Human Resources

Overview

Human Resources is an extremely diverse field with a variety of different career options. Essentially, HR includes everything related to employees. They focus on attracting, hiring, motivating, keeping, and understanding a company’s employees. Within HR there are different specialties such as employee relations, payroll, recruiting, and compensation. HR managers are the first people candidates meet with when they interview for a job, and the last people they see when they retire, resign, or are let go. These extroverted and organized leaders are a crucial part of every organization. Some tasks an HR manager may oversee include linking employees with their managers, recruiting and selecting employees, handling employee disputes, or making employees aware of any company policies. 

Requirements
In order to become an HR manager, there are a couple of common requirements. The first is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in either human resources, business management, education, IT, or organizational behavior. It may be helpful during undergrad to also enroll in psychology or conflict management courses. With a bachelor’s degree, individuals may begin their careers in HR, but it can be helpful to also complete a master’s degree in human resources, labor relations, or business administration. Some enter the workforce in an entry level or rotation job to allow them to gain experience and explore the different aspects of HR. Both programs are very helpful for determining a specialty. Throughout the HR career, professionals continue to hone their skills by completing certifications under The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), HR Certification Institute (HRCI), WorldatWork, or International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.

What Can High School Students Do:

• Join student/class council, ASB, or any leadership program to hone your leadership and interpersonal skills
• Enroll in Drama, Choir, Band/Orchestra, or Speech and Debate to improve communication skills
• Build relationships with your peers and practice interacting and networking
• Create a LinkedIn to try networking with a variety of students and professionals
• Take a business class at your local community college
• Take an HR course
  • Online: https://alison.com/courses/human-resources 

Please check out the sources below, they have links connecting more websites to further your research!

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/mobile/human-resources-managers.htm#:~:text=team%20of%20specialists.-,Human%20resources%20managers%20plan%2C%20coordinate%2C%20and%20direct%20the%20administrative%20functions,organization's%20management%20and%20its%20employees. 
• https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-news/pages/how-to-get-entry-level-hr-job.aspx