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What are your best tips for a young adult navigating human resources?
Rising Senior
Sociology Major Speech Communications Minor
Pursuing career in Human Resources
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6 answers
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Laura’s Answer
I agree that an internship in Human Resources is helpful to determine which area of HR you would like to specialize or if you would like to explore more general HR. The larger the organization is, the more opportunity there is to specialize. A smaller organization will require you to wear multiple hats. One of the great things about HR though, is that it is part of all types of industries. In addition to researching the type of role you would be interested in, I would recommend researching the type of industry and the size of the company you would prefer.
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Emily’s Answer
Hi, Jadiah! I've picked up a few things in my HR career that might help. First, being flexible is super important because things are always changing. It's okay if change feels a bit uncomfortable at first. Also, try to build strong communication skills—they really make a difference!
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Amy’s Answer
When thinking about your future, there are lots of exciting parts of Human Resources to explore. Trying an internship in HR can give you a great idea of what daily work is like.
In a small company, an HR generalist might do many different tasks each day, keeping things interesting. On the other hand, a full-time Recruiter focuses on matching the right job candidates with hiring managers, which can be very rewarding.
I would suggest researching the different pathways within human resources including degree specializations.
I would also suggest an internship experience to get hands on with Human Resources.
In a small company, an HR generalist might do many different tasks each day, keeping things interesting. On the other hand, a full-time Recruiter focuses on matching the right job candidates with hiring managers, which can be very rewarding.
Amy recommends the following next steps:
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Marina’s Answer
Hi Jadiah,
I agree with Amy, these are great ways to start and get acquainted with the various areas within the HR field. In addition, a certification like SHRM-CP (certified professional) will help put the field into perspective as you gain more experience. It would be great if you are able to work for a larger organization that has a full HR department so that you can learn from mentors, first in compliance areas and then moving into leadership and workplace-culture-building, as your career advances. Also remember that as an HR representative, you are a member of Management for your employer (the company) - often we get confused for a therapist or a lawyer. Feel confident in setting these boundaries while still providing excellent service to employees - they are HR's customers! Wishing you every success!
I agree with Amy, these are great ways to start and get acquainted with the various areas within the HR field. In addition, a certification like SHRM-CP (certified professional) will help put the field into perspective as you gain more experience. It would be great if you are able to work for a larger organization that has a full HR department so that you can learn from mentors, first in compliance areas and then moving into leadership and workplace-culture-building, as your career advances. Also remember that as an HR representative, you are a member of Management for your employer (the company) - often we get confused for a therapist or a lawyer. Feel confident in setting these boundaries while still providing excellent service to employees - they are HR's customers! Wishing you every success!
Updated
Rumyana’s Answer
Hello Jadiah,
I would say the best advice I can give you is: cultivate emotional intelligence, polish your communication skills, focus on stakeholder and relationship management skills, problem solving, patience, negotiation as well as analytical skills. An HR role is not an easy one as it is not only about helping people but about solving their problems and helping them grow in the corporate world.
I would strongly encourage you to build up your business acumen - as HR is a supporting function we need to understand our leaders and speak their language.
In addition, be proactive, ask questions, develop a diverse skillset (grow both soft and technical skills - be ready for the digital world we live in), explore different HR domains, develop your program management and leadership skills :)
Wishing you best of luck!
Rumyana
I would say the best advice I can give you is: cultivate emotional intelligence, polish your communication skills, focus on stakeholder and relationship management skills, problem solving, patience, negotiation as well as analytical skills. An HR role is not an easy one as it is not only about helping people but about solving their problems and helping them grow in the corporate world.
I would strongly encourage you to build up your business acumen - as HR is a supporting function we need to understand our leaders and speak their language.
In addition, be proactive, ask questions, develop a diverse skillset (grow both soft and technical skills - be ready for the digital world we live in), explore different HR domains, develop your program management and leadership skills :)
Wishing you best of luck!
Rumyana
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
Hi Jadiah,
I agree with other perspectives shared above! There are so many different competencies and sub-specialties within the HR world. An internship is a great way to get exposed to those functions and see which you like best. There were some specialties I thought I'd really enjoy only to realize they weren't what I thought they'd be once I dabbled in them. And try to push yourself out of your comfort zone to try areas that might intimidate you. (Quant has never been my strong suit, but I loved learning about compensation and it has really made me a better manager and advocate for myself.)
Keep in mind that all these experiences "trying" things can lead to a role as a HR Business Partner. At my company, HRBPs tend to do a little of everything and get to flex a lot of different muscles across the entire HR competencies.
Good luck!
I agree with other perspectives shared above! There are so many different competencies and sub-specialties within the HR world. An internship is a great way to get exposed to those functions and see which you like best. There were some specialties I thought I'd really enjoy only to realize they weren't what I thought they'd be once I dabbled in them. And try to push yourself out of your comfort zone to try areas that might intimidate you. (Quant has never been my strong suit, but I loved learning about compensation and it has really made me a better manager and advocate for myself.)
Keep in mind that all these experiences "trying" things can lead to a role as a HR Business Partner. At my company, HRBPs tend to do a little of everything and get to flex a lot of different muscles across the entire HR competencies.
Good luck!