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The human resources department of a business or corporation is
responsible for hiring, firing, and career development of employees.
Professional human resources managers take the steps to organize
employee functions, ensure personnel and management standards are
followed, adhere to national labor guidelines, and manage all
staffing needs of the organization. They may also be involved with
developing compensation, personnel, and benefits policies. A human
resource degree provides managers with the training
and experience they need to enjoy a rewarding career in the field.
Job Description
and Responsibilities of a Human Resources Manager
After completing
a degree program, a prospective manager may also
enroll in a company's own HR training program. Human
resource training provides managers with the skills and knowledge
they need to:
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Working within
a human resources department
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Create a
cohesive human resources management team
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Understanding
staffing requirements of an organization
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Screen
applicants
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Recruit and
select new employees
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Outline
benefits and compensation
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Develop
employee orientation programs
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Coordinate
leadership and personnel development programs
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Engage in
training and development functions
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Adhere to
employee laws, regulations, and ensure compliance
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Improve
employee morale and productivity
Human Resources
Management and Career Options
Comprehensive HR
training provides the basis for many careers, but
many managers may also choose to obtain
certification during their career path. Common career options for
those with a human resource degree include positions as:
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Compensation specialists
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Job analysts
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Occupational analysts
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Compensation managers
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Employee benefits managers
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Employee assistance plan managers
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Training and development managers
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Training specialists
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Industrial relations directors
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Labor relations managers
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Staff mediators or conciliators
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International human resources managers
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Human resources information system specialists
While all of these positions can be obtained
with a human resource degree, a long-term career in the field may
require certification, ongoing training, and additional education.
Human Resources
Training, Certification, and Qualifications
Human resource training is a combination of education and work
experience, and a manager's educational background may also be in
business, labor relations, or liberal arts. Many colleges and
universities offer a degree in human resources or labor relations,
and common areas of study include:
Courses that focus on sociology, labor laws, labor history,
industrial psychology, and economics also provide a valuable
education for human resources training. Some positions require a
more technical approach to the subject, while others require a focus
on interpersonal relations. An advanced degree is required for some
senior level positions and a strong background in industrial
relations, law, and negotiation is often required.
Specializations are a valuable asset
for prospective managers, since these can offer additional
opportunities for human resources careers. Many organizations offer
their own training programs and classes for those interested in
becoming more qualified in their position.
Human resources certification allows a professional to pursue more
attractive positions along with specialized knowledge in a field.
Certification is available through the American
Society for Training & Developing Certification Institute, as well
as the Society for Human Resource Management. Human resource
management certificates at a professional level are also available.
The Professional in Human Resources (HR) and Senior Professional in
Human Resources (SPHR) are two certification examinations that can
be an asset for any position.
Pursuing a Human
Resources Degree Online
An online program is another option for
prospective managers. An online degree allows
students to excel in the areas of coaching, training, development,
and management. Business degrees that concentrate in the area give students a chance to select courses such as:
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Evaluating organizational challenges
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Management theory
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Private sector HR policies
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Legal frameworks for human resource management
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Human resource management ethics
Compensation
Potential and Employment Prospects for Human Resources Careers
Every business industry requires skilled and professional human
resources managers in a variety of positions, and both the public
and private sector offer attractive employment in the field. Overall
employment for human resources careers is expected to grow faster
than average through 2014, and those who are specialized in a
particular field may achieve more attractive compensation pack
gages. Job growth and a need for international human resources
management may lead to a competitive job market. Employment
prospects are especially attractive in consulting firms, financial
institutions, management, and employment services that are looking
for administration professionals.
Median annual earnings for human resources management careers were
$81,810 in 2004. This varies depending on the type of position, work
experience, and education. For example, the median annual earnings
of recruitment and employment specialists were $41,190 in 2004 and
$67,460 for training and development managers. Related occupations
include:
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