A career in human resources is an attractive prospect for a lot of people. With a broad range of employment possibilities, and plenty of chances to find fulfilment by helping others succeed in a role, it’s a field that’s popular the world over. It’s also set to continue growing, bringing with it a whole host of new jobs that pay well. In this article, we’re going to look at exactly how to get into human resources.
A career in human resources
A department of Human Resources is made up of professionals who deal directly with the people inside an organisation. It’s meaningful work where they spend their days making it as easy as possible for others to get their job done and involves a lot of soft skills and interaction with people from all over a company.
HR professionals are basically the ones who make sure an organisation runs as smoothly as it can. Here are some of the roles an HR professional might do in their day-to-day:
- Hire and train new employees.
- Process employee payments and invoices for the entire organisation.
- Review, manage and update company policies.
- Maintain the records of all employees.
- Provide opportunities for employees to further education and career management.
- Help employees navigate the laws, rules, and regulations of an industry.
- Deal with controversial issues in the workplace.
- Conduct the necessary paperwork for employees out on all types of leave.
- Organise efficient work schedules.
- Run workshops, benefit programmes, and team building exercises.
As you’ve probably guessed, HR is a field that spans across industries. That means that whatever your interest, whether it’s public health or video game development, there’s a company with their own HR department looking for skilled employees.
With such a broad range of job opportunities, getting into the human resources field is one of the most stable career choices out there. It also means that there’s a lot of opportunities to start earning a very high salary. Some people think that you also need a Microsoft Azure certification. So, exactly what education qualifications do you need to start a career in HR?
Education for a career in HR
Most people in the field of human resources come from a variety of educational backgrounds. For those looking to get started in the field, the first step would be to get the hands-on knowledge of HR tasks with an online course. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door. If you’ve already got a role in HR somewhere, an online course will also help you step up and increase your earning potential.
As you continue to grow in your career, you might consider undertaking a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources. Although not a requirement for working in HR, this tertiary education qualification will give you an advantage over others when it comes to applying for promotions and new roles in upper management.
Beyond the bachelor’s degrees in Human Resources, there’s a wide range of certifications in HR specialities. These can be a great way to boost your earning potential for your role and are often covered by an organisation looking to upskill their employees. Beyond it all, there are also master’s degrees in human resources, giving you the advanced skills needed to work your way to the top of the field.
The skills needed for success in HR
To lead a successful career in human resources, individuals need to develop the following skills:
- Great interpersonal skills – as an HR professional, you’ll be dealing with people day-in and day-out. The employees also need to feel like they can approach you for help.
- A strong business awareness, allowing you to understand a company’s goals and policies
- The ability to understand the complex laws surrounding workplaces and employment
- Strong IT, numeracy, and communication skills
- Be willing to take responsibility for their own development to advance their career
How much do HR professionals get paid?
In Australia, human resources professionals are highly paid. The average salary for an HR officer, working on day-to-day tasks for an organisation, is about $59,000 per year. As you continue in the field and work your way up towards management roles, the salary increases to over $100,000 a year, depending on the organisation and industry.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She is interested in mental health and well-being.
