If you enjoy working with people, a career in human resources (HR) could be the lucrative, in-demand job that you are looking for. In fact, in 2022, U.S. News & World Report named HR specialists among the Best Business Jobs in America.
Why a Career in Human Resources?
HR jobs are in high demand because most businesses, small and large, require human resources professionals to recruit, hire, develop, and support employees. Whether you want to help employees navigate their health insurance options or find the best people for your company, there are many career options in HR.
HR Career Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of human resource specialists is expected to grow 10 percent from 2020 to 2030, and there are about 73,400 job openings in HR each year.
Not only can you expect to find a job, but you can also expect a competitive salary as an HR specialist. The BLS reported an average annual income of $62,290 in May 2021.
Where Do HR Professionals Work?
HR professionals work in nearly every type of career sector. The majority work in the employment services industry, according to the BLS, but you may also work in the manufacturing or health care industries or with the government. The three largest employers of HR professionals are the technology, recruitment, and health care industries.
What Makes a Successful HR Professional?
As an HR professional, you will spend a lot of your time interacting with employees, so a desire to work with people is a must for this career path. You will likely be responsible for employee engagement, relations, and training, so you will need strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create positive interactions.
A career in HR will also require you to help develop a business strategy for your organization. For example, you may be responsible for developing a strong business brand to help attract top talent to your company. You may also need to create a competitive benefits package to meet employee needs. Meeting these challenges requires flexible and analytical thinking.
Education Needed for a Career in Human Resources
There are a number of educational tracks available to those who want to pursue a career in HR. Before deciding on an educational path, you will want to determine your ultimate career goal. For example, those who eventually want to move into management positions or become a director of HR should consider an MBA.
Typically, to start a career in human resources, you will need at least an associate’s degree for entry-level jobs like recruiting assistant, human resources clerk, or a payroll assistant. An associate’s degree can typically be completed in two years.
A bachelor’s degree in human resources, which typically takes four years to complete, will provide a more comprehensive education. At Midway, our business administration degree with a concentration in human resources includes courses in accounting, employment law, and compensation management, among others, to prepare you for more specialized HR positions or careers in other areas of business, such as finance. Our coursework meets the requirements for the Society of Human Resource Management initial certification.
HR Management
A master’s degree in human resources, such as the program offered at Midway University, prepares students for management positions in HR. Courses focus on leadership and management to prepare students to be leaders in their organizations. At Midway, the MBA HR concentration can be completed in as few as 15 months, and we offer the most affordable tuition in the region. The concentration also covers all the major areas on the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification exam.
HR managers also typically earn higher salaries than HR specialists. The BLS reported an annual average salary of $126,230 in May 2021. The job outlook for HR managers is also good and expected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030.
Conclusion
As an HR professional, you will be a key component in the success of your workplace. According to a Gallup poll, companies with an engaged workforce are 21% more profitable than those without, and The Engagement Institute estimates that disengaged employees cost companies in the U.S. up to $550 billion in lost productivity each year. HR professionals can improve and engage the workforce to ensure their companies’ success.
If you want to help companies succeed, have strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and are looking for a high-paying and in-demand career, HR may be the right career choice for you.