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How can I better prepare myself for a career in Human Resources?
I am a college junior and would appreciate any and all advice, thank you!
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6 answers
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Ashton’s Answer
One caveat I'd throw out there is that HR includes a wide range of roles that are very different from each other, so what you would want to know or do will change depending on what area of HR you want to go into. With that in mind, a few core values that I think span across HR are going to be:
- Interpersonal Skills and Collaboration: everyone in HR has a role to do that often comes with needing other people to do their part that you have no authority over, so being someone that collaborates and can work with other people will be huge. Start thinking about how you are able to influence and be someone that people want to work with.
- Creative Problem Solving: this one is as it seems, but you will have some weird situations that come up that you'll need to be creative about solving or working around.
- Tenacity: sometimes being in HR is a thankless job, but know you are making an impact!
- Interpersonal Skills and Collaboration: everyone in HR has a role to do that often comes with needing other people to do their part that you have no authority over, so being someone that collaborates and can work with other people will be huge. Start thinking about how you are able to influence and be someone that people want to work with.
- Creative Problem Solving: this one is as it seems, but you will have some weird situations that come up that you'll need to be creative about solving or working around.
- Tenacity: sometimes being in HR is a thankless job, but know you are making an impact!
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Hello Camila,
The world of Human Resources is a vast and exciting one, filled with numerous sub-fields that make it a dynamic area to work in. These include talent acquisition, organizational development, talent development, compensation, information systems, employee relations, and so much more. To make your journey easier, it's crucial to do some groundwork by exploring these various areas of HR and identifying a specialty that resonates with you.
Once you've pinpointed a specialty, it's time to dive deeper and research the educational requirements needed for it. While there are some universal prerequisites, such as a bachelor's degree in HR management, don't forget that other related fields like sociology and psychology can also be beneficial.
And let's not forget the importance of technical skills, particularly proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Suite applications. These tools are invaluable in the HR field, helping you manage, analyze, and present data effectively.
Remember, every step you take in this journey is bringing you closer to an exciting career in HR.
The world of Human Resources is a vast and exciting one, filled with numerous sub-fields that make it a dynamic area to work in. These include talent acquisition, organizational development, talent development, compensation, information systems, employee relations, and so much more. To make your journey easier, it's crucial to do some groundwork by exploring these various areas of HR and identifying a specialty that resonates with you.
Once you've pinpointed a specialty, it's time to dive deeper and research the educational requirements needed for it. While there are some universal prerequisites, such as a bachelor's degree in HR management, don't forget that other related fields like sociology and psychology can also be beneficial.
And let's not forget the importance of technical skills, particularly proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Suite applications. These tools are invaluable in the HR field, helping you manage, analyze, and present data effectively.
Remember, every step you take in this journey is bringing you closer to an exciting career in HR.
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Kat’s Answer
A career in HR can lead you down so many exciting paths! I'm currently enjoying my role as an HR Business Partner, and I kicked off my journey in HR as a recruiter. This role offered me a fantastic opportunity to build connections with hiring managers, understand what they value in potential employees, and gain expertise in various facets of HR, including compensation, benefits, and more. If you're eyeing a job in HR, remember to emphasize any involvement you've had in college clubs, leadership roles, or instances where you've had to collaborate with teams and lead projects. The world of HR is thrilling and dynamic - no two days are ever the same!
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Irina’s Answer
Hi Cami!
HR careers require a lot of soft and interpersonal skills. Improve your assertive communication, organization, responsability (take ownership in things and more important, ownership of your mistakes). As well how to create an inclusive and respectful environment for others. How to support people with different abilities and mental health.
About starting to look for a new job, start by reviewing some job postings in pages as LinkedIn. Even if you don't meet with all of the requierements, check on the technical skills they require and what tools they use. (i.e. : "Experience with or aptitude for learning new software and processes software tools such as Google Suite, Asana; Trello, Monday.com") Then you could start by checking on-line courses (youtube, or even the same page itself, some of them are free) and learn about the tool, how to use it and become a pro on it so you could add the experience on your resume. ;)
HR careers require a lot of soft and interpersonal skills. Improve your assertive communication, organization, responsability (take ownership in things and more important, ownership of your mistakes). As well how to create an inclusive and respectful environment for others. How to support people with different abilities and mental health.
About starting to look for a new job, start by reviewing some job postings in pages as LinkedIn. Even if you don't meet with all of the requierements, check on the technical skills they require and what tools they use. (i.e. : "Experience with or aptitude for learning new software and processes software tools such as Google Suite, Asana; Trello, Monday.com") Then you could start by checking on-line courses (youtube, or even the same page itself, some of them are free) and learn about the tool, how to use it and become a pro on it so you could add the experience on your resume. ;)
Updated
Angel’s Answer
To prepare for a career in Human Resources, start by gaining relevant experience through internships or part-time jobs in HR, recruitment, or office administration. Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, as HR professionals need to work effectively with employees and leadership. Familiarize yourself with HR software like HRMS and Excel, as these tools are commonly used for managing employee data. Study labor laws, organizational behavior, and business ethics to understand the legal and ethical aspects of HR. Finally, attend networking events, HR workshops, and connect with professionals in the field to learn about industry trends and build connections.
Patrisha Nicole Ramos, RPm
Talent Acquisition Partner
7
Answers
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Patrisha Nicole’s Answer
Here are some ways to prepare:
1. Gain Practical Experience: Look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer roles in HR departments or related fields. Even tasks like recruitment assistance, onboarding support, or employee data management can be valuable.
2. Build Soft Skills
3. Familiarize yourself with HR Information Systems (HRIS) and applicant tracking systems (ATS). Tools like Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, and LinkedIn Talent Insights are widely used.
3. Take Specialized Courses: Classes in organizational psychology, business ethics, labor law, and data analytics are especially relevant. Many universities also offer HR-specific electives. You might want to check free courses on LinkedIn too.
4. Network and Seek Mentorship: Attend HR events, join relevant student organizations, and connect with HR professionals on LinkedIn. Finding a mentor can provide insights into the field and help you navigate your career path.
5. Stay Informed: Follow HR trends and news. This might include understanding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, remote work trends, or the impact of AI on recruitment.
6. Consider Certifications: While not essential as a student, certifications like SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management) or PHR (Professional in Human Resources) can be helpful down the line.
1. Gain Practical Experience: Look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer roles in HR departments or related fields. Even tasks like recruitment assistance, onboarding support, or employee data management can be valuable.
2. Build Soft Skills
3. Familiarize yourself with HR Information Systems (HRIS) and applicant tracking systems (ATS). Tools like Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, and LinkedIn Talent Insights are widely used.
3. Take Specialized Courses: Classes in organizational psychology, business ethics, labor law, and data analytics are especially relevant. Many universities also offer HR-specific electives. You might want to check free courses on LinkedIn too.
4. Network and Seek Mentorship: Attend HR events, join relevant student organizations, and connect with HR professionals on LinkedIn. Finding a mentor can provide insights into the field and help you navigate your career path.
5. Stay Informed: Follow HR trends and news. This might include understanding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, remote work trends, or the impact of AI on recruitment.
6. Consider Certifications: While not essential as a student, certifications like SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management) or PHR (Professional in Human Resources) can be helpful down the line.