Is human resources a good major?

I see the balance of HR as a major and a career. I've been practicing HR for 25+ years - it's been rewarding for the most part. I only wish one of my professors would have addressed the reality of what HR practitioners do. Recruitment, total rewards, performance management, legislation advice, employee relations, helping to shape a culture.... the list is endless and varied and all pretty exciting. But there are also terminations, and downsizing and often seeing people battle some of their worst days.

Like any career, it has its ups and downs and it's important to let people know when choosing HR as a major that as they advance their careers, they often have to engage in the more negative side of what we do, and it's not for everyone.

My best advice - eyes wide open when picking any major. Talk to professionals in the field if you can before you choose. And make sure your major can lead to a career that will make you happy.

Human Resources is the field that works for a company or organization's own employees - hiring, training, compensation, termination, etc.

Compensation and Benefits: These people do an analysis to make sure that you are being paid competitively with the current market (or a percentage thereof, as directed by upper mgt). They will also shop for healthcare options and other benefits.

Training and Development: They do the training. Sometimes from programs they develop themselves, sometimes from programs they buy. Much training has gone to Computer Based Training, reducing, but not eliminating, the need for these positions.

Applicant Processing: They keep up with the applications, and refer applicants out to the hiring managers. They may also do the "on-boarding," which is the processing of new hires, making sure all required paperwork is completed. Also do recruiting, going to college and other job fairs.

Labor Relations: If there is a union involved, these employees do the contract negotiations.

Generalists and Specialists: May work in one of the above fields, or in general Human Resources. They handle "issues." Workers Comp, Unemployment Claims, Grievances, ADA accommodations, going out on sick leave/FMLA, discrimination/retaliation complaints, etc.

Is Human Resources a good major? That depends on you! Sadly, my experience with the HR Dept. at two employers has not been good. And, working at the Workforce Center, I have heard too many bad stories. These concern situations where employees have taken legitimate concerns to HR, only to find that HR does nothing to help them, and instead does whatever it can to protect the company and the managers who have wronged them. I have, however, heard of one or two good companies out there who truly believe in ethics and morals - if you can find a company like that to work for, then, it would be a good job. Look beyond the mission/vision/core values. Research the company thoroughly!

Kim

Yes, the HR field is very diverse and has a variety of disciplines (topics) that can support many areas of interest. For example, if you are an extrovert and not intimidated to meet new people and learn about their careers, you can explore the Recruitment discipline. Extroverts also work well in Employee Relations and Performance Management. If you are more of an introvert and want to stay behind the scenes, you can explore the administrative disciplines like HRIS Analyst or Payroll (some organizations) or Benefits Administration. The market seems to always support HR roles since the function is needed when a company is growing, and also need if a company is downsizing. Overall, if you become a valuable resource to an HR function or department, there is always work to be done!

I think Human Resources is a great major, there so many areas of study in human resources and the level of pay is pretty good as well. You can go into training and development, recruiting or become an HR Manager.

The answer to this question is an individual one, as the area of Human Resources has a vast array of applications. Getting to know yourself better and getting to know people in this area will allow you to determine if this is a good major for you to pursue.

Getting to know yourself and how your personality traits relate to people involved in various career opportunities is very important in your decision making process. During my many years in Human Resources and College Recruiting, I ran across too many students who had skipped this very important step and ended up in a job situation which for which they were not well suited. Selecting a career area is like buying a pair of shoes. First you have to be properly fitted for the correct size, and then you need to try on and walk in the various shoe options to determine which is fits the best and is most comfortable for you to wear. Following are some important steps which I developed during my career which have been helpful to many .

HR was a good major for my career however you will have to evaluate whether or not it will be a good major for your personal situation. When I went back to school to get a HR degree I had a non HR leadership position and I was trying to learn a new skill set. I believe the knowledge you gain with a HR degree can help you in the professional world even if you don't have a HR titled position. As a manager, I complete many HR related items and having knowledge in areas like employment law is a great asset. I have now moved into an operations role that is directly connected to the hiring and training of new employees. I am able to use my education to help me with my job duties. Overall, there are many areas of a business that a HR degree can come in handy and may be a great way to diversify your skill set.