4 answers
Sofia
Student
1
Question
Asked
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What does a day look like as someone who is in human resources or real estate ?
I am currently in highschool and looking for what I want to do in my future is so much pressure and overwhelming. I just want more information on what these two majors have to offer.
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4 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Sofia. If you work in human resources, your job is to help a company take care of its employees. Most HR workers spend their day talking with people, solving problems, and helping things run smoothly at work. In the morning, you might answer emails from employees who have questions about their pay, time off, or benefits. You might also meet with managers to talk about hiring new workers or fixing workplace issues. Later in the day, you could look through job applications, interview candidates, or plan training sessions to help employees learn new skills. Sometimes, you'll help settle disagreements between workers or make sure company rules are being followed. HR jobs are great for people who are friendly, organized, and like helping others succeed. It's a career that involves teamwork, communication, and leadership.
A career in real estate looks very different. Real estate agents help people buy, sell, or rent homes and buildings. Every day can be different, which makes the job exciting. In the morning, you might check your emails, research property prices, and prepare listings for houses that are for sale. Later, you might meet clients to show them homes, take photos for ads, or negotiate deals between buyers and sellers. Real estate agents often work on their own schedule, but that can mean working evenings or weekends when clients are available. This career is great for people who are outgoing, confident, and enjoy talking to new people. It also helps to be motivated and good at managing your time since you often work independently.
Both careers can be rewarding and lead to good opportunities. HR offers steady office work and the chance to help companies grow. Real estate gives you more freedom and the excitement of helping people find their dream homes. The best way to choose is to think about what you enjoy more. Hope this helps.
A career in real estate looks very different. Real estate agents help people buy, sell, or rent homes and buildings. Every day can be different, which makes the job exciting. In the morning, you might check your emails, research property prices, and prepare listings for houses that are for sale. Later, you might meet clients to show them homes, take photos for ads, or negotiate deals between buyers and sellers. Real estate agents often work on their own schedule, but that can mean working evenings or weekends when clients are available. This career is great for people who are outgoing, confident, and enjoy talking to new people. It also helps to be motivated and good at managing your time since you often work independently.
Both careers can be rewarding and lead to good opportunities. HR offers steady office work and the chance to help companies grow. Real estate gives you more freedom and the excitement of helping people find their dream homes. The best way to choose is to think about what you enjoy more. Hope this helps.
Andrea Magaña Vergara
HRBP
1
Answer
Guadalajara
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
Hi Sofia! I've worked in HR, focusing on both Learning & Development and Business Partnership.
In Learning & Development, I organized and prepared myself to teach courses. I learned the material thoroughly, did the necessary research, and managed my study process to be ready for both in-person and online classes. Public speaking, engaging with others, answering questions, and encouraging discussions were part of my daily tasks.
As an HR Business Partner, my role is broader. I support leaders worldwide with various topics like promotions, layoffs, and career development, to name a few. Each day is different, and it's important to be curious and willing to learn about the business to offer good advice. You don't need to know everything right away, but it's helpful to understand the bigger picture. If you don't have an answer, it's okay to say you'll find out and follow up. More than having to be all-knowing, leaders and stakeholders appreciate transparent communication and someone who follows through.
In general, communication is crucial, both in writing and speaking. Building trust and credibility with those you support is essential. I suggest having regular check-ins with leaders, like biweekly meetings, in addition to email support. Listening actively and empathetically is also very important.
In short, HR roles can be varied, and different skills are needed for each. But you do need to have an inclination for communicating with others, listening, and actively trying to find solutions or the most appropriate strategies. Roles in HR also require organizational and time-management skills.
Hope this gives you a bit more clarity! Best of luck!
In Learning & Development, I organized and prepared myself to teach courses. I learned the material thoroughly, did the necessary research, and managed my study process to be ready for both in-person and online classes. Public speaking, engaging with others, answering questions, and encouraging discussions were part of my daily tasks.
As an HR Business Partner, my role is broader. I support leaders worldwide with various topics like promotions, layoffs, and career development, to name a few. Each day is different, and it's important to be curious and willing to learn about the business to offer good advice. You don't need to know everything right away, but it's helpful to understand the bigger picture. If you don't have an answer, it's okay to say you'll find out and follow up. More than having to be all-knowing, leaders and stakeholders appreciate transparent communication and someone who follows through.
In general, communication is crucial, both in writing and speaking. Building trust and credibility with those you support is essential. I suggest having regular check-ins with leaders, like biweekly meetings, in addition to email support. Listening actively and empathetically is also very important.
In short, HR roles can be varied, and different skills are needed for each. But you do need to have an inclination for communicating with others, listening, and actively trying to find solutions or the most appropriate strategies. Roles in HR also require organizational and time-management skills.
Hope this gives you a bit more clarity! Best of luck!
Lua Gimenez
Program Manager
1
Answer
São Paulo, Brazil
Updated
Lua’s Answer
HR offers many career paths, each with different daily tasks:
Talent Acquisition & Onboarding:
- Find and hire new employees.
- Write job descriptions, find candidates, review applications, conduct interviews, and make job offers.
- Handle new hire paperwork, conduct orientation, and set up payroll and benefits.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Ensure employees receive fair pay and benefits.
- Manage health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Process payroll accurately and on time.
- Research and set competitive salaries and benefits.
Employee Relations:
- Manage employer-employee relationships and promote a positive workplace.
- Resolve conflicts and oversee disciplinary actions.
- Boost morale and engagement with initiatives.
- Manage performance appraisals and feedback.
HR Compliance and Policy:
- Ensure the company follows employment laws.
- Develop and update company policies and handbooks.
- Keep accurate and confidential employee records.
Training and Development:
- Help employees develop skills and plan careers.
- Create and deliver training programs.
- Support career planning and succession planning.
In small businesses, an HR generalist might handle all these tasks. Larger companies often have specialized roles like Recruiters or Benefits Specialists.
To learn more, connect with someone in HR on LinkedIn at a company you're interested in. Ask for a virtual chat to learn about their day-to-day work. This can expand your network and understanding of HR.
Talent Acquisition & Onboarding:
- Find and hire new employees.
- Write job descriptions, find candidates, review applications, conduct interviews, and make job offers.
- Handle new hire paperwork, conduct orientation, and set up payroll and benefits.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Ensure employees receive fair pay and benefits.
- Manage health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Process payroll accurately and on time.
- Research and set competitive salaries and benefits.
Employee Relations:
- Manage employer-employee relationships and promote a positive workplace.
- Resolve conflicts and oversee disciplinary actions.
- Boost morale and engagement with initiatives.
- Manage performance appraisals and feedback.
HR Compliance and Policy:
- Ensure the company follows employment laws.
- Develop and update company policies and handbooks.
- Keep accurate and confidential employee records.
Training and Development:
- Help employees develop skills and plan careers.
- Create and deliver training programs.
- Support career planning and succession planning.
In small businesses, an HR generalist might handle all these tasks. Larger companies often have specialized roles like Recruiters or Benefits Specialists.
To learn more, connect with someone in HR on LinkedIn at a company you're interested in. Ask for a virtual chat to learn about their day-to-day work. This can expand your network and understanding of HR.
María José Molina
HRBP
3
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
María José’s Answer
I will give you my input as HR, it’s important to highlight that HR has many different areas — such as Talent Acquisition (recruiting), Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, Employee Relations, HR Operations, and HR Business Partners. Each area focuses on different parts of the employee experience.
A day in Human Resources usually involves supporting people and helping the organization run smoothly. You might spend part of your day meeting with employees, answering questions, or helping managers with hiring needs. HR also handles interviews, reviews resumes, organizes trainings, and works on employee engagement or development initiatives. Some days you focus on problem-solving workplace situations; other days are about planning, analyzing data, or improving processes.
As an HR Business Partner (HRBP), specifically, your day often includes working closely with leaders to understand their team’s needs, discussing talent strategies, supporting performance and development conversations, and helping guide organizational decisions. HRBPs act as strategic partners — connecting the goals of the business with the needs of the people — while also being a trusted advisor for employees. It’s a role that requires strong communication, empathy, confidentiality, and the ability to think both short-term and long-term.
No two days look exactly the same, but HR is all about creating a positive work environment where people can succeed and helping the organization grow through its talent.
A day in Human Resources usually involves supporting people and helping the organization run smoothly. You might spend part of your day meeting with employees, answering questions, or helping managers with hiring needs. HR also handles interviews, reviews resumes, organizes trainings, and works on employee engagement or development initiatives. Some days you focus on problem-solving workplace situations; other days are about planning, analyzing data, or improving processes.
As an HR Business Partner (HRBP), specifically, your day often includes working closely with leaders to understand their team’s needs, discussing talent strategies, supporting performance and development conversations, and helping guide organizational decisions. HRBPs act as strategic partners — connecting the goals of the business with the needs of the people — while also being a trusted advisor for employees. It’s a role that requires strong communication, empathy, confidentiality, and the ability to think both short-term and long-term.
No two days look exactly the same, but HR is all about creating a positive work environment where people can succeed and helping the organization grow through its talent.