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Where is the best place I can find a job in human resources after graduating college?

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Ashley’s Answer

Hi Erica,

The best way to get experience in HR after college is by applying to HR Generalist/HR Coordinator, People Operations Coordinator, or Recruiting Coordinator roles. All three positions are a great way to get entry-level experience in a wide variety of industries.

I did not have a background at all in HR, but after just 1 year of being a recruiting coordinator, I had the opportunity to work with all areas of HR (and the business), including HR Business Partners, the compensation team, payroll, benefits, etc. In any of the 3 positions I mentioned, you really get to see how all the functions of HR work on a general level. I encourage you, seeing how they work and what you might be interested in, to ask them to mentor you or allow you to shadow them, and take on extra projects!

Ashley recommends the following next steps:

Research HR Coordinator, People Operations Coordinator, and Recruiting Coordinator roles
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Gloria’s Answer

Oh best is a relative term. I think that it is important that you are passionate about where you work. A lot of HR is about being knowledgeable and passionate about the company that you work for. I have worked for banks, a pharmaceutical company, an online travel company, and a technology company. I have been able to passionate about all of these industries. There are other industries where I am not sure that I would be able to bring passion to it. Another consideration is how you want to experience your HR career. I work for a very large organization with a large number of Human Resources opportunities that allow you to be very specialized. For example, I am an Instructional Designer, creating training that others teach or consume through web-based training. That is a very specialized field. Some businesses have a single HR person who has to have a large variety of skills. I have been the one person training department. That made me an Instructional Designer / Trainer / Scheduler / Manager which took a lot more skill and effort. What I really like about HR is that these skills allow you to work across as many industries as you want during your working life.
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Jessica’s Answer

One of the best places to start a career in Human Resources is in a rotational program. Many companies offer 2-3 year long rotational programs throughout the HR department which give you the opportunity to experience different parts of the HR function before landing in a permanent role. These programs are full-time employment and typically offer the same compensation/benefits packages as a regular entry level role in HR but give you the flexibility to try out a few different parts of HR to continue learning post-college.
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Aundraya N.’s Answer

Hi Erika! These are all great answers. I also recommend that you consider opportunities to work as an Administrative Assistant or HR Assistant. Even if you don’t land in HR initially, seek out opportunities to work on projects that allow you to engage with other departments/teams. This can give you exposure that may open doors to future opportunities.

Aundraya N. recommends the following next steps:

Explore entry level HR jobs
Connect with HR professionals and ask for informational interviews via LinkedIn
Check out the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Join your local SHRM chapter
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Traci’s Answer

Hi Erica,

The best place to find a job in Human Resources is wherever you can get your foot in the door. That could mean taking a role outside of your general area, but getting the experience is key to moving up in Human Resources. Once you have gained employment in HR, I would suggest that you execute well and gain knowledge on other disciplines with HR. Also, look into getting a certification. All of these skills and capabilities will help you as you navigate your career.

Hope this helps.
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Angela’s Answer

Depends on location but I recommend getting experience while you are still in school. Look for internships and speak with your department about opportunities they know of locally. Networking is important. Sometimes it isn’t what you know but it’s who you know. Email some of your favorite organizations and ask to volunteer. Think outside the box.

Angela recommends the following next steps:

Breathe
Brainstorm your next steps
Don’t be afraid of uncertainty. Embrace it!
When people say no, don’t internalize it!
Be patient!
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Erica’s Answer

The best place to find HR jobs is visiting company and career websites. For entry-level HR jobs, I agree, looking for coordinator level positions is a good level to start. I started as a recruiting coord for our college recruiting program, i helped get the interview teams ready for recruitment events on various campuses, managed mass interviewing events etc. then moved into a Campus Recruiter role, owning the recruitment for our intern and entry-level recruitment opportunities. Then decided to move into an HR business partner role.

There's so many places you can go in HR. At a small company, you might do a little of everything, at larger companies, you'll start being more of a generalist, but then can move into payroll, benefits, employee relations, business partners etc.
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Gabriela’s Answer

Hello Erica,
A great tool to have been a LinkedIn to find available positions after graduating. I have not graduated but find that LinkedIn is one of the greats resources to look. I just recently created one and have already seen many opportunities and that makes me feel hopeful after graduating. Knowing that many on LinkedIn are looking for someone with a Human Resource college degree makes me secure about my choice in the field.

Good luck!
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Kim’s Answer

Erica,

I see the most openings for positions in Recruiting and Applicant Processing /Onboarding (New hires starting with the company). Lots of companies to choose from.

I recommend you familiarize yourself with the different HR specializations, and take coursework that will help you move up the ladder. Some of these include:

  1. compensation and benefits (figuring out how much various titles should earn, comparing them to other employers, etc; healthcare benefits packages, other ways to retain employees - turnover is costly!)
  2. training
  3. compliance. All the letters of the alphabet! (ADA - disabilities), EEOC (discrimination, responding to EEOC charges on behalf of the company) laws pertaining to the hiring of veterans, FLSA (fair labor standards act - overtime laws, etc), FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act)

I wish you much success in your chosen field!
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Alexis’s Answer

I believe the best kept secret to finding a job after college is using your college resources. Alumni, college career platforms, organizations where you personally meet professionals and also your future colleagues. I'm in an HR organization and job opportunities pop up there all the time.
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