9 answers
Jade
Student
Palmer, Alaska
2
Questions
Updated
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Hello, I'm thinking of studying human resources, what steps should I take to to enter this field? Also, what does a typical day in this career look like, and what are three important things about this career I should know?
I wanted to be a psychiatrist or a health education specialist.
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9 answers
Rachel Mandelman
People
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi - so glad to hear about your interest in Human Resources. To answer your questions:
1) What steps should I take to enter this field? So HR has so many different parts to it (just like there are so many different specialties for Doctors). There's benefits, recruiting, staffing, conduct, analytics, assessment... you can test them all out. First and most importantly, study something you are passionate about. I have colleagues who studied english, sociology, biology... and became active on campus in either tour guides, local jobs in HR.
2) Also, what does a typical day in this career look like? There is no typical day :). Basically, you are working through different challenges depending on what type of HR you are doing, and if there is a cyclical nature of the job (e.g. campus recruiting) or something more different day to day (e.g. staffing).
3) What are three important things about this career I should know? You are going to work with amazing people, but you are also going to work with less than amazing people. You have to treat them the same. You will deal with very confidential information. And... you have to like people. Your job is people focused and you have to enjoy working with people every day.
Good luck
1) What steps should I take to enter this field? So HR has so many different parts to it (just like there are so many different specialties for Doctors). There's benefits, recruiting, staffing, conduct, analytics, assessment... you can test them all out. First and most importantly, study something you are passionate about. I have colleagues who studied english, sociology, biology... and became active on campus in either tour guides, local jobs in HR.
2) Also, what does a typical day in this career look like? There is no typical day :). Basically, you are working through different challenges depending on what type of HR you are doing, and if there is a cyclical nature of the job (e.g. campus recruiting) or something more different day to day (e.g. staffing).
3) What are three important things about this career I should know? You are going to work with amazing people, but you are also going to work with less than amazing people. You have to treat them the same. You will deal with very confidential information. And... you have to like people. Your job is people focused and you have to enjoy working with people every day.
Good luck
Thank you!
Jade
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Jade,
Diving into the world of human resources is an exciting journey, and I'm here to guide you through the steps you can take to get started.
Education: Your first step would be to earn a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a similar field. Some educational institutions even offer specialized programs in human resources management. If you're aiming for higher-level positions, a master's degree could be a great asset.
Hands-on Experience: Try to get internships or entry-level jobs in HR. This will provide you with real-world experience and help you hone skills in recruitment, employee relations, and training.
Certifications: Think about getting professional certifications like the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) from reputable organizations such as the HR Certification Institute.
Networking: Join HR professional groups and attend networking events. This will help you make valuable connections and stay informed about industry trends.
Lifelong Learning: Keep up-to-date with changes in labor laws, regulations, and best practices. You can do this by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences.
A day in the life of a human resources professional might include:
Recruitment and Selection: You'll review resumes, conduct interviews, and make hiring decisions.
Employee Relations: You'll address employee concerns, resolve conflicts, and provide guidance on company policies.
Training and Development: You'll plan and conduct training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
Benefits Administration: You'll manage employee benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies.
Policy Implementation: You'll ensure compliance with employment laws and implement HR policies and procedures.
Data Management: You'll maintain employee records, process payroll, and generate reports for management.
Strategic Planning: You'll work with senior management to align HR strategies with organizational goals.
Here are three key things to remember about a career in human resources:
People-Centric Role: HR professionals interact with employees at all levels, addressing their needs and fostering a positive work environment.
Legal Knowledge: It's crucial to understand employment laws and regulations to ensure compliance and protect the organization from legal risks.
Continuous Learning: The HR field is constantly evolving, so professionals need to stay updated on best practices, technological advancements, and changes in labor laws.
As for your interest in psychiatry or health education specialist careers, these fields require different educational paths and skill sets. Psychiatry involves attending medical school and receiving specialized training in mental health diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand, becoming a health education specialist typically requires a focus on public health education, community outreach, and program development related to health promotion and disease prevention.
The information provided here is based on authoritative references such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook, and the Harvard Business Review.
Take care and God bless,
James.
Diving into the world of human resources is an exciting journey, and I'm here to guide you through the steps you can take to get started.
Education: Your first step would be to earn a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a similar field. Some educational institutions even offer specialized programs in human resources management. If you're aiming for higher-level positions, a master's degree could be a great asset.
Hands-on Experience: Try to get internships or entry-level jobs in HR. This will provide you with real-world experience and help you hone skills in recruitment, employee relations, and training.
Certifications: Think about getting professional certifications like the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) from reputable organizations such as the HR Certification Institute.
Networking: Join HR professional groups and attend networking events. This will help you make valuable connections and stay informed about industry trends.
Lifelong Learning: Keep up-to-date with changes in labor laws, regulations, and best practices. You can do this by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences.
A day in the life of a human resources professional might include:
Recruitment and Selection: You'll review resumes, conduct interviews, and make hiring decisions.
Employee Relations: You'll address employee concerns, resolve conflicts, and provide guidance on company policies.
Training and Development: You'll plan and conduct training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
Benefits Administration: You'll manage employee benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies.
Policy Implementation: You'll ensure compliance with employment laws and implement HR policies and procedures.
Data Management: You'll maintain employee records, process payroll, and generate reports for management.
Strategic Planning: You'll work with senior management to align HR strategies with organizational goals.
Here are three key things to remember about a career in human resources:
People-Centric Role: HR professionals interact with employees at all levels, addressing their needs and fostering a positive work environment.
Legal Knowledge: It's crucial to understand employment laws and regulations to ensure compliance and protect the organization from legal risks.
Continuous Learning: The HR field is constantly evolving, so professionals need to stay updated on best practices, technological advancements, and changes in labor laws.
As for your interest in psychiatry or health education specialist careers, these fields require different educational paths and skill sets. Psychiatry involves attending medical school and receiving specialized training in mental health diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand, becoming a health education specialist typically requires a focus on public health education, community outreach, and program development related to health promotion and disease prevention.
The information provided here is based on authoritative references such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook, and the Harvard Business Review.
Take care and God bless,
James.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Jade
Taryn Dunn
HR Generalist
2
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
Taryn’s Answer
Hi Jade! A few steps to take could include talking to a teacher or HR professional about your interest in HR. Additionally, you can try to take LinkedIn Learning or SHRM courses to learn more about the profession. A typical day in HR can vary, some days we project related work with your team, talking to vendors, planning for upcoming business updates, etc.!
Three things you should know:
1. HR is very broad, you can specialize in many different areas such as, talent acquisition, compensation, payroll, employee relations, benefits, and many more!
2. If you're in a customer-facing role you will be directly working with employees. If you're working to create HR policies and procedures, you will be working with other HR team members and vendors.
3. HR as a function guides an employee from beginning to end (recruitment through retirement).
Three things you should know:
1. HR is very broad, you can specialize in many different areas such as, talent acquisition, compensation, payroll, employee relations, benefits, and many more!
2. If you're in a customer-facing role you will be directly working with employees. If you're working to create HR policies and procedures, you will be working with other HR team members and vendors.
3. HR as a function guides an employee from beginning to end (recruitment through retirement).
Thank you for the advice, Taryn.
Jade
Grace Crites
Human Resources
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Grace’s Answer
Hi Jade! If you are interested in the psychology field, I encourage you to pursue that in college, as it will provide you with the most applicable education and skillset. As an HR professional, one of my favorite things about Human Resources as a career is how many diverse opportunities there are to choose from. There are certainly areas of HR that incorporates the psychology of people and their relationship to the workplace. If HR is an area that you are interested in long term, there are various degrees that you are able to apply in the HR field, while collecting skillsets more specific to the field. Overall, I wouldn't refrain from pursuing in a degree that you are passionate about if you plan to enter HR as a degree because HR diverse opportunities allow one to apply their specialized skills and knowledge to the HR function they serve.
Brooke Lewis
HR Generalist
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Brooke’s Answer
Hi Jade,
I see you are interested in human resources! Here are some steps you can take to enter into this field:
1. If you are planning to recieve a bachelors or masters degree, I would recommend the following majors/degree offerings: Human Resources (if this is an option at your school), Management, Business Administration, Human Dimensions of Organization, Psychology, or any related major.
2. Start building your network in that field! You can connect with professors or career counseling services. This is helpful to learn more about the profession, what internship opportunities exist, and building your professional network.
3. (If possible) Find an internship in HR!
Three important things you should know about the HR Profession:
1. Human Resources at it's core exists to enable employees to do their best work at work. With this in mind, a lot of the work you do as an HR Professional involves dealing with people and assisting them with whatever painpoints they experience in the workplace, or often times, outside of the workplace.
2. As an HR professional, you are tasked with advocating for change quite often. Many of the initiatves, programs, workforce planning, etc., have
to do with championing change and being a change agent in the workplace. To be an HR professional, you must be comfortable with change and ambiguity!
3. Something I did not know coming in to this profession is that you need to have business acumen (aka- in simple terms- be able to speak "business-speak"). It is very helfpul if you understand business processes, because this will help you better understand and communicate with the business leaders you support as an HR proffessional.
I see you are interested in human resources! Here are some steps you can take to enter into this field:
1. If you are planning to recieve a bachelors or masters degree, I would recommend the following majors/degree offerings: Human Resources (if this is an option at your school), Management, Business Administration, Human Dimensions of Organization, Psychology, or any related major.
2. Start building your network in that field! You can connect with professors or career counseling services. This is helpful to learn more about the profession, what internship opportunities exist, and building your professional network.
3. (If possible) Find an internship in HR!
Three important things you should know about the HR Profession:
1. Human Resources at it's core exists to enable employees to do their best work at work. With this in mind, a lot of the work you do as an HR Professional involves dealing with people and assisting them with whatever painpoints they experience in the workplace, or often times, outside of the workplace.
2. As an HR professional, you are tasked with advocating for change quite often. Many of the initiatves, programs, workforce planning, etc., have
to do with championing change and being a change agent in the workplace. To be an HR professional, you must be comfortable with change and ambiguity!
3. Something I did not know coming in to this profession is that you need to have business acumen (aka- in simple terms- be able to speak "business-speak"). It is very helfpul if you understand business processes, because this will help you better understand and communicate with the business leaders you support as an HR proffessional.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Jade
Marla Pittman
Intern Program Manager
5
Answers
Coppell, Texas
Updated
Marla’s Answer
Hi, there are multiple fields under the umbrella of Human Resources. Do you know which area you'd like to focus on? Once you've decided on that, think about what industries you'd like to work in. For instance, I'm under the Hiring and Recruitment portion of HR. I work for a technology company. I work with sales teams to find technical talent for their open roles. When I partner with them, I learn about what it takes to perform their jobs successfully (ex: tools they use, coding, sales skills, etc) and I use that when interviewing and hiring people for their teams.
Hi, I either want to go into psychiatry or or health education specialist.
Jade
Denise DiGrandi Stonsby
Human Resource Professional
3
Answers
Mount Kisco, New York
Updated
Denise’s Answer
Hi Jade - if you're interested in psychiatry or health ed, those are specialties that can be pursued at college with specific classes and are not really HR related. So for example with psychiatry - you may need to take classes in general anatomy, human behavior etc; which don't really correlate to HR and similary for health ed - most likely classes would be in similar topics like biology and then some education courses. With HR, you would be looking at courses about Human Resources Management, Talent Development, Organizational Behavior - those kinds of things. I work in Leadership Development - trying to help our company's managers be better leaders. Sometimes that involves building courses or working with data to target a population who may need some help with how they manager other employees. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much! I think I will look at those jobs instead!
Jade
Maria C.
22
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Hey there, Jade! I trust you're doing great. The world of Human Resources is a thrilling one to dive into! There's a multitude of avenues leading to a fulfilling HR career. For instance, after earning a bachelor's degree, you could pursue a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on HR or a Masters of Science in HR Management.
Just like a kaleidoscope, a "typical day" in HR changes based on the specific area you're engaged in. This could range from Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, Organization Design, to even serving as a Human Resources Business Partner. If any of these areas pique your interest, I'd highly suggest getting a taste of it through an HR internship. This would give you a real-world feel of what you enjoy most.
Each area is like a treasure chest with different jewels. Take Learning & Development, for example, you could design training programs, facilitate trainers, or even manage programs and projects to arrange various training events and gather feedback.
Learning & Development and HR roles are available across a broad spectrum of organizations, from private companies to government agencies, educational institutions, non-profits, and more. Here's wishing you nothing but the best in your career exploration and journey!
Just like a kaleidoscope, a "typical day" in HR changes based on the specific area you're engaged in. This could range from Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, Organization Design, to even serving as a Human Resources Business Partner. If any of these areas pique your interest, I'd highly suggest getting a taste of it through an HR internship. This would give you a real-world feel of what you enjoy most.
Each area is like a treasure chest with different jewels. Take Learning & Development, for example, you could design training programs, facilitate trainers, or even manage programs and projects to arrange various training events and gather feedback.
Learning & Development and HR roles are available across a broad spectrum of organizations, from private companies to government agencies, educational institutions, non-profits, and more. Here's wishing you nothing but the best in your career exploration and journey!
Kayla Graham, M.A.
Human Resources
1
Answer
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Kayla’s Answer
Hi Jade! I'm happy to hear you're interested in a career in Human Resources.
To start, a way to enter the field would be to get a certification. The 2 most popular are PHR (Professional in Human Resources) and SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). I think you should also take a look into what exact kind of work you would want to do in HR as it is such a broad career with many different avenues.
Three things I think you should know is that first off, no day is in the same HR! If that is something that excites you, you'll do great! You should also know that every HR role can look different depending on the industry you're working in. I have experience working in HR roles in the health industry, warehouse, trucking, and I currently have corporate role. Each of those industries have provided me with different kinds of experience. Lastly, I think you should know that this career is truly for a people person. Typically working in an HR role allows you to reach all kinds of people in all levels of the organization you are working for, which provides great opportunities meet and work with people from all walks of life.
To start, a way to enter the field would be to get a certification. The 2 most popular are PHR (Professional in Human Resources) and SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). I think you should also take a look into what exact kind of work you would want to do in HR as it is such a broad career with many different avenues.
Three things I think you should know is that first off, no day is in the same HR! If that is something that excites you, you'll do great! You should also know that every HR role can look different depending on the industry you're working in. I have experience working in HR roles in the health industry, warehouse, trucking, and I currently have corporate role. Each of those industries have provided me with different kinds of experience. Lastly, I think you should know that this career is truly for a people person. Typically working in an HR role allows you to reach all kinds of people in all levels of the organization you are working for, which provides great opportunities meet and work with people from all walks of life.