If you are looking for a rewarding job in the corporate sector, one excellent option is becoming an HR specialist. These individuals are the heartbeat of an organization and ensure that each department has the right kind and number of people. They are also responsible for managing areas like compensation and benefits, employee training and development, and employee relations among other aspects.
Since HR specialists are involved in a myriad of operational aspects of an organization, the path to becoming one can be quite daunting.
That said, a closer look at this career path can help aspiring students understand the requirements and steps to becoming an HR specialist. Continue reading this article to learn what you need to become an HR specialist, and what job scope and salary you can expect in this field. But first, let’s look at what an HR specialist does.
What Do HR Specialists Do
As mentioned earlier, HR specialists handle various tasks to support specific HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, compensation, payroll, benefits administration, and training. They work closely with HR managers to ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.
These professionals play a key role in shaping an organization’s culture and fostering its growth. Besides their responsibilities mentioned above, HR specialists are also tasked with identifying areas for enhancement to boost organizational productivity, engagement, and overall value.
Given the job requirements, these professionals must ideally have a unique blend of soft skills and technical knowledge. They also must have strong skills in relationship-building, problem-solving, and workplace communication.
The specific duties and responsibilities of HR specialists may vary based on the organization’s size and type. However, their general responsibilities include interviewing candidates, mediating disputes, overseeing employee benefits programs, developing performance plans, and ensuring legal compliance. Additionally, HR specialists also design and deliver employee training programs.
How Long Does It Take To Become an HR Specialist
The process of becoming an HR specialist usually takes around three to six years. To qualify for most HR specialist positions, candidates need a bachelor’s degree in a related field, which generally takes three to four years, depending on individual educational backgrounds.
Furthermore, some HR professionals opt for advanced degrees like a master’s in human resources or a Master of Business Administration. While not mandatory, these degrees can increase the candidates’ marketability, with such programs usually lasting an additional two years.
Continue reading to learn what you need to do to become an HR specialist.
How Do I Become an HR Specialist
Now that you have a rough idea of what an HR specialist does, here is the process to become an HR specialist;
Get a Bachelor’s Degree
HR specialists usually get a bachelor’s degree in human resources, psychology, or business administration with an HR focus or a related field. This four-year program comprises 120 to 130 credit hours and covers varied coursework, including HR management, compensation, legal issues, and organizational development. Admission requirements for the program usually include a high school diploma, minimum GPA, and additional elements like letters of recommendation or standardized test scores.
Is it possible to enter the HR field without a degree?
While it is possible, having a relevant educational background provides a significant advantage. There are alternative routes to pursue a career in HR, such as obtaining HR certifications or certificates and gaining experience in related fields like administration, customer service, or management. However, it is worth noting that certain HR positions, particularly in larger organizations, may have a minimum requirement of at least a bachelor’s degree in HR or a related field for applicants.
Get Work Experience in HR or Pursue an Internship
Getting hands-on experience through entry-level roles or internships, such as HR assistant or coordinator positions, can help you get valuable knowledge and skills. In many cases, Internships are incorporated into college programs, so that students can gain practical experience, build a professional network, and add value to their resumes.
Moreover, while not mandatory, earning HR certifications also grows professional credibility and demonstrates your interest and commitment to the field. Relevant certifications can strengthen your position in the job market and show your competence to employers.
Consider Getting a Master’s Degree
A master’s in human resources equips you with advanced knowledge and specialized skills. These programs usually cover areas like leadership, business strategy, and HR analytics, and also include a research component.
Admission requirements for a Master’s degree program may vary but general requirements may include a bachelor’s degree, minimum GPA, and, in some cases, professional work experience, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation as well as an admission essay.
HR Specialist Skills
The skills required for an HR specialist are as diverse as their roles. Here are some of the key skill sets important for all human resources positions:
Attention to detail and organization skills
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date employee records is vital for HR specialists, requiring organizational skills on both digital and physical levels. Similarly, attention to detail is important for ensuring compliance with personnel policies and labor laws.
Communication
Given the nature of their roles, exceptional communication skills are important for HR specialists. Whether they are conducting interviews, addressing employee concerns, or bridging communication between upper management and staff, they must be able to communicate effectively.
Conflict resolution
Workplace disagreements can occur at times, and HR specialists must employ conflict management skills to facilitate understanding between parties. Whether the conflicts are between co-workers or include an employee and management, HR is expected to act as an impartial mediator and ensure fair resolutions.
Good ethical skills
HR specialists are required to handle private employee and company information daily for which they must have high ethical standards. It is important to uphold honesty and forthrightness to maintain confidentiality and privacy rights for all parties involved.
HR Specialist Job Outlook and Salary
The average annual base salary for an HR specialist stood at $64,240 in 2022. Besides the annual financial compensation HR specialists also normally receive benefits such as insurance, professional development assistance, parental leave, and more. However, it is pertinent to mention that the average potential salary for HR specialists may vary based on several factors, including their respective experience, education, location, and local job opportunities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of human resources specialists is expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032. This growth rate is above the average rate for other occupations in the US. The BLS attributes this rapid growth to the requirement to replace employees who transition to alternative occupations or leave the workforce due to various factors, such as retirement.
Final Thoughts
HR specialists play a key role in nurturing a successful organizational environment. Their dual responsibilities of recruiting the right talent and ensuring employee satisfaction require the right blend of business acumen, analytical skills, and effective interpersonal relationships.
If you have these attributes and find satisfaction in making a positive impact through your work, pursuing a career as an HR specialist may be the right move for you.