Human Resources, HR Management

<h2 id="section---IsAJobInHumanResourcesForMe">Is a Job in Human Resources for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerSummary">Career Summary</h3> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Human_Resources_Manager_Career_Profile_Employment_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements.html">Human resource managers</a> create employment policies, hire employees and provide a connection between staff members and the company they work for. Workers in human resources need to be personable and possess good communication skills since they are constantly interacting with people. If you decide to work in human resources, you have the opportunity to choose from among many different specialties. </p> <p>Recruiters search for the best applicants to fill vacant positions and are usually able to travel to many places. Benefits specialists work with insurance plans, pension plans and other related programs. These specialists are aware of benefit and medial laws and handle problems and concerns from employees. Training specialists coordinate and design training activities for employees. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentOutlookAndSalaryStatistics">Employment Outlook and Salary Statistics</h3> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that from 2012 through 2022, employment of human resources managers will likely increase by 13% (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Human resources specialists should see job growth of 7% during that same time period, which is slower than average. Specialists received a median annual income of $56,630 as of 2013, and human resources managers earned a median of $100,800 per year, as stated by the BLS. </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInHumanResources">How Can I Work in Human Resources?</h2> <h3 id="section---UndergraduateEducation">Undergraduate Education</h3> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Human_Resources_Education_Options_Your_Questions_Answered.html">Education requirements</a> for human resources jobs vary. Most employers are looking for applicants that have obtained at least a bachelor's degree. A <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Human_Resources_Bachelors_Degree_Program.html">bachelor's degree in human resources</a> is a good choice, although other degrees related to business can also help you begin a career in human resources. Courses in business, sociology and behavioral science are recommended for students that want to work in human resources. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduateStudies">Graduate Studies</h3> <p>Some advanced and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Human_Resources_Management_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_Human_Resources_Manager.html">management-level</a> jobs require a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Advantages_and_Disadvantages_of_Earning_an_MBA_in_Human_Resources.html">master's degree in human resources</a>. If you enroll in a Master of Professional Studies program, you should be able to specialize in benefits, staffing and training, labor relations and labor laws. If you want to eventually enter into teaching or consulting in human resources, you may even want to consider completing a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Can_I_Do_with_a_Doctoral_Degree_in_Human_Resources.html">doctorate program in human resources</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---Certifications">Certifications</h3> <p>Human resources organizations offer various certifications that can lead to advancement. There are certifications available in most specializations within human resources, such as <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Do_I_Become_a_Certified_Benefits_Specialist.html">Certified Employee Benefits Specialist</a>, Certified Benefits Professional or Professional in Human Resources. You can obtain most designations by completing experience requirements and passing an exam.</p>