Human resources is a lucrative career option for thousands of qualified graduates across the globe. As long as people are working in any factory or industry, there will be a need for qualified human resource professionals to manage their work allotment, office rights, hiring, and a host of other things. Because of the high workplace dependency on such people, the sky is the limit for HR professionals in terms of their earning potential.
With the pandemic affecting 2020, companies across sectors are struggling to adapt to the changes. At the forefront of all such changes is the meticulous planning of HR professionals.
Due to this, there is no shortage of jobs in this field, and 2020 is the perfect time for you to consider a career in this sector. Here we shall provide you a quick guide to deciding your HR career.
Getting the Basics Sorted
For the next couple of decades, the world will need thousands of HR professionals to cater to the growing industry demands. To make a career here, you need to have the core aptitude of an hr manager. As employee information is sacrosanct, it is primal for HR professionals to have high integrity and confidentiality.
Basic knowledge of finance, accounting, and business management will give you a head start in this field. People who dream of a career in this field should work on their interpersonal skills because people management is one of the core tasks of any human resource manager.
Focus on HR Employment
You must already be aware that giving a job to any individual is the responsibility of an HR professional. But, before you settle, you should evaluate the different job titles in the HR world, what type of job title is suitable for you based on your current skill set, and the kind of salary and career growth that you can expect.
You should be well versed with the job description of different types of HR roles. Based on whether you can identify yourself in that situation, you can make a pick of the kind of job that you want.
Obtain the Educational Qualification
In the past, with appropriate talent and job skills, one could rise to the position of a Human Resource VP without any formal degree. However, these days, most places do not hire HR professionals without a bachelor’s degree.
Today, many organizations ask for a master’s degree, as well. Having a legal background with a bachelor’s or master’s degree will allow one to understand employment law better, thereby improving their chances of landing a dream human resource job.
Most such courses are offered virtually today, and you can look up universities to identify the institution and course of your choice. Thanks to the digital revolution, your HR education will not be hampered due to the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.
Upskill Yourself
In the fiercely competitive world of human resources, you need to continually upgrade yourself to keep up with the latest trends in the human resource world.
The top certifications in this field are offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). These include the SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) and SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional).
HRCI is another industry-recognized certification board, and you may choose to pursue your APHR (Associate Professional in HR), PHR (Professional in HR), SPHR (Senior Professional in HR), and GPHR (Global Professional in HR) certifications. Most such certifications are offered online, and the social distancing norms of 2020 will not be a hindrance to your professional growth.
Understand that these certifications are not an absolute must to kickstart a career in human resources. However, some of the top firms, particularly those in the metropolitan areas, have these certifications as a part of the criteria when they post a vacancy. As you spend a more significant number of hours indoors in 2020, you may want to use the opportunity to complete some relevant certifications.
Understand the Changing Trends of the World of HR
As you get adequate degrees and certifications to become an hr generalist or manager, you need to realize how the role of HR has changed over the years. Today, it is no longer an administrative task, and HR professionals are expected to have a proper understanding of business strategies and contribute to strategic changes within the organization. By knowing what drives the organization’s success, HR professionals will be able to engage their employees better and help them adapt to the changing industry demands.
As you decide to pursue a career in human resources, take some time to read up on the dynamic changes that this field has experienced in the last few years. Only if you are ready to be a part of such changes in the future should you consider a career in human resources.
Chalking Your Career Trajectory
As someone starting a career in human resources, you might not be well versed in the different specializations in the field. Start by joining an organization in any HR position and try to find out what the different people do. This will help you understand where you see yourself in the next 4 to 5 years.
Once you have clarity on that, try to spend your extra time with people in that field to pick up some on-the-job professional skills. For example, if the world of recruiting appeals to you, try to befriend people in the talent acquisition team of your firm.
While you can always attend seminars or read books on recruiting, the tips that you will pick up from working professionals will be of great help in your career.
You may also find someone in the specialized department to guide and mentor you. Once you have your career trajectory sorted in your head, only then should you consider walking up to your HR manager to ask for a change in position. Unless you have excellent clarity of thought, you will not be able to convince your manager that you deserve the move that you are asking for.
Thus you see that although the year 2020 may seem chaotic, it is the perfect time for you to walk into the world of human resources. The digital revolution presents a wave of opportunities, and the ones to grab it first will have a higher chance of climbing the ladder of success.
