If you are thinking about a career in human resources (HR) but wondering what it exactly entails, look no further. The field is expected to grow steadily in the coming years — and despite the common misperception that they are only responsible for pay and benefits administration, human resource professionals can have exciting career paths.
Take a comprehensive look at what you can do with a degree in human resources.
Common HR Responsibilities and Duties
Human resource professionals are responsible for maintaining the company’s culture, explaining the company’s vision, mission statement, core values, working corporate language, and facilitating good habits and a good working environment. But their duties don’t stop there. They also handle various administrative tasks, including onboarding, offboarding, pay and benefits, and employee training and development.
Here’s a glance at typical responsibilities of human resource professionals:
- Conducting one-on-one or group orientations for new employees
- Conducting workforce training classes for new equipment, software or changes in policies
- Facilitating employee development and maximizing the talents of the workforce
- Implementing disciplinary actions, like 90-day performance improvement plans
- Investigating improper employee behavior, like harassment
- Performing background checks and calling applicant references
- Processing various types of paperwork, including changes in benefits programs and pay
- Referring qualified candidates to department managers and/or hiring new candidates
- Reviewing resumes and qualifications for various open positions within the company
- Scheduling and performing in-person or online job interviews
- Speaking with managers and executives about their talent needs and qualifications
Careers You Can Pursue With a Human Resources Degree
When you earn your online human resources degree, the possibilities are nearly endless. With skills that are transferable across multiple fields, the need for HR professionals is present nearly everywhere. Listed below are some of the most popular choices for individuals with HR degrees.
Compensation and Benefits Specialist/Manager/Coordinator
Compensation and benefits managers and specialists focus on company pay structures and benefits packages. These often include health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as vacation, sick time, and leave. These individuals are responsible for maintaining the company’s budget in these areas and finding the best packages for the fairest price, as well as adhering to all federal and local laws and regulations regarding compensation and benefits programs.
Global HR Manager
A global HR manager directs human resources across several countries. Most people in this role can speak multiple languages and are familiar with the labor laws of various countries or can become familiar with the laws and regulations. These human resource management professionals help coordinate acquisitions, company expansions, employee transfers, and hiring across countries. They also help develop and implement benefits and compensation packages that comply with local laws and regulations, and they may help newly transferred employees find housing and schooling as well as explain local laws and customs for daily life.
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers oversee the staff in the human resources department. This means they’re in charge of managing and clarifying human resources policies with upper management and executives, overseeing onboarding and offboarding, managing and adjusting hiring practices so that they are uniform across the company and deal with staffing shortages, like sick leave, extended absences and sudden employee departures. They also mitigate disputes between employees.
Human Resources Specialist
Individuals in these positions typically spearhead employee onboarding by attending job fairs, posting open positions, sorting applicant resumes and conducting initial interviews, and explaining the company culture, mission, and ideals. They may also handle employee complaints, scheduling, promotions and any needed disciplinary actions. Individuals in this position typically work under an HR manager. Human resources specialists may also work under various job titles, including recruiter, interviewer and job placement specialist.
Internship Coordinator
Internship coordinators build relationships between the company and colleges and universities in order to provide students with internship opportunities in the hopes of eventually recruiting new talent for the company. They may also assist students with graduate school applications, provide guidance and goal setting to the students in the internship program, attend career fairs, and consult with company managers to determine the internship needs of the company and desired qualifications of the applicants.
Labor Relations Specialist
Labor relations specialists focus on employee relations. They handle employee complaints and mediate and negotiate between the company and labor unions. They create contracts (Collective Bargaining Agreements) between the company and labor union that addresses employee wages, working hours, overtime and benefits. These individuals may also investigate complaints, ensure compliance with legal requirements regarding employee treatment and compensation, and ensure every employee is being treated fairly.
Management Consultant
Management consultants evaluate company and employee productivity and recommend certain changes in order to increase productivity, improve the company culture, and increase job satisfaction. They objectively analyze the company’s performance and then create detailed plans to help the company achieve its current and future operating goals. These recommendations may include training or retraining employees, streamlining workflows and making budgetary adjustments.
Workforce Training and Development Specialist/Manager
Workforce training and development managers focus on the development and training of the company’s workforce. They ensure that all training programs are up-to-date and develop and implement new training programs as needed. They also monitor employee productivity and the implementation of new equipment, hardware and software in order to determine the training needs of the employees.
Talent Acquisition Manager
Talent acquisition managers lead recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent within an organization. They oversee sourcing, interviewing, and hiring processes, often working closely with department heads to understand workforce needs. This role calls for strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of employer branding and market trends.
Employee Relations Manager
Employee relations managers focus on maintaining positive relationships between employees and the organization. This position is ideal for professionals skilled in communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. These specialists:
- Handle workplace conflicts.
- Investigate complaints.
- Ensure compliance with labor laws.
- Help develop policies that support a healthy and productive work environment.
HR Business Partner (HRBP)
An HR business partner acts as a strategic advisor to organizational leaders, aligning HR initiatives with business goals. Unlike traditional HR roles, HRBPs collaborate closely with executives and managers to drive performance, support change management, and shape organizational culture. Generally requiring experience across multiple HR disciplines, this role suits professionals with a blend of HR expertise and business acumen.
Human Resources Career Outlook
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment outlook for human resources managers is projected to grow 6% between 2023 and 2033, and compensation is competitive: HR managers can earn a median annual salary of $140,030 with a bachelor’s degree in human resources and several years of relevant experience. Human resources specialists with the same level of degree entering the field make a median wage of nearly $73,000 per year and show a job growth of 8% over the same time period — which is faster than the national average.
How to Choose the Right HR Career Path for You
Deciding on a career path in human resources starts with a clear understanding of your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. The HR field offers diverse opportunities, so consider where your passions and skills align.
1. Reflect on Your Interests and Strengths
Do you enjoy interacting with people and solving interpersonal challenges? Roles like HR generalist or employee relations specialist may be a good fit. If you prefer working with data and systems, for instance, you might thrive as a compensation and benefits analyst or human resources information systems (HRIS) specialist.
2. Consider Your Degree Level
Your level of education can also guide your career path. A bachelor’s degree typically qualifies you for entry- to mid-level roles such as recruiter or HR coordinator. A master’s degree may open doors to leadership positions like HR manager, talent development director, or chief human resources officer (CHRO).
3. Think About Industry Preferences
HR professionals are needed in nearly every industry — from healthcare and education to tech and manufacturing. If you’re passionate about a particular sector, consider pursuing HR opportunities in that space. For example, HR in the nonprofit sector may involve mission-driven work, while HR in tech could focus more on talent acquisition in a fast-paced environment.
4. Explore Specializations
Human resources is a broad field with multiple specializations. If you’re interested in law and compliance, consider a path in labor relations or HR compliance. If you enjoy coaching and professional growth, learning and development may be ideal. Exploring internships or certificate programs can help you test the waters in various areas.
5. Stay Open to Growth and Change
Your HR career path doesn’t have to be set in stone. Many professionals start in one area and transition to another as their interests and experience evolve. Continued learning and networking can help you adapt and grow throughout your career.
Pursue Your Human Resource Management Degree Online
Ready to advance your current career in human resources, or just getting started? At JWU Online, our HR degree programs include an online bachelor of business administration degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resource Management. In collaboration with our College of Hospitality & Business, industry-relevant curricula cover both foundational and advanced business concepts that prepare you to lead in the HR realm.
For more information, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].