Human Capital Management, or Human Resources, is only recently being seen as one of the primary strategic functions underlying any business’s success. As such, there has been massive growth in this area over the last decade, both in demand for skilled HR people and in the amount of money that is spent on building an effective HR team.

HR is not just hiring and firing employees, although this is what you may spend a lot of your time doing when you first start out.  HR is about building a strategy to use employee capital as effectively as possible, while recruiting and retaining the highest quality employees, at the best value for the company as a whole.

You’re friendly, people-focused, strategically-minded and an excellent multi-tasker.  You may already have an undergraduate degree in Organizational Psychology.

What Will I Study?

There is not one set path for entering into a career in HR, and many degrees are considered relevant.  However, a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Psychology can always a great start, as is any Business Science or Business Administration degree or diploma.

Some business schools – usually smaller, private schools - actually offer degrees focused on Employee Relationship Management or Human Resources Management, though these might be a little too tightly focused if you are planning to broaden your career options.

How Long Will it Take?

You can expect to study for a minimum of four years, with an option year or two years for a Masters degree (especially if taking the Org Psych route).  Large companies in big cities typically recruit graduates into their HR team (but not many – roughly one or two candidates a year) so look out for graduate HR schemes as you approach the final months of your third year.  These schemes can also help to fund your tuition.

What Are My Career Options in Human Resources?

You will most likely start as an administrator, and from there you can have the opporunity move into Change Management and Training, or upwards to take on a managerial role in the HR team. The natural progression is to move to Head of HR, and eventually into a role as HR Director or VP of Strategy and Growth.

How Much Will I Get Paid?

Typical Administrator positions may start at around $30,000, going upwards to $50,000 as you gain more experience.

If promoted to Manager, you could earn $45-$85,000 with a larger bonus and profit share, and greater benefits.

Human Resources (HR) Administrator

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Recommended Reading:

The Essential HR Handbook - A Quick and Handy Resource for Any Manager or HR Professional

Author: Sharon Armstrong

Unwritten HR Rules - 21 Secrets For Attaining Awesome Career Success In Human Resources

Author: Alan Collins

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