Human resources have always been a crucial part of business operations. Lately, as organizations have increased their focus on making human resources as a strategic part of their business rather than an administrative function, there has been a tremendous demand for strategic human resource professionals. This demand isn’t expected to decline anytime soon.
According to BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), the number of jobs in human resources is expected to grow at 14% annually. In brief, human resources offer a top-notch career option for aspirants.
Human resources: An overview
At an entry-level, an HR professional is responsible for managing daily administrative tasks. They are responsible for recruiting, employee onboarding, and payroll. If you’re pretty much comfortable with sitting on your desk all day, unfazed of approaching deadlines or dangling targets, this might have been a job for you. Lately, the role of HR professionals has undergone a transformation.
CHRO (Chief Human Resource Officers) now holds a position in the boardroom. HR professionals are now expected to be strategic, functional, and analytical in their approach. Not to mention, their role also entails succession planning, ensuring compliance, and managing compensation and benefits. All undertaken with the intent to deliver results in the interest of the business.
In the ongoing war for talent, HR professionals ae now expected to be well-versed in talent management practices and help their organizations to attract top talent and retain high-performing talent. Building and implementing learning & development programs, a strategic part of talent retention measure, also falls under the purview of human resource professionals.
Certainly, these responsibilities are divided among several HR professionals, but you get the gist of work that you will be expected to do and you will be held accountable for.
Will you be comfortable working strategically with the intent to deliver results in the interest? Human resources would be an option for you.
Roles in human resources management
Following HR roles are available in the market
1. Generalist – These are senior HR professionals with 2-3 years of experience in the industry. Their responsibilities include tidbits of the overall HR function including talent acquisition, payroll, compliance, employee relations, and administration. You will mostly find generalist roles at small-medium businesses.
2. Talent Acquisition Specialist –These HR professionals specialize in hiring. Their responsibilities include sourcing top talent, screening talent for culture fit, scheduling interviews, and finally onboarding them to ensure excellent candidate experience.
- Learning and development manager – Learning and development is an integral part of talent management programs across organizations. The responsibilities of an L&D manager include crafting, implementing, and managing l&d programs with the intent to increase the productivity of employees, the efficiency of the workforce, and retain employees.
- Compensation and benefits manager – These are HR professionals who oversee employee compensation and benefits programs in an organization. They are entrusted to resolve employee queries related to compensation, healthcare benefits, and other perks.
How to get started in an HR career
Generally, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree in HR to embark on am HR career. However, if you’re yet to start a bachelor’s degree in human resources or related discipline will be helpful to break into the industry. Taking an HR internship will give you exposure to the HR industry and immensely increase your chances of getting into the industry.
Taking an entry-level HR certification like PHR will be helpful to accelerate your pace of breaking into the industry. PHR is a globally-recognized certification that demonstrates your readiness for crucial HR functions. Similarly, as talent management is becoming vital for organizations, entry-level talent management certification like TMP will showcase your adeptness in talent management practices and ease your way into the industry.
HR has transformed over the last few years. It’s not an administrative function but a strategic business function. Though it’s not a high-pressure job like other jobs, entry into the HR industry requires your consideration. However, rest assured that a career in human resources is a financially rewarding career and promises growth.
