Now more than ever, human resources (HR) departments play a crucial role in the success of businesses and organizations. Companies rely on HR departments to maximize employee productivity, create benefits packages, find and maintain talent, and implement company-wide policies that improve operations. That’s a tall order for HR professionals, but one that comes with high job satisfaction, great earning potential, and plenty of opportunity for growth. It may even open the door to an executive-level position in a company.
If this sounds like the kind of career you’re after, then keep reading to learn more about this in-demand field and how you can be a part of it.
1. You want a fast-growing career outlook.
Because HR plays a crucial role in helping companies run smoothly, it’s no wonder that it has become one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that an additional 78,700 HR jobs will flood the industry by 2032. And the salary is just as strong as the career outlook. The average income for an HR professional in the United States is about $68,576 per year, according to Indeed, even for entry- level positions. Those with more experience, who earn in the top 10%, make more than $100,000 each year.
2. You enjoy working with people.
HR professionals interact with everyone, ranging from new hires and top talent to leadership and company owners. In other words, HR is the business of people. For this reason, it’s important to have strong interpersonal skills and social finesse to succeed in this person-facing role.
3. You seek variety and growth.
HR is becoming an increasingly specialized field that covers areas such as recruiting, benefits and compensation, learning and development, labor relations, employee training, and more. Specializing within the HR field can help you pursue specific positions in a company that align with your experience and interests. It can also help you climb the career ladder quickly.
4. You want to boost businesses and employees.
HR professionals help businesses stay profitable by keeping employees engaged, upholding employment laws, facilitating the hiring process, ensuring a positive work environment, processing payroll, and more. Specific roles in HR such as consultants, development managers, and human resources specialists can directly impact future success through training, development strategies, and talent acquisition.
5. You can handle tricky situations with ease.
Working in HR means sometimes working through employees’ interpersonal issues. This requires tact and professionalism—as well as the ability to uphold employee confidentiality, maintain mutual respect, and stay approachable.
6. You’re a strategic, analytical thinker.
In recent years, the function of HR has shifted from an administrative role to more of a strategic one. Now, HR departments are needed to help execute organizational goals and support company culture. This requires HR professionals who can think strategically and make careful decisions while considering possible outcomes. Great HR professionals can maximize employee performance through policies and tools that help the company’s strategic goals.6. Within recent years, the function of HR has shifted from an administrative role to more of a strategic one. Now, HR departments are needed to help execute organizational goals and support company culture. This requires HR professionals who can think strategically and make careful decisions about possible outcomes. Great HR professionals can maximize employee performance through policies and tools that help the company’s strategic goals.
Because of a competitive landscape, many HR roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in human resources management, business, or a related field. WGU’s online bachelor's degree in HR management is designed with input from industry experts so graduates are prepared with the skills and knowledge employers want. The degree program also allows students to earn credentials in human resources management, strategic thinking and innovation, and leadership that allow you to showcase specific, in-demand skills on your résumé before you even graduate. These valuable certificates are included in the degree program at no additional cost.
Setting yourself apart with certificates, a bachelor’s degree in HR, and work experience and can prepare you for a long, successful, and lucrative career. Take the first step by applying for an accredited HR management degree at WGU today.
Is HR a good career?
Growth, opportunity, job satisfaction, variety, and earning potential—if you’re looking for a career path that offers all this and more, then human resources is one to consider.
What can you do with a human resources degree?
A human resources degree offers diverse career opportunities, as HR professionals play vital roles in recruitment, employee management, benefits administration, setting policies, and shaping company culture. While specializing in an area like recruitment or benefits analysis can open the door to new roles within human resources, experience in the field also translates to other areas of business. Thanks to additional skills acquired in HR roles—such as communication, training, and leadership—HR graduates can leverage their expertise and excel in roles like career counseling, executive recruitment, and marketing. This versatility in career options makes a human resources degree a valuable asset for those seeking a diverse and fulfilling career path.
What are some common careers in human resources?
Every company needs human resources professionals to recruit and manage employees, shape company culture, administer benefits, set policies, handle employee relations, and serve as business partners to the organization's leaders. These are just some of the career titles you can hold with the help of a bachelor's or master's degree in human resources.
- HR Generalist
- Recruitment Specialist
- Talent Acquisition Manager
- HR Specialist
- Training and Development Specialist
- Director of HR
- Compensation and Benefits Analyst
- HR Business Partner
- HR Manager
- Benefits Manager
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist
