If you're thinking of pursuing a career in human resources, you may be wondering what type of degree you need to have in order to get that first job or to get an HR management position.
Most people begin by obtaining a bachelors degree in business administration with an HR concentration.
At the bachelors degree level, you will be qualified for positions in recruiting and talent acquisition, entry level HR generalist positions, and a variety of administrative roles.
Large companies often have several departments that handle different HR functions such as compensation, benefits, retirement, and employee relations.
There are several supporting and administrative positions that you can qualify for with as little as an associates degree.
Often, the company will provide on the job training to get you acquainted with the specific knowledge you will need to be successful.
Getting started in an administrative role is a good way to begin getting experience in the field.
Many people start in support positions and continue their education through an online HR degree.
There are now several school offering online programs and they are gaining popularity due to the flexibility online learning affords.
Another common avenue into a human resources career is to make a switch from regular management to HR management or generalist roles.
As a member of the management team, there are often several skills that can transfer over into an HR position.
The most popular way to prepare yourself for a lateral move is to obtain an online human resource management certificate, which is a short, intense program that will get you up to speed on topics such as employment and labor laws, organizational behavior, motivational psychology, talent acquisition, and the fundamentals of HR management.
Hiring managers will feel more comfortable with applicants who have some kind of formal training and education on relevant topics in human capital management.
Becoming an HR manager at higher levels in a company usually means obtaining a masters degree or some kind of graduate level studies.
At the graduate level, you may opt to pursue a human resources management masters, HR MBA, or a Phd.
It is now common for working professionals who are seeking higher level roles to continue their education via online programs.
There is no longer a stigma attached to online degrees and it is now welcomed as a flexible way to augment one's learning while not disrupting their existing work.
Hopefully, this has been helpful for those who need some direction in putting together an education plan for a career in human resources.
The first step is to research schools and human resources degree options, then enroll in a program.
A career in human resources may become a reality for you sooner than you think.