Can you explain what you do on a day to day basis working in human resources at an airline?
I've been told to look into human resources jobs by my counselor, but i'm not even sure where to start. Can you explain what exactly you do on a daily basis working in HR? This question was posted by a CareerVillage administrator on behalf of the students of CareerVillage. #aviation #airline-industry #aiport-management
3 answers
Anna’s Answer
Even though I lack specific knowledge about the airline job market, I can certainly provide you with some valuable insights and advice from my experience as a Human Resources Specialist.
Human Resources professionals play a vital role in the smooth operation of a company. Our responsibilities include hiring new talent, facilitating training programs, resolving workplace conflicts, and ensuring adherence to labor laws. We strive to create a positive and supportive work environment that promotes employee well-being. Each role within HR can offer a unique daily experience. For instance, a Recruiter or Talent Acquisition Specialist might spend their day reviewing resumes, scheduling interviews, and liaising with hiring managers. Conversely, a Training and Development Specialist might be more focused on organizing or delivering employee training sessions, monitoring employee performance, and suggesting development plans. The field of HR is diverse and provides ample opportunities to make a significant positive difference in people's professional lives.
In my role as an HR Generalist, my duties encompass both administrative tasks and providing support to employees and managers. I assist employees with questions about company policies, benefits, or procedures, maintain and update employee records, and manage HR systems. What I find truly rewarding in my role is the balance between administrative responsibilities and the opportunity to provide people-centric support.
I hope you find this information beneficial. Wishing you all the best in your endeavors!
Dr. Kelly’s Answer
I've had the pleasure of earning two degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and I can confidently say that if you're looking for an education that seamlessly combines business and aviation, this is your best bet. However, it's important to note that the aviation industry, like many others, has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in early retirements, a decrease in pilot and first officer applications, and a push for remote work, which isn't always feasible given the on-ground requirements of airport operations.
The impact of these challenges largely depends on your role within human resources. For instance, if you're in recruitment, you'll need to tap into your networking skills to find suitable candidates for positions that are traditionally hard to fill. Flight crew roles, for example, can be particularly challenging due to the extensive training required for different commercial aircraft. Hiring certified mechanics can be even more difficult, given the heightened safety standards and the scrutiny that follows any previous failures. On the other hand, roles in baggage handling, customer service, and digital sectors are typically easier to fill.
Experienced staff members often find themselves negotiating collective bargaining agreements. In the aviation industry, it's common for employees to switch employers if they find the terms and conditions more appealing elsewhere. Some may change positions for better hours or higher pay rates.
Lastly, I'd advise you to be open to relocating to wherever the airline's hub is located. If your role involves coordinating the onboarding of new hires or overseeing training and development, you'll likely be based in a city that the airline considers home, such as DFW, ATL, ORD, or MCO. While there are HR positions at smaller airports, these opportunities are less frequent compared to those available to individuals willing to relocate anywhere in the country.
Sarah Jelley
Sarah’s Answer
While I do not work in an airline, I can share what a typical day for a Human Resources person can look like. Depending on the size of an organization, depends on what an HR person does. Smaller organizations - 200 or less, might have only one person, a Generalist. Larger organizations have more specialists in the fields listed below.
Human Resources answers lots of questions for employees and managers. If you are a Generalist, you will know the answers to some questions and find the specialist for others. Benefits specialist work on benefit related questions. Workers Compensation and Leave specialists work with employees on job-related injuries and when an employee needs to take a leave for their own or a family member's illness. Recruiters work to identify potential new hires and facilitate interviews. Compensation specialists research how much jobs should pay and how to make pay equal across an organization. Organizational Development and training either creates training courses to increase the skills of the existing employees or works with vendors to customize training courses.
For managers, you might research a newly passed law and how it might affect pay for the organization. You might give advice on how to get a poor performing employee to get better at their job. You might help a manager decide that same employee, even after additional training, needs to be terminated for poor performance. You might help a manager re-arrange a department to give employees new and different tasks to enhance their skills.
For employees, you might coach that employee on how to work more effectively with their boss or co-worker. You might find them a resource to explain a health care medical or dental claim. You might help them plan a medical leave- explaining how much vacation or sick time they have. If they are a new employee, you will explain all the benefits of working for the organization, how much vacation, holidays and sick time they accrue, what medical, dental and vision benefits are available and how much they cost and help someone sign up for the benefits they want. You will also explain how to fill out a time sheet and get paid.
Hope this helps