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So, You Think You Want a Career in Human Resources?

By Susan M. Heathfield, About.com

Many people are eager to start a career in Human Resources, as it is a fast-growing career field with many lucrative opportunities. Career analysts expect the number of Human Resources jobs to increase in the future and the median annual income for careers in Human Resources is above the national average. For these reasons and more, you are probably wondering how to start a career in Human Resources of your own. You will find some useful information below that will guide you through the process.

1. What is Human Resources?

The number one glossary suggestion and question that people request is: “What is the definition of human resources?” Here's my most frequent response.

2. What Is a Human Resource?

The short answer is that human resources are people. Here's a bit more information about human resources.

3. What Is Human Resource Management (HRM)?

Human Resource Management is the function within an organization that focuses on recruitment, management, and the direction of the people in the organization. Human Resources management is also performed by line managers.

4. What Is the Human Resource Department?

Departments are the entity organizations form to organize people, reporting relationships, and work in a way that best supports the accomplishment of the organization's goals. Departments are usually organized by functions such as human resources, marketing, administration, and sales. But, a department can be organized in any way that makes sense for the customer.

5. What Does a Human Resources Manager, Generalist, or Director Do?

Human resources are the people that staff and operate an organization. Learn about the people who work in Human Resources. Specifically, learn about the job description of the HR Manager, the HR Generalist and the HR Director.

6. How to Break Into a Career in Human Resources

It's easier to break into a career in Human Resources if you plan your life, your education, and your work experience around qualifying for careers in Human Resources. The income and opportunity prospects, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, are favorable for the next decade or two. Human Resources is a professional career that demands integrity, confidentiality, and a high level of interpersonal interaction cabability from its practitioners. Increasingly, for a successful career in Human Resources, you will also need business management, finance, and accounting education. You must be prepared to develop a deep understanding of the business your employer is engaged in to succeed in a career in Human Resources.

7. How to Prepare for a Career in Human Resources

Liking people is not the only qualification for pursuing a career in Human Resources. It helps, but it is insufficient for success. Human Resources jobs and careers continue to grow in sophistication and the expectations of employers increase every year. Employee development, employee retention, and a positive, motivating work environment are critical to business success.

8. Human Resources Job Prospects and Earnings

Job prospects for various Human Resources positions vary by position but they range from growing as fast as the average of other occupations to growing faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

9. Job Search Books for Grads

Thinking about your current job search after graduation? These books will help you find your way. Learn about the job market. Translate your most important needs, interests, and goals into a rewarding career. Find techniques for a successful online and offline job search. These are my long term favorite job search, career planning, and career management books for grads.

10. Books for Job Seekers and Career Changers

Thinking about your current job search or a career change? These books will help you find your way. Learn about the job market. Translate your most important needs, interests, and goals into a rewarding career. Find techniques for a successful job search. These are my long term favorites. Gift a favorite person with the opportunity to explore their desired future.

11. Why Human Resources Leaders Need Degrees

Human Resources leaders need degrees. If you are considering a career in Human Resources, or trying to advance your current career, a Bachelors degree, and even a Masters degree, will assist you to achieve your goals and dreams. Degrees have become more important in most fields, but nowhere has the shift occurred quite as dramatically as in HR. As organizational expectations of the potential contributions of an HR pro have increased, the need for the HR leader to possess both experience and a degree has increased, too. In fact, a degree is becoming essential.

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