In the volatile (not just economic) and ever-changing world, companies are facingcultural challenges of lifetime. Millennials seeking instant gratification, need for cross-generational management at workplace, technology disrupting operations and many others.
The role of human resources will undergo a sea change.Human resource professionals will need to step up and assume greater responsibilities. For those preparing for an HR career, this means dealing with these workplace challenges heads on and innovating their approach.
HR professionals will see their duties devised around two titles – governance officer and people officer. They will assess and integrate company’s values with org’s functions in the former, in the latter they will attract, retain and manage people in the workplace.
How do you fit in? Here are a few tips on how you can embark a promising career in HR.
- Earn a degree – HR, Industrial or Organizational Psychology, Business or others
You cannot expect to get a good job in HR with only high school education. All top HR professionals come bearing bachelor’s level degrees to the least. Undergrad is must for a decent HR career. Opting for degrees in human resources, organizational psychology or core business can aid you in setting your HR career boat in the right direction.
- Get recognized with an early-career HR certification
Being certified is associated with higher earnings. According to PayScale, a certified HR professional earns 11% higher than others. Getting certified is a badge of one’s professionalism, experience and interest in HR career.
- Get some experience
As you enter the industry, it’s important for HR professionals to gain a deep knowledge of the functions and philosophy of a business. This will be your guide in taking smart and informed decisions related to talent acquisition and other vital duties.
Exceptional HRs understand not only the workforce, but their industry and the minds of those in the commanding position. That is how they are able to make valuable contributions.
- Establish seniority with higher-level certification
Senior-level certification, in your mid or late HR career, can give the much-needed boost to your candidature just when scenario may have started to get mundane and boring. According to studies, most senior HR professionals have at least one HR certification to show for.
Senior-level certifications can bring promotion and earn you good premiums.
Along with career benefits, they also act as an apt and quick conduit to gain new knowledge and advance skillsets.
- Know the difference – Manager vs. Specialist vs. Assistant
Finally, educate yourself about the commonplace HR positions advertised usually in the industry. They are – HR assistant, HR specialist and HR manager. Each of these positions has its own education and duty requirements.
HR assistants help managers and specialist HR pros. They perform all-inclusive tasks – from administrative, posting jobs, etc. HR managers oversee complete HR department, including payroll, recruiting, interviewing, and other divisions. HR Specialists may work under the supervision of managers. They handle specialized HR duties such as one specializing in payroll management and likes.
Future HR will be different, yet will carry forward core characteristics from the past. Are you ready to place your bets on HR?
