus on resolving employee grievances. This human resources career often requires strong mediation and negotiation skills.