What education is recommended for a career in Human Resources?

Many people are eager to start a career in Human Resources, as it is a fast-growing career field with many lucrative opportunities, If you are probably wondering how to start a career in Human Resources here is some useful info

What do they do:
Human resources managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consult with top executives on strategic planning; and serve as a link between an organization’s management and its employees.

What Education & Certifications are needed:
Candidates need a combination of education and several years of related work experience to become a human resources manager. Although a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for most positions, some jobs require a master’s degree. Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills.

Although certification is voluntary, it can show professional expertise and credibility and may enhance advancement opportunities. Many employers prefer to hire certified candidates, and some positions may require certification. The Society for Human Resource Management, Human Resource Certification Institute, WorldatWork, and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans are among many professional associations that offer a variety of certification programs.

Important Qualities for Human Resources Managers:
Decision making skills. Human resources managers must be able to balance the strengths and weaknesses of different options and decide the best course of action. Many of their decisions have a significant impact on workers or operations, such as deciding whether to hire an employee.

Interpersonal skills. Human resources managers need strong interpersonal skills because they regularly interact with people. They often collaborate on teams and must develop positive working relationships with their colleagues.

Leadership skills. Human resources managers must be able to direct a staff and oversee the operations of their department. They must coordinate work activities and ensure that workers in the department complete their duties and fulfill their responsibilities.

Organizational skills. Organizational skills are essential for human resources managers. They must be able to prioritize tasks and manage several projects at once.

Speaking skills. Human resources managers rely on strong speaking skills to give presentations and direct their staff. They must clearly communicate information and instructions to their staff and other employees.

n smaller companies, one or a few staff members may wear many hats and do HR generalist work with responsibility for all aspects of human resources. In larger companies, an HR Director or Vice President might head up multiple departments led by managers who specialize in areas such as training and development, compensation and benefits, or labor relations.

Because of the variety of positions in the field, there is great opportunity to find a work setting that suits your skills and strengths, your preference for company size, or your desire to specialize or generalize. To prepare yourself for a successful career in human resources, consider pursuing degrees and qualifications that fit the role.

Develop the skills every successful HR staff member needs.

Degrees That Complement a Career in Human Resources
The Occupational Outlook Handbook believes that HR career and job opportunities will continue to be most available for people who keep these three key points in mind:

Educational backgrounds of HR workers vary considerably and reflect the diversity of duties and levels of responsibility

Certification and previous experience are assets for most HR specialties and are essential for more advanced positions, including managers, arbitrators, and mediators

If you are considering a career in human resources, however, HR professionals have both Bachelor's degrees and Master's degrees.

• Associate’s in Human Resources Management

• Bachelor’s in Human Resources.
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management
• Any other Bachelor’s Degree.

You need to know that many professionals choose to pursue Masters degrees in
• Human Resource Management
• Organization development
• Business administration (MBA)

While education is important, your other qualification and skills can be equally as important as your coursework and degree. Some of the key skills and personal qualifications you will need to work successfully in human resources include:

• Effective interpersonal skills so you can interact successfully
• Knowledge of computers and information systems
• Effective spoken and written communication
• Comfort with diverse people who have various educational levels, cultural heritages, religious practices, ages, work experience, and opinions
• Understanding of statistics and finance
• Conflict resolution skills
• Able to set and accomplish goals and work as a member of a team
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and fairness

If you have the opportunity to get your MBA, do it. I also highly recommend that you gain experience in the field you are interested in. Often times then can be done while you are in school through internships or PT jobs. A working knowledge of the business and understanding a business managers perspective is valuable. "Walk a mile in their shoes"