8 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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8 answers
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.
Kelly Bentz
Human Resources Director
9
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Working in HR is always exciting because no two days are the same. I've been in HR for almost 20 years and love how varied the job is. As an HR generalist or business partner, you might work in different areas depending on the company or industry. You could help solve daily employee issues, plan compensation, advise on organizational changes, or handle hiring and offboarding. In smaller companies, you might also be involved in recruiting or training programs, though larger companies may have dedicated teams for these tasks. HR offers a diverse skill set that keeps things interesting and provides many opportunities for the future.
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!
Caitlin Canton
Human Resources Manager
31
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
I am someone who started a career in consulting, but transitioned into HR and have been working in that space for 8 years. I love it. I always loved working with people - coaching and developing them, giving constructive feedback, and also being there for them when they were struggling. I felt I am a really good listener.
Human Resources can take you down so many different directions! You can work in recruiting where you are finding candidates who could be a good fit for your organization. You could work in more traditional HR, where you are managing day to day employee issues - performance reviews, navigating conflict, going on a leave of absence, offboarding or transferring to another team.
I am excited to now be part of HR strategy - listening to employees and translating that into actions at a leadership level that affect their development, sense of belonging, and the overall culture and environment of the company. I am passionate about my company being a great place for everyone, and I feel like I get to play a small role in helping achieve that through this position.
HR can open a lot of doors and is a really good way to see how a company operates and gain a solid understanding of basic business functions that are required to operate the company!
Human Resources can take you down so many different directions! You can work in recruiting where you are finding candidates who could be a good fit for your organization. You could work in more traditional HR, where you are managing day to day employee issues - performance reviews, navigating conflict, going on a leave of absence, offboarding or transferring to another team.
I am excited to now be part of HR strategy - listening to employees and translating that into actions at a leadership level that affect their development, sense of belonging, and the overall culture and environment of the company. I am passionate about my company being a great place for everyone, and I feel like I get to play a small role in helping achieve that through this position.
HR can open a lot of doors and is a really good way to see how a company operates and gain a solid understanding of basic business functions that are required to operate the company!
Rachel Guajardo-Lopez
HR Manager
2
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Sofia! HR involves several areas of focus. Depending on which area, learning & development, recruitment, benefits, HR generalist, HR Business partner, employee relations, etc, there are many areas that you can explore in HR. That is the great thing about it. You have an opportunity to learn several areas. The first step is typically HR specialist/administrative which helps support the organization administratively. HR is also very fast paced and requires flexibility as things change often (policies, laws, processes, etc). Most focus areas work closely with employees and leaders of the organization. There is a lot of communication and you need to be able to provide guidance while also supporting the organization. Time management is key to help making your day productive. Good luck to you and hope this helps give you insight into HR!
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.
María José Molina
HRBP
5
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.
Heather Matfin SHRM - SCP
Human Resources
4
Answers
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Updated
Heather’s Answer
HR roles offer a dynamic and rewarding experience, blending people support, strategic planning, and culture-building. These roles can vary depending on the company, but they always involve empowering employees and managing organizational risk. What makes HR special is the chance to help people every day. Here are some key areas you can explore:
1. Hiring & Onboarding - This includes reviewing job descriptions, supporting recruiting, and guiding new employees through onboarding.
2. Employee Relations & Support - You'll help resolve conflicts, ensure fair treatment, and foster strong manager-employee relationships while maintaining compliance with workplace rules.
3. Learning, Development & Growth - This involves coaching managers, helping employees grow their skills, and shaping learning experiences for continuous improvement.
4. HR Strategy & Organizational Design - You'll contribute to building or transforming HR models and support policy frameworks and decision-making processes.
5. Compensation, Benefits & Compliance - This includes ensuring pay equity, staying updated with regulations, and evaluating HR service efficiency.
HR offers a wealth of opportunities, especially with the growing focus on AI and its potential to transform our work lives. Best of luck in your HR journey!
1. Hiring & Onboarding - This includes reviewing job descriptions, supporting recruiting, and guiding new employees through onboarding.
2. Employee Relations & Support - You'll help resolve conflicts, ensure fair treatment, and foster strong manager-employee relationships while maintaining compliance with workplace rules.
3. Learning, Development & Growth - This involves coaching managers, helping employees grow their skills, and shaping learning experiences for continuous improvement.
4. HR Strategy & Organizational Design - You'll contribute to building or transforming HR models and support policy frameworks and decision-making processes.
5. Compensation, Benefits & Compliance - This includes ensuring pay equity, staying updated with regulations, and evaluating HR service efficiency.
HR offers a wealth of opportunities, especially with the growing focus on AI and its potential to transform our work lives. Best of luck in your HR journey!