How to start a career in human resources

Human resources professionals are involved in virtually every facet of business operations, from implementing benefit programs to recruiting the next generation of employees. Increasingly, HR professionals are taking on other critical roles, such as helping define corporate strategies, strengthening leadership and adaptability, and assisting the adoption of new organizational models. Starting a career in HR in most cases requires completing a bachelor’s degree, ideally in HRM or a closely related field.

At its core, HR is the work of people management – hiring, paying, retaining, training, and when necessary, firing employees. The human resources profession continues to develop in tandem with the evolving workforce.

Is HR a good career?

A human resources career may be an excellent choice for well-organized, empathetic, and communicative individuals able to maintain composure in delicate and complex interpersonal situations.

Another way to decide if a human resources career is for you is to consider the job outlook and average salary. In 2019, the Wall Street Journal used Bureau of Labor Statistics data on salaries and job outlook to rank occupations. The role of HR manager was declared one of the most promising careers of the next decade, ranking 35th out of 800 occupations.

HR job outlook

The table below outlines HR job outlook in terms of projected growth in job openings. As you can see, certain roles are expanding more quickly than others, while job openings for labor relations specialists, for example, are expected to decrease by just over 8%.

Average HR salary

In 2021, the BLS reported a median salary of $126,230 per year for HR managers. Managers in professional, scientific, and technical services earn the most – close to $30,000 more than HR managers in government, healthcare, and social assistance.

Explore the individual HR career widgets below to see more salary data for specific HR disciplines.

What degree do you need for human resources?

Numerous degree options are available and relevant to a career in human resources. While most HR positions call for a bachelor’s degree, options also exist at the associate degree level. Advanced and senior-level HR positions commonly require a master’s degree, MBA, or other graduate diploma.

An associate degree in HR is a good option if you’re looking for an entry-level position in an HR office or in a support role. It can also provide you with highly transferrable skills should you later decide to change careers.

A bachelor’s degree in human resources can prepare you for a position working as an HR generalist or human resources specialist.

There are 2 main options for an advanced degree in HR: a master’s in human resources management and a master’s in business administration (MBA). The master’s degree focuses on strategic skills needed by senior managers, while an MBA is focused on maximizing a company’s performance and profit.

Human resources career path planning can take many forms, but the basic progression is relatively straightforward – assistant, coordinator (recruiter), specialist, generalist, manager, and finally, director.

However, thinking of your HR career only in terms of upward progression is no longer the norm. In fact, research indicates that the majority of employees prefer to view their career as a series of experiences rather than stepping stones or ladder rungs on the way to the top. This reflects the broader organizational shift towards team-based networks versus rigid hierarchies.

What are the different HR roles?

There are many HR roles to consider if beginning or transitioning to a human resources career. Below are some of the most common.

What HR disciplines can you specialize in?

Recruitment, compensation, training and development, and company culture are some of the main HR disciplines you can specialize in. Keep in mind that these can be your focus at virtually all levels of HR, whether you are in a managerial, specialist, or support role.

Recruitment

HR professionals focused on recruitment scout, outreach, interview, and onboard new staff. Increasingly, the focus is on building a robust talent pool even before openings exist.

Compensation and benefits

Professionals in these HR roles focus on compensation, determining and administering employee benefits, and ensuring equity and cohesion in benefits and wages.

Training and development

New employees require training/onboarding to help them get started and set them up for success. Some employers offer continuing education and professional development programs to expand existing employees’ skillsets. HR professionals focused on training and development generally lead and facilitate these efforts.

Company culture

Company culture includes morale, trust, teamwork, collaboration, and communication. HR departments usually take the lead in the assessment of company culture and recommendations on how to improve or refine the employee experience.

Final thoughts

Where HR professionals once focused on the practicalities of payroll and recruitment, they are increasingly integral to broader strategic goals and helping build the organizations of the future.

Ready to start a career in human resources? The next step is to find the best schools and HRM programs for you.