How To Become A Human Resources Manager

Step 1: Study Computers and Communications in High School

Aspiring Human Resources (HR) Managers should study computers and communications in high school to prepare for this career. HR Managers rely on computers for most of their job duties. Students should also take communications classes, as good communication skills are necessary for this job.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

A Bachelor’s Degree is often the minimum educational requirement for Human Resources Managers. Human Resources is the most common degree for this career.

An HR Degree is typically a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Human Resources. Common coursework includes Business Communications, Computer Systems, Management Theory, Ethics, Organizational Development, and the Fundamentals of HR Management.

Other suitable majors include Business Management, Business Administration, and Communications. Students who choose other majors should still complete some of the core courses included in a typical HR program, such as Computer Systems and Fundamentals of HR.

Step 3: Look for Part-Time or Entry-Level Work

Aspiring HR Managers may not find work in an HR department immediately after college. Gaining related work experience often makes it easier to enter this profession.

Many HR Managers start with customer service jobs in a variety of industries, including retail, manufacturing, health services, and hospitality. It is common for students to work between college semesters or find internships to begin gaining practical experience before trying to enter the workforce.

Step 4: Consider Earning a Master’s Degree

A Master’s Degree may be necessary for top-level HR positions, such as HR Director, VP of Human Resources, and Chief Personnel Officer (CPO). Some organizations may also require a Master’s Degree for the HR Manager position.

Students may choose a Human Resources concentration to gain specialized knowledge. Potential areas of concentration include Health Care Management, Organizational Leadership, Data Science, and Accounting.

Instead of a Master’s Degree in Human Resources, students may choose a related degree. For example, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Labor Relations may help with job advancement.

Aspiring HR Managers may not need to obtain a Master’s Degree before seeking work in Human Resources. It is common for HR professionals to pursue Master’s Degrees part-time while holding down a job to shorten the time needed to reach the HR Manager position.

Step 5: Apply for Human Resources Positions

After gaining customer service experience and at least a Bachelor’s Degree, aspiring HR Managers should look for entry-level HR jobs. Common first jobs for this profession include HR Assistant, HR Trainee, and Junior Recruiter.

HR personnel is needed in almost every industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 14% of HR Managers work for companies that offer professional or technical services, such as telecommunications companies and financial institutions. About 11% of HR Managers work in manufacturing while 9% work for the state or federal government.

Step 6: Consider Earning Voluntary Certifications

A variety of professional organizations offer voluntary certifications for Human Resources professionals. Aspiring HR Managers may gain certifications through the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).

The HRCI offers the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) credentials, which are among the most common certifications for HR professionals. The SHRM offers two certifications – the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications.

Over 36% of HR Managers have at least one professional certification. Obtaining a certification is often a necessary step for climbing the ranks from HR Assistant to HR Administrator and eventually HR Manager.

Step 7: Look for Opportunities for Advancement

After obtaining an HR position and earning a certification or two, aspiring Human Resources Managers should begin looking for job opportunities with greater responsibilities.

Depending on the size of the HR department, HR Managers may start as HR Assistants and work their way up. Common HR positions that may eventually lead to a management job include HR Analyst, Recruiter, HR Coordinator, and HR Specialist.

The amount of work experience needed for advancement varies. However, aspiring HR Managers may spend five years or longer working in lower-level positions before achieving the rank of Manager.