How Long Does it Take to Establish a Successful Career in Human Resources?
It is without a double that with hard work, the right education and set of certifications, it is very easy to establish a successful human resources career. Those who are looking to break into this field will enjoy not only high salaries, but awesome career mobility. With the expansion of the global economy, more and more people are needed to work in human capital development. This means there is a higher demand for trainers, HR generalists, compensation specialists and other specialized HR professionals. Here is a comprehensive overview of the HR industry and what it takes to establish a successful career in the field.
Education to become a HR Professional
To break into the HR field, it is necessary that individuals attain at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. A number of undergraduate business programs should offer students the options to specialize in human resources or HR management. Although it will be helpful to take a number of classes specifically in human resources, if your college does not have a HR program, probably the next closest HR-related fields would be management, sociology, political science and anthropology. However, if your undergraduate background is going to be more liberal arts-centered, it is necessary to get a master’s degree or a MBA in human resources from accredited business school. The first two years of an undergraduate program will be centered on general studies. Students will be expected to take a number of courses in math, business statistics, general sciences, English composition, world studies and history. It will also be very helpful to study some foreign language such as Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, French, Portuguese or even Arabic. This will help you break into HR at the international level.
After successful completion of an undergraduate program, it is highly recommended for prospective HR professionals to attain a master’s degree in human resources management. These degrees will set you a part from competition and give you an edge during the interviewing process. Most high quality HR master’s programs will also ensure that you receive relevant certifications in order to different HR specialist position.s
How long does it take to establish a career in HR?
After graduation, most HR professionals spend around two to three years in an entry-level HR position, usually as a generalist, recruiter or a trainer. After three years of experience, most HR professionals should advance into a more intermediate role overseeing an HR team. Most people stay in these position for at least five years before moving into more advanced roles such as being the Director of HR, Vice President, etc.
What are the salaries for HR professionals?
Starting salaries for HR generalists tend to be around $47,000 according to the United States Department of Bureau of Labor Statistics. After years of experience, usually two to three, HR professionals can see their salaries rise to around $60,000 to $70,000 depending on geography and organization.
HR is taking off and it is definitely a career that allows for monumental growth and mobility. Take advantage of the resources your undergraduate and graduate program has to offer such as landing internships, job shadowing and mentoring. With the right attitude, mindset and persistence, you can have a successful human resources career.
