If you consider yourself a strong problem solver who is analytical, objective, and unbiased, as well as a good communicator, a career in human resources may be for you.
Human resources professionals come from a range of educational courses and experiences, although virtually all have a four-year degree.
Those with good math and scientific abilities, for example, may find work in pay or employee benefits. Teachers who want to work in HR may become trainers, while law graduates can work as labor relations experts.
While there are several undergraduate HR programs available at colleges and universities in the United States, a bachelor's degree in a related subject – such as communications, business, industrial/organizational psychology, sociology, and the social sciences – could also be applied to a career in human resources.
Erin Warnock, SHRM-CP and human resource analyst at the UCPath Center, described her path to a profession in human resources as a series of employment in several businesses. She originally earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in women's studies and sociology from UC Riverside.
Following college, Warnock worked as an administrative assistant in a construction company's operations department. "I switched over to the safety, HR, and risk management department while at that organization," she added. "I genuinely enjoyed the HR aspect of the work — it was the start of my HR career."
Here are some pointers on how to advance your career in human resources:
Emphasis on Education and Training
HR practitioners may further their careers by obtaining the following professional certifications, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM):
The HR Credential Institute's Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) is the first certification developed for HR professionals who are new to the field.
Check out SHRM's Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications for people with prior experience (SHRM-SCP)
Consider the HR Certification Institute's Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certifications (SPHR)
The Professional in Human Resources – California (PHRca) credential recognizes an HR professional who has mastered California's laws, regulations, and HR management practices.
According to Warnock, she presently possesses the SHRM-CP credential. Candidates are initially examined on their HR expertise in order to get certified. "My best study advise is to find a study companion and tie study material facts to what you've previously observed at work," she said.
Aspiring practitioners may also further their careers in human resources by enrolling in a continuing education program. The University of California offers seminars and programs to help HR professionals enhance their knowledge.
UCLA Extension, UC Riverside Extension, and UC San Diego Extension all offer professional certifications in Human Resource Management that include special projects, case studies, and role-playing opportunities to provide a hands-on learning experience.
Warnock also said that she received a degree in Human Resources Management from the UCR Extension Center.
Gain HR Experience
On-the-job training in human resources is required since practitioners must apply what they learn in the classroom to the actual world. Human resources, according to Warnock, are not static. "There's always something fresh to discover."
Working in an administrative function at a business for many years and then transitioning into HR is one approach to get expertise. For example, several HR professionals begin their careers in payroll processing.
Another method to enter into human resources without prior expertise is to work as a recruiter for a staffing firm. Extroverts who are comfortable with the sales and networking aspects of talent acquisition may apply their skills to a position in employee services (customer service) at the UCPath Center, for example.
An internship in an HR department may give hands-on experience as well as exposure to potential employers if you are a college student or recent graduate. You may also volunteer at a non-profit to boost your career growth and network. You may utilize these chances to determine which areas of HR interest you the most and to expand your skill set.
Contacting your alma institution and reaching out to alumni in the HR profession is one of the greatest methods to obtain an internship or volunteer role in HR.
Develop Business Relationships
Job seekers are now finding their way into HR-related employment through attending professional networking events such as industry-specific conferences, local SHRM chapter meetings, and becoming active with professional groups.
Warnock said that she attended the California Human Resources Conference in 2017. "I learnt a lot," she continued. "I also attend a lot of UC Riverside alumni association networking events."
It is critical to network with HR experts in the community. Before approaching them for guidance or assistance, consider how you can provide value to their company.
Thanks to online social networking sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, digital networking has grown in popularity in recent years. When it comes to writing a small networking message, keep it nice and professional. The idea is to build rapport before asking for general information and guidance.
Remember that a successful professional should work hard to grow and retain their business networks, as well as to enhance their expertise.
Begin Your HR Career at UCPath Center
Those interested in a career in human resources at the UCPath Center should consider the growing day-to-day duties of the HR professional, as well as remaining on top of training, obtaining the necessary skills, and networking with industry experts and colleagues.
Human Resources experts from HR, training, and communications work at the UCPath Center. Disability and leave management, learning and development, pay, talent acquisition, and employment are among the major services provided by the HR team.
Employees at the UCPath Center are presently responsible for, among other things, processing payroll, managing employee benefits, keeping employee records, and addressing employee queries about their benefits, paychecks, and personnel transactions.