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Careers in Human Resources

Explore different careers in human resources, and learn which one is the best for your skills and goals.

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The field of human resources offers perhaps one of the broadest ranges of career opportunities in the workforce today. Though obviously bonded by a set of common practices and goals, human resources careers are surprisingly diverse.

HR generalists handle virtually every aspect of employee-management relations, while specialists in benefits, job analysis and training focus on narrow segments of a company's human resource management issues.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, training and development is the most common career in human resources. Employment and placement specialist positions are the next most popular careers, followed by labor relations and other human resources specialties. Human resources management makes up the fourth most common career in human resources, and compensation, benefits, and job analysis round out the human resources career top five.

 
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Necessary Skills for a Career in HR

  • Interpersonal Communication: In addition to strong verbal and written communication skills, expertise in electronic communication is a necessity. College courses in business communication and technology are strongly recommended.
     
  • Well-Honed Social Skills: Bargaining, empathy and conflict management skills are crucial to a successful human resources career. Most entry-level positions are staffed by people who have taken courses in behavioral science, social science and psychology.
     
  • Knowledge of Policy: A human resources department must follow regulations in order to create a fair and equal workplace.
     
  • Post-Graduate Courses: As human resources careers become more specialized, employers are seeking people with post-graduate degrees in human resources, general business administration and specialty-specific areas such as labor relations.

 
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