There is a well-defined career path to becoming a human resources manager, which includes a specific degree, work experience and certification. Fortunately, those interested in this career can also select alternative academic and career choices.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that human resource managers will need a bachelor’s degree. Many companies accept graduates who have four-year degree business degrees with training in HR. Highly specialized companies, such as those found in the computer and manufacturing sectors, want candidates who have strong technical backgrounds. Regardless of the degree choice, undergraduate students who want to become human resources managers must develop the specific business and management skills needed to become HR professionals. This includes exclusive knowledge related to strategic staffing, so they can achieve organizational goals, and benefits and compensation, so they can maintain compliance and keep employees happy.
The Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management
Most companies expect job candidates to have at a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management. They should take classes on employment law, so they can learn about the state and federal laws that affect HR functions. These courses will cover standard regulatory issues, such as overtime payments and employment agreements. Studying labor relations will provide insight into the interactions between management and labor in corporate environments. Learning about human resource information systems (HRIS) will prepare graduates to manage HR functions and apply technology to understand employment trends. Training courses will examine the organizational development techniques used to improve individual and team effectiveness
Accumulate Work Experience
Graduates four-year human resources degree programs are prepared for entry-level positions work as HR assistants or specialists. Their responsibilities might include maintaining records of compensation, new hires, employee benefits, work performance and workers’ compensation. They post job ads, respond to inquiries and participate in interviews. In order to determine the eligibility of applicants, HR assistants must compare candidates against qualification standards. They track incoming employment applications through databases and online candidate tracking systems. Once candidates are hired, they coordinate new employee orientation, training and development. They ensure that new and current employees are correctly processed in multiple systems. They help HR managers ensure that all personnel actions comply with federal laws and guidelines.
Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
In order to secure the best Human Resources manager jobs, candidates will need a graduate degree. One of the most popular programs is the Master of Science in Human Resource Management. This academic credential establishes that the candidate has the distinct HR competencies that companies need. These programs prepare graduates to provide a strategic staffing vision in multiple industries and business environments. These programs are carefully aligned with the curricula standards of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). These programs teach advanced organizational behavior concepts related to group dynamics, intra-personal dynamics and transformational leadership. Students also learn about core accounting concepts, enterprise-wide HR planning and the applications of corporate information systems.
Related Resource: How Do You Become an Entrepreneur?
Those who want to become a human resources manager should consider obtaining nationally recognized HR certifications. These include the Human Resource Certification Institute’s (HRCI) Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). It also includes the Society for Human Resource Management’s Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).