Is working in HR a good career path?
A career in human resources is varied, impactful and rewarding. From influencing company culture and improving business practices and policies, through to talent management, the work of HR professionals is vital and adds value to the company they support.
Sage spoke to fourteen HR experts who cited opportunities to make a difference, creating meaningful relationships and the challenging nature of the role as top contributing factors to job satisfaction. And the money talks, too – even entry-level HR advisory roles can earn a healthy starting salary.
Overall, human resources practitioners are poised for strong employment growth as their sought-after skill set continues to be essential to business development.
What are the roles and responsibilities within a HR department?
Human resources professionals could almost be considered the ‘sociologists’ of the workplace, as they oversee all staffing procedures and play a key part in establishing the ambience and culture of the working environment.
From onboarding new staff, nurturing welfare and improving employee relations to providing advice, resources and upskilling workers, they have a great understanding of how to build exceptional teams. They’re also up-to-speed with employment law and ensure compliance with government regulations, protecting both staff and employers.
They’re keen listeners, pragmatic strategists and great interpersonal problem-solvers and their varied skill set means they oversee numerous areas of business, spanning:
- Recruitment and retention
- Strategy and organisational development
- Equality and diversity
- Learning and development
- Conditions of employment
- Health and safety
- Payroll, pensions and rewards
Human resources specialists may be enlisted to improve one of these areas in particular; however, people management is the primary duty of any HR team.
Typical HR job titles
With numerous moving parts to manage, the department typically comprises various HR roles, each with their own assigned duties.
HR administrator
As the most entry-level position, a human resources administrator would typically be tasked with record-keeping and maintaining internal databases, from preparing and filing employment contracts, creating regular metrics reports, to logging staff absence and holiday allowance. As such, computer literacy is vital for this role.
Human resources officer
Armed with a great overview of the business wants, needs and objectives, HR officers oversee staff recruitment and development. They have an evolved understanding of how new starter skills will fit into the workplace, making them well-equipped to devise personal specifications and internal policies that select and retain the right staff.
A step up from administrative duties, the HR officer needs to be an adaptable and well-rounded individual. They’ll be confident at crunching numbers, as they’re also responsible for negotiating salaries and ensuring workers get paid accurately and on time. As employees themselves, they’ll keep their ear to the ground and work to solve internal disputes with sensitivity and discretion.
HR consultant
With a keen eye for data, human resources consultants audit, analyse and improve internal workflows, services and policies. They commonly have a greater understanding of current workplace law and ensure compliance.
HR manager
Serving as the link between corporate management and employee, to be an adept human resources manager requires agility and strong leadership qualities. More experience and educational credentials are needed to fulfil this supervisory role, which will see an individual lead the wider team and undertake more strenuous responsibilities, such as strategic planning and performing corrective measures as required.
HR director
A human resources director oversees all aspects of the department, spanning talent acquisition, learning and development, employee engagement, compensation and financial planning. A broad skill set is needed, alongside significant experience.
What are the employment prospects with a HR career?
As a human resources professional you’ll have your pick of sectors, with roles available at most major organisations spanning all industries. Whether it’s working for the public sector, a private company or non-profit, there are a plethora of opportunities to advance your career.
Roles are often available across banking and finance, engineering companies, IT and technology firms, local and central government, media companies and retail.
Current challenges facing the HR sector
Current challenges facing both practising and aspiring HR professionals include negotiating best practices for a post-pandemic workplace. The human resources department must balance the more practical functions of organisational design, such as the facilitation of hybrid working, with flexible policies that accommodate staff wellbeing.
The HR sector is also tasked with diversity monitoring and is responsible for creating the most inclusive workforces possible. This involves building a culture of trust and handling confidential data during the staffing process. There’s also a skills shortage in digital to be contended with, as internal systems continue to evolve and advance.
Is a career in HR right for me?
Happen to be a people-person who likes picking brains? The oft-assigned confidant of your inner circle, praised for your approachability and advice-giving? Think you’ve mastered the fine arts of tact and mediation? Been told you’ve got a head for strategy? A career in human resources could be perfectly suited to you.
To excel in a HR career, you need:
- exceptional communication skills.
- strong leadership qualities.
- management and team working skills.
- a head for business and strategy.
- practical skills in IT, numeracy and analysing statistical data.
- approachability, discretion and willingness to challenge where necessary.
In terms of qualifications, HR positions typically require a degree in human resources or business management with a specialisation in human resources.
Kickstart your career in HR
Whether you’re an aspiring or practising HR specialist, the University of Lincoln’s 100% online course in MSc Management with Human Resources aims to equip you with all you need to excel in a career in people management.
You’ll have the opportunity to graduate with advanced skills in organisational design, strategic planning and employee relations and a solid understanding of fundamental business needs within any global context.
