Are you looking for a career that helps an organization or business thrive? If so, consider pursuing human resources at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, a Lasallian Catholic university. We offer a B.S. in Human Resources Management program online for people who have previously started a degree and are looking to complete it. Here, we discuss how to get into human resources and information about the career.
What Does a Human Resources Career Involve?
A human resources (HR) professional works for an organization or business and helps to plan and manage their administrative functions. Administrative functions can include recruiting, hiring, training, and compensating employees. HR professionals and managers also make sure their organization complies with employment laws and that employees feel supported and safe at work. Some typical job duties of an HR manager include:
- Coordinating an organization’s workforce to make the most of employees’ talents
- Connecting an organization’s management with its employees
- Planning and overseeing employee benefit programs
- Managing issues with employees like disputes, complaints, or discipline
- Consulting with other managers on human resources issues
- Supervising the work of specialists and support staff
- Directing an organization’s recruitment, interview, selection, and hiring processes
- Overseeing services like payroll, training, benefits, etc.
Human resources managers often work with executives of an organization to strategize about using employees efficiently and managing prospective talent.
How to Get Into Human Resources
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in human resources, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field like business or communications. Most entry-level positions only require a bachelor’s degree, but some higher positions may require a master’s degree. Earning related work experience via an internship or job is also highly recommended.
Benefits of a Career in Human Resources
Careers in human resources can include HR assistants, HR specialists, HR managers, and more. Each role has different unique advantages, but some other general benefits of working in HR include:
Impact Company Culture
Working in HR offers the unique opportunity to influence company culture and productivity and create strong and supportive work environments. Since HR professionals often work with hiring, training, and managing employees, they can directly impact these processes.
Bright Job Outlook
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of human resources managers is projected to grow 6%, and employment of human resources specialists is projected to grow 8%, through 2033, which are both faster than the average for all occupations. These jobs will continue to be needed throughout organizations to support their workforces.
Growth Potential
Working in HR offers various opportunities for advancement and growth. You can start in entry-level positions upon graduating but can work up to higher positions like HR managers over time as you gain experience. You can also pursue a master’s degree or certification to enhance your marketability.
Strong Earning Potential
HR careers offer a strong earning potential, especially as you gain experience and advance to higher positions. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for human resources managers is $136,350 as of May 2023. The salary of HR professionals can depend on what degree they have, what role they work in, their location, their level of experience, and the organization that they work for.
Human Resources Management Program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we have a fully online bachelor’s completion program in Human Resource Management, which can be completed in one year if you have 30 transferrable college credits. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has acknowledged that our program fully aligns with its Human Resources Curriculum Guidebook and Templates, indicating that it provides the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as an HR professional.
Students will learn about key HR principles, including managing employees, fostering organizational leadership, complying with labor laws and regulations, and more. The program has six start times every year, so you don’t have to wait to get started. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we’re proud to accept prior credits, past work experience, and military service that can count toward your degree. Explore the admission requirements for the program or course catalog to learn more.
Finish Your HR Degree at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Now that you know how to get started in human resources, take the first step and apply to the B.S. in Human Resources Management at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. We provide person-centered education that is grounded in Lasallian Catholic principles to produce ethical and compassionate leaders in all areas, including HR. To learn more about the program or its requirements, request more information today to speak with a counselor.
