How to Become a Labor Relations Specialist

A labor relations specialist acts as the negotiator for employers and employees who are negotiating work contracts and compensation benefits. Often used in union situations, labor relations specialists are also consulted by individual non-union employees who want their best interests secured. If you are quick on your feet, like to negotiate and enjoy research and report writing, you may want to become a labor relations specialist. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Master's degree or law degree
• Undergraduate degree in business (or similar)
• Experience in related field
• Labor Relations Professional Certification

Become a Labor Relations Specialist

1. Join the debate team in high school. Many labor relations specialists are required to think on their feet and defend their positions during negotiations. Experience in debate will help you feel comfortable when on the spot after you become a labor relations specialist.
2. Attain an undergraduate degree in business or business administration. Other degrees are also acceptable such as human resources, English or liberal arts. If you wish to work in a specialty field, such as health care, an undergraduate degree in nursing will be beneficial.
3. Find a master's degree program that offers labor relations or human resources. If a Juris Doctorate degree is more appealing to you, feel free to pursue that as well. Many labor relations specialists are also lawyers.
4. Work an entry level job in the field of the specialty you wish to pursue. Becoming a labor relations specialist requires several years of experience in the field in which you would like to work. You can start by participating in internships or work study programs during college.
5. Study trends in labor relations and employee and employer relations. You can do this by reading business-related news articles and subscribing to industry-specific magazines. Government reporting agencies also provide current wage and labor information.
6. Learn to interpret contracts. In order to serve your clients--whether they are the employer or the employees--it is vital that you can understand contract terminology. Take a course in legal contracts to better understand the terminology and how to interpret them.
7. Enroll in the Labor Relations Professional Certification Program offered by the Human Resources Policy Program (see Resources below). Successful completion of the program will demonstrate to your employer your competency and dedication to working as a labor relations specialist.

Tips & Warnings

• When considering law school, remember that your law degree does not give you the right to automatically practice law. You will need to past the bar exam for the state you live in to practice.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
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