How to Become a Human Resource Manager: Best HR Degrees Online

Human resource managers get to help others every day and be a valued part of their organization’s management team, all while enjoying a stable career with great earning potential. With HR managers needed by nearly every business in every industry, there’s never a shortage of job openings. If you are considering following this rewarding career path, you may ask yourself how to become a human resource manager. The answer combines the right HR manager degree, on-the-job experience, professional certifications, and skills. Read on to learn how to enter the HR field and snag a human resources manager job.

Article Navigation: What is Human Resources Management? | How to Become a Human Resource Manager | Human Resources Degree Online | How to Get a Degree in Human Resources Online | HR Manager Degree Concentrations | HR Manager Experience Paths | Human Resources Certifications | HR Professional Organizations | Human Resource Functions | HR Manager Salary | Is Human Resources a Good Career for the Future? | Related Careers | Duties of a Human Resource Manager | Earn Your HR Manager Degree Online

What is Human Resources Management?

Human resource managers get the satisfaction of making a better workplace for their coworkers. Generally, they oversee:

• Hiring
• Provide training
• Create attractive benefits and compensation packages
• Mediate disputes
• Advise managers on legal matters

In short, they work to ensure a happy and healthy work environment for all.

Studies have shown human resource managers have higher than average job satisfaction rates. As if helping others every day wasn’t enough reason to enjoy your job, you’re also sure to appreciate the competitive pay in this field. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resource managers in the United States earn more than $120,000 per year on average.

What Does A Human Resource Manager Do?

The day-to-day duties of a human resource manager are numerous, from analyzing benefits packages to interviewing job candidates. For instance, as an HR manager, you may be responsible for areas including:

• Developing initiatives aligned with organizational goals
• Addressing management and employee issues
• Hiring and firing employees
• Motivating the workforce
• Encouraging a positive organizational culture
• Driving high performance
• Creating a competitive and attractive pay and benefits package
• Making and improving training programs
• Making sure laws are followed through HR policies

As a result, the functions of HR management professionals can vary. Your exact job will depend on your experience and your specialty. Also, the needs of your company.

How to get into Human Resources

To get into human resources, you should first start by earning an HR degree at the bachelor level. Apply to available HR jobs and acquire a few years of experience. Over time, you can also acquire certificates that show your expertise and experience. Then, you can earn even higher-paying jobs with more managerial responsibilities.

How to Become a Human Resource Manager

To successfully land a human resource manager position, you need to know what employers are looking for in a job candidate. There are no hard and fast rules, such as legally-mandated degrees or certifications, but most employers have similar expectations.

Your road to becoming an HR manager ideally includes three components:

1. Education
2. Experience
3. Certifications

What are the Five Main Tasks of a Human Resource Manager?

Overall, human resource managers have five primary tasks:

1. Talent management
2. Compensation and employee benefits
3. Training and development
4. Compliance
5. Workplace safety

As a human resource manager, you’ll oversee a department that ensures or provides all of these primary tasks. Indeed, any human resource manager job description will reflect these goals and focuses.

HR Manager Degree Paths

An HR manager degree or business degree with an HR concentration is generally expected for any level of human resources employment. An associate degree is a minimum requirement for most entry-level positions, while a bachelor’s or master’s human resource management degree is preferred for upper-level spots.

When hiring for an HR manager, companies will want to see that you have previous experience. To achieve industry certifications, you will also need at least a year in the HR field.

You may choose to start your career with an associate’s degree in human resources and gain job experience while you pursue certifications and an online bachelor’s degree in human resources to expand your career opportunities.

You can also complete your bachelor’s or master’s studies first, before entering the workforce. That way, you can enjoy increased job options while gaining the experience needed for certifications.

HR Manager Experience Paths

While getting a degree is the most routine way to become an HR manager, it’s not the only path you can take. You may also qualify for excellent HR management positions if you have enough work experience.

In fact, many companies only accept new HR managers with at least two years of experience in the human resources field. For example, say you’ve worked for two years as an HR rep or admin assistant, but not necessarily a manager. That experience could qualify you for management positions elsewhere.

You may find that HR management positions are available to you without a degree if you apply for a position at your current company. Like if your company announces a new HR manager position has opened up. You can apply for it even without a degree if you have relevant work experience.

Some companies may prefer work experience in the HR management field over a degree. That’s because it represents practical value. Especially if the candidate in question has an inner knowledge of the company’s systems, software, and culture. A hiring committee may very well look at your resume, see that you’re well-qualified for a position despite not having an HR or business degree, and decide to hire you over the candidates.

Basically, some companies may be more open to hiring HR managers who have experience but no degrees. Others may only accept the right degree and a few years of work experience.

You can get HR management experience as an:

• HR assistant
• Hiring assistant
• Similar professional

HR Manager Certification Paths

Lastly, you may qualify for HR management positions if you have one or more important certifications.

By far the most important certification for HR managers to earn is the SHRM-CP. Otherwise known as SHRM Certified Professional certification. The Society for Human Resources Management is the only place that provides the SHRM-CP. It marks you as capable and qualified in the human resources field.

Notably, the SHRM-CP certification does not require candidates to hold an HR title, degree, or any previous human resources experience. So you can take the test without needing an educational credential beforehand. You just need to study for and apply for this certificate. If you pass, you could qualify for human resources manager positions without experience or a degree.

As with the HR manager experience paths described above, this depends on company policies. Many of the highest paying, most competitive HR manager positions will require all three of these:

• A degree
• Experience
• SHRM-CP (plus any extra certifications)

So, how do you know what the right HR manager degree is for you? Each path can lead you to a career in human resource management. It all depends on how quickly you want to get started in the workforce and how high you want to climb in the HR field. Read on to find out the benefits of each type of human resources degree.

Human Resources Degree Online

Which degree is best for HR? Earning a human resources degree could be a great way to jumpstart your career path. However, many degrees aside from those concentrated in HR will allow you to get a start in this field. These degrees include:

• Business degrees: Business degrees cover many of the same topics as HR-focused degrees, like HR topics, management, etc. Business administration degrees are particularly valuable for aspiring HR professionals
• Economics degrees: Economics degrees often include some business courses by default. They have some relevance to the human resources field
• Marketing degrees: Marketing degrees focus a lot on psychology and workplace socialization. They’re natural fits for the human resources arena
• Finance degrees: Like economics degrees, finance degrees include many business courses. They also cover some of the same topics as HR degrees
• Management degrees: Management degrees prepare graduates for managing and leading teams in a variety of contexts. That includes businesses and human resources departments

However, you can also take a more traditional path to becoming HR manager: earning an HR degree. Bachelor’s degrees in human resources online provide you with the foundational skills you need to thrive in this work environment.

You can get a head start on a bachelor’s by earning an online associate’s degree in HR. After you earn your bachelor’s, you can then proceed to the graduate level and earn a master’s or doctoral degree in human resources.

Let’s take a closer look at the different kinds of online degrees in human resources you can earn.

Associate Degree

An online associate degree in human resources covers all the essentials you need to know for entry-level positions. First, you can expect to study human resource theories and techniques, ethics, and employment law. Courses will also cover topics in employee recruitment, management, and training. Finally, you will also learn essential skills in compensation, benefits, and payroll.

As a result, some of the positions you can qualify for after graduating from an associate’s degree program in human resources include:

• Records clerk
• Recruiting assistant
• Human resources clerk
• Payroll assistant
• Benefits administrator
• Compliance assistant

An associate degree, typically completed in two years, is a great way to get a fast start in the business world. You will have all the essential knowledge and skills you need from this online degree type. Costs will be a fraction of most bachelor’s or master’s degree programs. Additionally, you can continue your studies with an online bachelor’s degree in human resources while you work and gain valuable on-the-job experience.

Some employers will promote human resources employees based on their experience with the company, rather than based solely on education, so it is possible to work your way up to management positions with just an associate degree. However, this may not be the case in all situations. Furthering your education beyond an associate degree is a great way to improve your chances of rising through the ranks.

Bachelor’s Degree

To begin with, an online bachelor’s degree is a great starting point if you want to become a human resources manager. Companies typically expect those pursuing human resources management jobs to have a bachelor’s degree in human resources or similar field. Some possible majors that apply to HR include business management, education, or information technology. Courses in conflict management and organizational psychology can also be helpful for managing a variety of workplace issues.

In addition, a bachelor’s degree in human resources online offers more comprehensive training than an associate degree. Most programs are designed to be completed in four years, although some online degrees offer accelerated paces so you can finish in less time. Those who have already completed an associate degree can often transfer credits into a traditional bachelor’s or bachelor completion program. Make sure to talk to any schools you are interested in to find out their policies regarding transfer credits.

Alongside general education classes, in an online human resources bachelor’s degree you can expect to study topics such as:

• Employment Law
• Organizational Behavior
• Compensation and Benefits
• Workforce Planning: Recruitment and Selection
• Training and Development
• Staffing and Labor Relations
• Performance Management
• Strategic Human Resources Management

Master’s Degree

For the best chance of landing human resources managers jobs, an online master’s degree is the way to go. Some positions will require candidates to have a graduate degree in an area such as human resources or business administration (MBA). A human resource management degree online at the master’s level typically focuses on honing your leadership skills.

MS in HR vs. MBA in HR

So, should you pursue an online master of science in human resource management or a master’s in business administration with a concentration in human resource management? The answer depends on two things: 1) how certain you are that human resources is the right career path for you, and 2) what type of undergraduate degree you have.

Debra J. Cohen, chief knowledge officer of the Society of Human Resource Management, offers this insight: “An MBA will give you a very broad business background. You will be required (at most schools) to take courses in all areas of business, such as accounting, marketing, finance, management, statistics, etc. You can take, at most, four, maybe five courses in HR. An MS in HR is much more focused on HR. Most of your courses will be in HR or in a related discipline.”

Cohen advises that if you are positive that you want to enter human resources, a master’s in human resource management is for you. If you’d rather explore other areas of management along with specialized topics in HR leadership, then an MBA in HR is the right path. You’ll also want to plan ahead when choosing your bachelor’s program. Most MS in HR programs only admit students who majored in business, while MBA programs can be open to any undergraduate major.

Doctoral Degree

Online doctoral degrees in human resources generally are not required for employment, but they can help you achieve high-level career opportunities and make positive contributions to the HR body of knowledge. Ph.D. programs typically concentrate on original research into a specific topic of your choosing. Coursework helps you learn how to evaluate and develop the best practices that positively impact society and the workforce.

In addition to your research, you can further develop your HR knowledge through courses in topics such as:

• Diversity and Inclusion
• Strategic Human Resources Management
• Human Resources Management in the 21st Century
• Cultural Issues
• Labor Relations

How to Get a Degree in Human Resources Online

A degree in HR is one of the core human resources manager requirements. The best degrees for HR jobs won’t just ensure you feel comfortable in your new position – they’ll enable you to qualify for higher-paying jobs, as well.

You can get a degree in human resources by:

• Researching the available degrees in your area or online
• Applying to a degree program if you qualify for it
• Completing all work in the degree program – normally, this is 120 credits of work

HR degrees might require some in-person experiences, like internships. Your human resources manager job will benefit from these kinds of experience.

Human Resources Degree Requirements

What degree do you need for human resources? The average degree needed to become a human resource manager is at the bachelor’s level. Thus, you’ll need to meet admittance requirements like:

• Have a high school diploma or GED and transcripts
• Complete a personal statement
• Have a GPA above a particular threshold, usually 2.0 or higher

However, some degrees are of higher quality and thus have higher requirements. These can translate to higher GPA requirements or letters of recommendation from former professors or supervisors at your workplace.

HR Manager Degree Concentrations

At the bachelor’s and master’s levels, you may have the opportunity to focus your studies in a specific area of human resources by adding a concentration. This can benefit you in larger business environments where your job may consist of one particular facet of HR. When you’re applying for a job, this additional in-depth knowledge can give you an edge over the competition.

A degree concentration in the right area can help you land human resources jobs such as:

• International Human Resources Manager
• Training and Development Manager
• Executive Recruiter
• Labor Relations Manager
• HR Analytics Specialist
• Compensation and Benefits Manager

HR Manager Experience Paths

Internships

Most bachelor’s degrees in human resources require you to complete an internship in your final year. Whether your particular program requires it or not, it’s a good idea to get some real-world experience under your belt before applying for HR jobs.

While it’s possible to land an entry-level position without experience, you’re much more likely to outshine the competition if you show that you can hit the ground running. A well-chosen internship will show future employers the duties that you are already comfortable handling without further training. Internships provide a valuable way to apply theory to a real HR setting.

Working Your Way Up

To become a human resource manager, you’ll need to prove your worth. Show your abilities in organizing, directing, and leading others. Work hard, take advantage of learning opportunities, and pursue promotions. Most HR managers have five or more years of experience.

You might start out as an HR assistant, recruiter, staff coordinator, or labor relations specialist. To rise through the ranks and become an HR manager, become knowledgeable about compensation and benefits plans, human resources software, and business employment laws.

Human Resources Certifications

Certifications are not required in human resources, as they can be in professions such as accounting or teaching, but they can help prove your knowledge and experience in the field. Certification requires a combination of education, experience, and testing. You’ll need to invest in test prep materials and exam fees, plus devoting time to studying. The investment pays off in the credibility you gain from certification and the opportunities it affords you for advancement.

There are many human resources certifications available. Just a few of the most popular include:

Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)

The Associate Professional in Human Resources certification is a great stepping-stone certificate to fast-track your career progression. The Human Resource Certification Institute offers it. The aPHR certification is intended for both:

• New HR professionals starting their careers in HR
• Non-HR professionals looking to expand their qualifications or skill sets

In other words, it’s a perfect starter certificate to pursue. The exam covers a variety of HR-relevant topics like talent acquisition, compliance and risk management, and employee relations. The exam fee is $300 with another $100 application fee. Study hard for the exam, as it takes one hour and 45 minutes to complete. It’s comprised of 65 scored questions.

If you complete this exam, you may qualify for beginner HR positions with no HR experience. You’ll also be well on your way to earning other certificates. Each aPHR certification is valid for three years after testing.

Certified Staffing Professional

The American Staffing Association offers the Certified Staffing Professional certification. It proves that you are a specialist with the skills and knowledge needed to help companies fill open positions. It is an essential credential for any staffing professional, like a recruiter, talent analyst, and more.

The CSP certification certifies expertise to work with clients, employees, and candidates within the bounds of both federal and state regulations and related laws. You must complete a two-hour online exam with 100 multiple-choice and true or false questions. It costs $350 for nonmembers of the ASA and $175 for members.

Certified Search Consultant

Also offered by the American Staffing Association is the Certified Search Consultant certification. It’s intended for current recruiters or search and placement professionals. It emphasizes federal implementation laws to ensure you hire the right candidates without tripping over any regulations or guidelines.

It’s an excellent certification to pursue for:

• Search consultants
• Talent acquisition managers
• Executive recruiters
• Similar professionals

The exam is one hour and has 50 multiple-choice and true or false questions. It costs $740 for nonmembers of the ASA but just $370 for members.

Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)

Provided by: Association for Talent Development
Experience required: 4-5 years, depending on education
Testing: Knowledge exam and skills application exam

Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

Provided by: HR Certification Institute
Experience required: 1-3.5 years, depending on education
Testing: Exam covers employee and labor relations; business management; talent planning and acquisition; total rewards; learning and development

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

Provided by: HR Certification Institute
Experience required: 4-7 years, depending on education
Testing: Application to test must be approved by HRCI; test focuses primarily on leadership and strategy; maintain certification by retesting or via continuing professional development credits

SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

Provided by: Society for Human Resource Management
Experience required: 3-7 years, depending on education
Testing: Designed for professionals who develop strategies, analyze performance metrics and align HR strategies to organizational goals

HR Professional Organizations

To boost your employment and advancement opportunities, consider joining an industry organization to network with other professionals. These professional societies help you connect with people who can help you achieve your goals.

Academy of Human Resource Development

AHRD helps HR professionals stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Members have access to educational resources and networking events. Membership includes publications, conference invitations, award opportunities, and mentoring projects.

American Payroll Association

APA focuses specifically on the topic of payroll. For professionals in that area, membership provides conferences and seminars, publications, and educational resources. Members can also pursue Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) and Certified Payroll Certification (CPC) through the organization.

American Staffing Association

The ASA is an Alexandria, VA-based trade association. It represents professionals in the staffing industry across America. In general, it advocates for benefits and negotiating power for staffing specialists like recruiters. It also offers many of the most important certifications for human resource managers.

Association for Talent Development

ATD provides support to HR professionals who recruit, train, and develop employees. In addition to conferences and networking events, members can take advantage of educational webinars, books, and research.

Human Capital Institute

HCI enables HR employees to keep up with trends in recruiting and developing talent. Members benefit from access to current academic research, mentors from prominent companies, a community of fellow HR professionals, and conference opportunities.

International Association Of Administrative Professionals

With IAAP, you can take advantage of training programs, certifications, conferences, advocacy, and networking opportunities. The organization strives to help members stay current in their skills and knowledge.

Society for Human Resources Management

SHRM is the largest HR organization in the world. As a member, you have exclusive access to awards, scholarships, and certifications. Individual members can use customizable HR tools and an HR advisor service. The organization also provides a magazine subscription, weekly webcasts, industry research, and conferences.

WorldatWork

WorldatWork focuses its efforts on the areas of compensation, such as executive compensation, sales compensation, benefits, and more. Membership includes conference invitations, expert training, educational resources, and various certification programs. Some of the most popular certifications include Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Sales Compensation Professional (CSCP), and Certified Benefits Professional (CBP).

Human Resource Functions

As we discussed above, you will have the chance to specialize your HR manager degree or stick to a broader, more generalized path. The same is true for careers in human resource management. For instance, you can work as a human resources assistant, working your way up to human resources manager, or you can study and work towards a specialized position like a benefits coordinator in the human resources department.

What can people expect from human resource management careers? Let’s take a deeper look at the benefits, drawbacks, earning potential, and long-term growth of this position.

What does a Human Resource Manager do on a Daily Basis?

Human resource managers may hire or fire employees. They may also oversee security and liability compliance among employees. They handle interpersonal conflicts, develop communications for new workplace policies, and much more! Many love this job because of the wide range of tasks and responsibilities that HR managers have. The duties of human resource managers can vary from day-to-day.

Human Resources Qualifications and Skills

Two essential characteristics make a great HR manager: interpersonal skills and strong organization.

Interpersonal skills, including clear communication, public speaking, and team leadership, will allow you to work with the numerous and diverse people that come across your path on a daily basis. A human resource manager may need to interview job candidates, which requires clear questions and the ability to listen. You may also need to deliver presentations to executive-level leaders, requiring you to communicate clearly and confidently. You’ll also need to manage a human resources department, which requires excellent leadership, defined expectations, and the ability to make strong decisions.

Outstanding organizational skills is another must. HR managers may oversee a rapid round of hiring, requiring dozens, or even hundreds of candidates to be interviewed in a short period of time. There will be many moving parts between contacting job candidates, creating interview agendas, defining roles, and overseeing hires. In order to complete these processes and find the best possible employees, you need strong organizational skills.

Qualifications

As far as qualifications go, most human resource management positions require the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related topic. For example, business, business administration, or finance. These human resources education requirements are almost universal.
• 3-4 years of work experience in the human resources field. The experience doesn’t have to be as an HR manager. They can be, for example, a human resource assistant, hiring committee members, and so on
• Certifications, such as the coveted SHRM-CP certification

However, some positions may have more or fewer job requirements. For example, some positions prize experience and certification over degrees. They may hire you with the SHRM-CP and years of experience in the field over a bachelor’s degree.

To acquire that work experience, it may be wise to pursue an internship. HR internships give you the network and experience you need to make yourself stand out from other candidates.

Note that many of the top HR manager positions require a master’s degree in HR over a bachelor’s degree. These are only necessary for high-level HR departmental lead positions. In those roles, you’ll oversee large quantities of employees and handle lots of regulatory work.

Pros & Cons of a Human Resources Career

According to business publication HR Dive, human resources managers rated their job satisfaction at 4.1 out of 5, higher than in years past. Many said upper management has given them more of a role in company strategy. As leaders increasingly understand the role of human capital in their success, HR professionals are being viewed more as business partners. Seeing meaning in your daily tasks can give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Feeling like you are valued can make all the difference when you have to deal with the unpleasant parts of your job.

No job is perfect. A human resources manager has to deal with a lot of frustrating and complex issues. On many occasions, you will be the first stop for unhappy employees. For example, if something goes wrong with an employee’s paycheck, they will be understandably upset. When a benefits package is changed by upper management, it’s usually the role of an HR manager to share the news with employees. It can sometimes be a thankless job, but there are also big upsides to a human resources career.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of working in human resources is the satisfaction of benefiting the people you helped hire. Think about how many paychecks, family meals, Christmas presents, and summer vacations were a result of your decisions. In addition, a career in human resource management allows you to meet many different people from all walks of life. Finally, you can keep your organization running smoothly, helping employees and company leadership reach their goals and achieve success.

HR Manager Salary

Human resource management is a highly challenging field that almost every organization needs. Because of this, the demand for qualified candidates is high, and the earning potential stands well above typical averages.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that in 2021, human resources managers earned an average of $126,230 per year. HR managers who worked in professional, scientific, and technical services fared even better, earning an average of $133,980 a year. Even HR managers in healthcare and social assistance, the lowest-earning industry, took home an average salary of $99,870. Across the entire field, the lowest 10% earned less than $75,000, while the top 10% earned more than $208,000. There is little doubt if you are a competent human resource manager, you stand to earn a substantial income.

Human Resource Management Salary with a Master’s Degree

The best online master’s degrees in HR often lead to higher salaries to match experience and duties. If you have a master’s in HR or business and work as a human resource manager, you can expect to earn a salary at the upper end of the above range. Your salary will certainly be over six figures, plus closer to $200,000 and $100,000.

Human Resource Specialist Salary

Human resource specialists don’t manage HR departments or oversee many employees. They tackle the day-to-day, specialized work that trained HR professionals manage to ensure workplace safety and legal compliance.

According to the BLS, HR specialists earn roughly $62,290 per year. However, the highest-paid human resource specialists can earn over $100,000 per year. The lowest paid may earn less than $40,000 per year.

For many of these positions, your salary will be contingent on your:

• Work experience, with higher experience translating to higher salaries
• Certifications. The more certifications you have, the higher the salary you can demand from potential or current employers

Human Resource Generalist Salary

HR generalists are versatile. They handle a lot of the daily functions of a human resources department. They may tackle duties like administering pay, interviewing staff, and workplace benefits.

HR generalists earn the same average salaries as human resources specialists: about $62,290 per year. Again, you can earn more than this depending on your experience and certification levels. You may earn slightly more than HR specialists as your are presumed to have more work experience and a greater role in more HR department functions.

Is Human Resources a Good Career for the Future?

So the job is lucrative, but will there be work for HR managers in the future? Yes, according to the BLS. Their numbers have found that the demand for human resources managers is expected to grow by 7% between 2020 and 2030. Nearly 16,300 job openings are expected for human resource managers each year in the US. This growth will be largely driven by new companies forming and expanding operations. Talented HR managers must also ensure their organizations follow complex and often changing employment laws.

Human Resources Career Path

HR professionals often start as entry-level human resources assistants. They carry out administrative duties and assist with HR specific tasks, like:

• Coordinating payroll
• Assisting with employee recruitment

They then proceed to become HR coordinators and specialists. HR coordinators support their superiors and handle work like:

• Healthcare plan enrollments
• Keeping records
• Performing background checks

HR specialists may focus on one area or another of an HR department, such as:

• Recruiting
• Interpersonal conflict resolution, etc.

Many HR professionals become HR generalists. Generalists perform whatever task the HR department requires. This ranges from conducting training sessions to negotiating with health insurance providers and more. Generally, human resources generalists are mid-career employees.

After being a generalist, you can become an HR manager. Then, HR director: the heads or leaders of human resources departments. Directors collaborate with senior leadership and other C-suite executives to determine the overall direction of a company.

The final HR professional career step is that of Chief HR Officer (CHRO). This executive holds the absolute highest position attainable in the human resources department. It’s only available in huge corporations with lots of employees to oversee. They focus more on strategic initiatives and decisions rather than day-to-day operations.

Is it Hard Being a Human Resource Manager?

Becoming a human resource manager can be difficult. But it depends on your personality, resources, and job ambitions.

Human resource managers thrive with personality traits like adaptability and sociability. Plus, if you like tackling a lot of different projects, you’ll find HR management work to be rewarding. However, you also have to commit to continuous education as a human resource manager. HR managers who don’t like to learn and adapt their approaches and policies will find it difficult to stay satisfied in this career. Especially over the long-term.

How to get a Job in Human Resources Entry-Level

To get a job in human resources at the entry-level, earn an associate in HR or business degree. Alternatively, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in human resources online and start immediately climbing the corporate ladder. Most entry-level human resources jobs require a bachelor’s degree in human resources, management, etc.

Duties of a Human Resource Manager

Human resource managers have many different potential duties. These include:

• Advising company leaders about human resources issues and conflicts as needed
• Handling staffing issues, such as working with recruiters or handling legality issues
• Supervising the work of existing HR staff. Also, coordinating different HR specialists for larger projects
• The recruitment, interviewing, and hiring processes
• Planning and adjusting benefits programs for employees
• Using workforce planning strategies to maximize employee talents and business production

In other words, HR managers oversee and supervise much of the day-to-day work of HR departments. This position is a fast-paced, flexible one that requires HR managers to wear many hats.

Related Careers

Still wondering if a job as a human resource manager is the perfect fit for you? Then consider some of these related fields. HR skills apply to many areas. This allows you to take your career in a direction that best fits your talent. Careers similar to HR managers include:

• Administrative services and facilities managers: These professionals need bachelor’s degrees in business administration or management. They can expect average salaries of $99,290 per year. New jobs should continue to grow up to 7% until 2031
• Compensation and benefits managers: They need bachelor’s degrees and an average salary of $127,530 per year. Available jobs will grow up to 2% until 2031
• Job analysis specialists: They also require a bachelor’s degree and earn about $64,120 per year. Available positions will grow by 7% until 2031
• Labor relations specialists: These professionals require a bachelor’s degree and earn $77,010 per year on average. Job positions will decline in quantity by 3% over the next few years
• Training and development managers: They require a bachelor’s degree and earn $120,130 per year. This job should grow by 7% until 2031

Undoubtedly, an education in business and human resources will prepare you for many well-paying and fulfilling career paths. The versatility can lead you to opportunities with nearly any company in the world and a wide spectrum of job roles.

Earn Your HR Manager Degree Online

If you’ve decided that a career in human resources management is the right path for you, then check out these 100% online and fully accredited degrees to find the best program to fit your educational needs and career goals.

With an online HR manager degree, you can earn an education while balancing work, family, and social demands. Many programs offer flexible scheduling and an accelerated pace designed for busy adults. Whether your interests lie in recruiting, training and development, compensation and benefits, HR analytics, or labor relations, you’re sure to find a program that’s perfect for you.