How Can I Become a Labor Relations Manager?
A labor relations manager is a valuable company asset who deals with relationships between employees of an organization and upper management. If you would like to eventually hold the title of labor relations manager, you will need to complete a formal training program and to gain practical professional experience by working in various positions of a human resources department. While there are several different paths that a prospective candidate can take, attaining a degree is essential to work in this highly competitive field. Read on, and learn what common steps individuals take to become the key communicator between employees and managers.
What Type of Training Will Help You Prepare for the Field?
As a labor relations manager, you will be the key person in charge of evaluating the labor needs of an organization that is mandated by a labor union. You will have many different responsibilities which can include: negotiating contracts, creating staffing plans, gathering data on labor laws, administering contracts with disgruntled employees, and negotiating wages and salaries. Because a manager needs to know so much about employment law and business, it is imperative that you have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree to enter the field. In the past, the only relevant degree option was in Human Resources, but today, more and more institutions have created programs specifically for prospective labor relations managers.
While a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business may be sufficient, some organizations prefer candidates who have a Master of Business Administration with a concentration on Human Resources. If you want a more focused Bachelor’s degree, some schools have Labor Studies and Employment Relations programs. These programs will help prepare you by developing your knowledge in HR management, labor law, compensation, economics, training, and business management. MBA programs will also focus on many of these topics and how to be a leader. It is important to take time to review the requirements of employers so that you know which degree would take you the furthest.
Resource: What is the difference between an MBA in human resources and a master of science in human resources?
Professional Experience Needed to Be a Labor Relations Manager
Once you earn a degree, the next step is gaining professional experience in an HR role. Many labor relations managers have reported starting as human resources specialists, labor relations specialists and HR technicians prior to advancing into their current roles. Others, who have has years of experience in other management roles throughout an organization, have entered the field without ever working in HR. To do this, you will need professional management experience and an HR focused degree so that you are familiar with labor law. Most employers require you to have 5 or more years of practical experience.
When you set a long-term goal to enter a formal training program, you need motivating forces to help you complete your mission to earn your degree. Money is always a motivating factor, and learning about the average salaries reported within the vocation will help you stay motivated. Labor relations managers earn a good salary, with the average figure in the nation reported to be $105,203 according to the data collected by Salary.com.
If you are ready to start working towards your goals, earn your degree at a reputable and accredited school. With your degree, you can start your career and advance through the ranks so that you can get promoted to the position of labor relations manager.
