A career in human resources (HR) is a fast-paced and engaging career, that places its emphasis on dealing with humans (hence the name!) in the workplace. Most HR professionals achieve a bachelors degree before entering field. However, it is possible to enter at an entry-level with no university education.
As long as businesses continue to form and grow, the demand for good HR professionals is set to increase, meaning that there are jobs available in a wide range of locations.
Human Resources isn't a thing we do, it's the thing that runs our business
| ID | Job Title | Gender | Age | Earnings | City & State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33888 | Recruiter | Female | 41 | $25,000 | Benson, AZ | 01/01/2010 |
| 33524 | Office Manager | Female | 52 | $39,000 | Port Orange, FL | 01/01/2010 |
| 33476 | Financial Advisor Recruiter | Female | 29 | $75,000 | Spotsylvania, VA | 01/01/2010 |
| 33462 | Director Of Human Resources | Female | 41 | $54,000 | bradenton, FL | 01/01/2010 |
| 33443 | Human Resources, Benefits And Payroll (In A Corp Setting I Would Be A HR Generalist) | Female | 35 | $42,000 | Leavenworth, KS | 01/01/2010 |
Like all careers, the typical responsibilities of someone in human resources (HR) varies depending on the organization they are employed for, the size of that organization and their level of superiority. Generally speaking, those who work in human resources are responsible for handling matters such as recruitment, payroll, employment policies and benefits. Their main duties and responsibilities typically include:
Whether the business is big or small, every organization can benefit greatly from having a human resources department. Firstly, they help with employee productivity and performance by ensuring that a positive workplace culture in implemented, that all complaints and disputes are fairly resolved and by ensuring equality in the workplace. In return, this decreases employee turnover rates and promotes stronger relationships between employees, which promotes positive organizational outcomes.
HR personnel are also crucial to businesses as they can increase participation in training and development programs and ensure the hiring of the best candidates.
Pros:
Cons:
The Bureau of Labour Statistics has predicted a 7% increase in employment in HR careers from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than average.
The employment growth depends largely on the performance and the growth of individual companies, as both new and growing companies will need human resource personnel.
The path to a career in HR is diverse as there are lots of ways to enter this career. The most common route is to achieve a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, psychology, or another related field (e.g., social science or teaching). After this, it can increase career prospects, opportunities and earning potential to achieve a master’s degree in human resources, business administration (MBA) or organizational psychology. Many companies will also look for relevant work experience in roles such as customer service or recruitment.
However, there are some entry-level HR positions (such as HR admin or coordinating) that do not require a university education. The trade off for an accessible career is typically a lower salary and slower progression, but it is worth considering if getting a degree is not something that suits you.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a HR manager in the United States is $116,720 per annum. The top 10% earn over $205,720 and the lowest 10% will earn less than $68,300 per year.
Like many careers, autonomy and flexibility increases with the more experience and knowledge you have. Entry level positions will probably require you to be managed by someone and therefore will have less flexibility and autonomy. However, there are many opportunities for progression to senior roles in this career (such as HR manager or HR partner), meaning that autonomy and flexibility can be very high.
In theory, wherever there are businesses, there is a need for HR professionals, meaning jobs are available in many locations. As always, there is likely to be more opportunities in bigger cities, where businesses are bigger and often more results driven. However, the trade off for more opportunities is that there is also more competition in large cities. Smaller and local business will most likely have a HR department, so you should be able to find work near where you live that requires only a short commute.
According to Zippia, the best states to be a human resources manager, based on average annual salary and number of job opportunities, are:
The worst states, according to Zippia, are Montana, Alabama, South Dakota, Louisiana and South Carolina.
There is generally fairly good job security for HR personnel as you will most likely be working as an employee on a contract. There are opportunities to become self-employed, which can offer more money, but lesser job security.
HR professionals tend to have excellent working conditions as they will work in offices. They typically work in small teams, where their co-workers are friendly, non-competitive and supportive.
Which personalities tend to succeed and thrive in Human Resources careers? Based on our research, there is a relatively strong positive correlation between the following personality types and Human Resources career satisfaction. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t many exceptions, of course, but if you fit into one of the following personality types then we suggest you give strong consideration to a career in Human Resources.
The exact personality type of those who have successful careers in HR is not greatly explored. However, one study found that compared to non-managers, HR managers scored higher on visionary and assertiveness. The same study also found that HR managers scored higher on openness, emotional resilience, agreeableness and extraversion than those in other occupations that were tested.
HR teams are often results oriented and promote independent learning, meaning that all members of the team are encouraged to use their strongest abilities to solve problems and work efficiently. Due to this, a career in HR often offers an excellent sense of accomplishment.
What is more is that because hard work and effort pays off and allows a lot of progression, there is a strong sense of mastery once you achieve the knowledge and skills required.
There is a great sense of meaning and contribution in a HR career as your work contributes to the effective and productive running of organizations. You will also make individuals happier at work, which is incredibly meaningful.
There are a lot of full time and part time opportunities in HR, meaning that it can offer a fit to the lives of most people.
You will thrive in a HR career if you are someone who enjoys working in fast-paced environments, where you get to interact with new people and solve new problems every day.
If you are self-motivated, results driven and have a genuine passion for a career that involves working closely with others to improve organizational outcomes, then we think you’ll thrive in a HR career.
If you prefer to work with data and numbers, or don’t like social interaction, then you may struggle. Those who cannot see the bigger picture or struggle to make decisions may also struggle in a HR career.
There is no set path to becoming a HR professional. However, most HR professionals have a bachelor’s degree in either human resources, business, psychology, or another related field. After this, it can increase career prospects and opportunities to achieve a master’s degree in human resources, business administration (MBA) or organizational psychology.
However, degree level education is not always necessary and there are some entry-level positions that take school leavers.
Certification is not strictly required to become a HR professional. However, there are benefits from obtaining professional credentials, such as those offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Resource Management (SHRM).
A career in HR is a fast-paced and engaging career, that places its emphasis on dealing with humans (hence the name) in the workplace.
As long as businesses continue to form and grow, the demand for good HR professionals is set to increase, meaning that there are jobs available in a wide range of locations.
Like many careers, to get your foot in the door, it is always advisable to seek an internships or relevant work experience in things such as human resources administration, customer service roles, sales or recruitment.
Most HR professionals have a bachelor’s degree, and some have achieved a master’s degree. However, although very helpful for career progression, it is not a necessity and entry level positions are available that require no university education.
To develop the skills needed to become a successful HR professional, you should consider getting relevant work experience that improves your communication, teamwork, technological, problem solving and listening skills.
Have a question about Human Resources careers? If so, our mentors would love to help! Just click on a mentor’s profile below and then fill out the “Ask a Question” form on that page. Your question will then be emailed to the mentor, who can then email you a reply.
| ID | Job Title | Gender | Age | Earnings | City & State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33888 | Recruiter | Female | 41 | $25,000 | Benson, AZ | 01/01/2010 |
| 33524 | Office Manager | Female | 52 | $39,000 | Port Orange, FL | 01/01/2010 |
| 33476 | Financial Advisor Recruiter | Female | 29 | $75,000 | Spotsylvania, VA | 01/01/2010 |
| 33462 | Director Of Human Resources | Female | 41 | $54,000 | bradenton, FL | 01/01/2010 |
| 33443 | Human Resources, Benefits And Payroll (In A Corp Setting I Would Be A HR Generalist) | Female | 35 | $42,000 | Leavenworth, KS | 01/01/2010 |
