We all know that an organisation is only as good as its employees. Making Human Resources departments an extremely important role for all organisations.
If you’re still deciding on what career you’d like to pursue or you are seeking a change of career, we explore why to study human resources and what type of career trajectory you might expect following your Diploma in Human Resources Management.
What is Human Resource Management and what’s involved in an HR role?
Human Resource Management focuses on improving the productivity of an organisation through principles, technologies and methods. HR professionals do this by creating policies and strategies to increase the productivity and value of their employees.
Here are a few of the key areas Human Resource professionals can work in:
- Coaching and Training
- Recruitment
- Organisational development
- Benefits and compensation
- Employee relations
Your tasks may be focused on just one of these areas or multiple areas, depending on the size of the company and the exact HR role you take on.
Main tasks and responsibilities in Human Resources
Working in an HR role comes with a wide range of common tasks you will likely be undertaking. Some of the typical tasks for HR professionals include:
- Interviewing and hiring new employees
- Overseeing the departure of current employees
- Addressing concerns raised by employees
- Creating and maintaining company culture
- Solving conflict within the organisation
- Helping employees develop the necessary skills for their role
- Implementing reward systems
- Establishing a positive and enjoyable working environment
- Helping new employees adjust to their new role
- Evaluating employee and overall work performance
What level of education do I need to work in Human Resources?
There are different levels of education you can undertake to gain employment in the HR industry. If you are the type of person that is looking for practical human resources skills, as opposed to a focus on theory-based learning, then a Diploma of Human Resources might be well suited to you.
Our easy to follow, purely digital online course is practical and up to date with all of the industry’s hot topics. So you’re ready to design smart strategies and implement powerful processes in your workplace as soon as you graduate from the course.
In modern workplaces, having certain skills and capabilities tends to be more important than having a specific degree. But we know that having a good education will naturally help you to practise and learn the relevant skills and knowledge required for a profession in Human Resources.
What qualities do I need to be good at HR?
Social Intelligence
One thing computers can’t do is understand human behaviour and emotions. This is something you’ll need to be good at if working as a Human Resources professional.
Understanding what people want and what motivates them to get a job done is a very valuable skill to have in HR. You also need to able to provide and deliver on the wishes of certain target groups. Once you can do this, you’ll be able to quickly respond to their signals. Acquiring these traits will also help you to prevent disputes or conflict before they arise.
Problem-solving skills
Having good problem-solving skills is something employees need to have in most jobs. But working in Human Resources you don’t just need good problem-solving skills, you need to have great problem-solving skills. This is because in your role you’re likely to encounter problems often and these problems will likely be your responsibility to solve.
Great interpersonal skills
Working in HR means you’ll be working with various people from a wide range of backgrounds. If collaborating with others is something you enjoy, then studying Human Resources could be a great option for you. It’s important you acquire good communication skills, are flexible and can work well collaboratively in multi-cultural environments.
Within your role, you’ll be working with other people within your department, employees, future employees and the senior executive team of the organisations.
Resourcefulness
To stay ahead of the game creativity and resourcefulness are required. Working in an HR role means you’ll need to be able to come up with new working procedures and develop authentic ideas which make your organisation stand out from its competitors as an employer of choice.
Understanding of new media
Understanding how to use different channels of communication is a must. Especially if you have a dispersed workforce where face to face discussions are not common. Consider photos, podcasts, videos, blogs, and infographics as a way to bring the team together. The days of static PowerPoint presentations for inductions are just about over.
Why studying Human Resources leads to a great career
Job Diversity
Studying Human Resource doesn’t just open doors within the HR field. The subjects you’re required to undertake are broad and can also lead to numerous career paths and job positions within the business world.
Skills you need for HR such as managing people and client relationships are also fundamental skills you need in business. So, when studying HR you are also opening doors to other opportunities to lead teams.
Working with others
If you enjoy working with others and meeting new people, then HR could be the career for you. Working with people such as clients, colleagues and senior HR management is a huge part of any role in Human Resources.
Having a good understanding of human behaviour will be extremely useful in an HR role. This is because managing staff relations from the interview process to conflict resolution are aspects you will have to undertake in your role. These are great skills to acquire in business.
Future opportunities
Working within the HR department means you are working in a role with lots of responsibility and may be making many important decisions. If you find you are good at it, you can find success quickly. Because of the level of authority involved in senior HR positions, they are paid generously. This is just another benefit of studying Human Resources.
Job Satisfaction
Job satisfaction is one of the best parts of working in HR. Even from the beginning of your career, you’ll very quickly be able to see the results of your work.
You’ll also be able to measure the positive impacts you’re making within the workplace. The parts you may find most satisfying range from improving employee salaries and benefits, offering someone a promotion or a job position and creating processes to improve staff retention. Another rewarding aspect of the role of HR is training and coaching employees.
A chance to make a positive difference
If you’re a great Human Resources professional, you can have an extremely positive impact on the people within your company. Ensuring employee welfare and happiness is your daily professional responsibility.
Every day will be different
If you like having variety in your job, then HR could be the career for you. One day you might be resolving conflict and the next you could be interviewing candidates for an upcoming role.
There will always be new challenges that come up but it’s these challenges that keep HR roles exciting and engaging.
Interested in a career in Human Resources?
Monarch Institute’s human resources teaching team are here to help you with your career ambitions. From the exclusive student Facebook page to the insider advice from trainers, your Monarch Institute qualification is more than just a piece of paper. It’s your foot in the door to becoming a successful Human Resources Professional. Check out the online course and enrol today.
If you have any questions about studying human resources, get in touch with us on 1300 738 955.
