We have been hearing a lot more about HR since the lockdown and how wicked they are; which brings the question of who they are and what they do?
Human resource professionals are an essential part of the workforce of every company and are considered to be human assets to a thriving workforce. They help organizations recruit, train new staff, monitor and implement payroll routines, suggest employee development activities, manage employer/employee relationships and help achieve company goals.
If you are considering a career in human resources management or you don’t understand the roles involved; this post will explore what human resource professionals do and some helpful tips to break into this field.
Role of human resource professionals
The most important role of a human resource professional is to manage people in an organization. They make sure that the people in the workforce are skilled and execute their duties relating to the job they were employed for. This is related to a vital part of their job which is to recruit top talents and provide career development opportunities to existing employers.
A human resource professional must understand the connection between human capital and business growth. A company will only thrive if the employees perform their duties well. Big companies usually employ a large number of people to manage the department but in smaller companies, an individual may be responsible for all the HR duties.
For bigger companies, the HR department may include;
- A benefits manager that oversees the payment of salaries and incentives for employees;
- A training and development manager who plans career development schemes for employees; and
- A recruitment manager to employ new workers.
How to work towards a career in Human Resources.
Most HR jobs require a form of educational or professional certification from applicants. For newcomers, the entry-level position includes human resource assistance or human resource intern. You will need a degree in human resources, management, or related fields.
Many companies prefer that applicants have experience in human resources which is a problem for people. However, there are several ways to gain experience and they include; Volunteering (working within the management team of an organization), Internships, Part-time jobs.
Some companies may also require that you have specific certifications like the CHRMP and SCHRM-CP in Nigeria and relevant software tools.
There are different career paths in HR and they are broadly classified into general and specialized HR management.
General HR management covers all areas of HR management including recruiting, training, and developing employees, and is common in small organizations. They include Human Resources Manager, Human Resources Assistant, and Chief Human Resources Officer.
Specialized HR management focuses on a part of HR management. They have experience in a specific niche and they include, Labor Relations Manager, Risk Management Specialist, Benefits Analyst, and Compensation Specialist.
If you want to advance your career in Human resources, make sure to gather certifications and experience, keep up with trends and learn technical skills like data entry and project management. The most important tool is the Human Resources Information Software and learning how to use it is very important.
The human resource department is very important for the growth of a company and offers flexibility, an attractive paycheck, and a chance to influence an organization and its employees meaningfully.
PS: it is never too late to start a career in HR.