How to Prepare for a Career in HR

Human resources professionals manage many aspects of an office.

Human resources, or HR, is a challenging career that requires specialized training. HR professionals manage a business' employees, job candidates and work rules. You conduct interviews, hire employees, resolve employee disputes, change work schedules and fire employees. A college degree in business, preferably with an HR emphasis, is usually required to obtain an HR position. Preparing for a career in HR is challenging, but you can do it with the right preparation and work ethic.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with internet access
• Phone

Instructions

1. Get the details. Learning details about HR positions, including job descriptions, locations, salaries and experience requirements, gives you a better understanding of the field and what to expect from the career. Much of this information is available online. Go to the websites of companies that you are interested in and look at their HR career pages. Also, look for the company's organizational chart, which gives you a better idea of the makeup of the company and where HR fits in to the model.

2. Look at education options. If you do not already have at least an associate's degree in HR, obtain one. While some positions require only an associate's, a bachelor's or master's degree opens more doors for you, sets you apart from the competition and gives you a deeper understanding of the HR field. Most universities offer majors in HR. Call several that you are interested in and ask for details on their programs.

3. Speak with HR professionals. Talking to someone experienced in the HR career field sheds light on the nature of the job and gives you a personal contact who may help you in your career. If you know anyone personally who works in HR, talk to them. If not, speak with the HR department at your company or join a local chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management.

4. Get an education. After looking at your education options, select a program and work toward your bachelor's or master's degree.

5. Apply for positions. After obtaining your degree, apply for positions in the HR industry. The professional contacts that you made while studying and in the research process are your best sources to find that first job.

References

• Society for Human Resource Management