15 answers
Sanilia
Student
Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
3
Questions
Asked
1263 views
would like to know more about HR career
If anyone out there from the HR field and students pursuing this field ,I would love to hear more about how your weekdays are like, how ur HR studies were/are and etc;
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15 answers
Jennifer Stearns-Heniford
Recruiting Team Lead
3
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hello there! The field of Human Resources is a vibrant, dynamic landscape that's always evolving. It's a great idea to delve into the HR areas that spark your interest or align with your personal strengths. My role is in Talent Acquisition within HR, and my day is filled with engaging conversations with potential candidates and fellow team members. It's typically a Monday to Friday, 8 to 5 kind of job. I'm part of a retail organization where numerous HR leaders are based in our stores, traveling across regions to work closely with existing employees and store teams to drive performance. This kind of role offers a less predictable schedule and the opportunity for travel. Reflect on your own lifestyle and preferences - do you enjoy being on the move? Would you prefer a desk job?
Thanks for the advice.
Sanilia
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1352
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Sanilia several disciplines make up the HR department, and human resources managers working at smaller companies might perform more than one of the five main duties: talent management, compensation and benefits for employees, training and development, compliance, and workplace safety.
TALENT MANAGEMENT
The talent management team in the HR department covers a lot of ground. What used to be distinct areas of the department have been rolled up under one umbrella. The talent management team is responsible for recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining employees. Recruiters are the heavy lifters in building any company’s workforce. They’re responsible for the total hiring process including posting positions on job boards, sourcing candidates through job fairs and social media, serving as the first-line contacts for running background checks to screen candidates, conducting the initial interviews.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
In smaller companies the compensation and benefits roles can often be overseen by one or two human resources professionals, but companies with a larger workforce will typically split up the duties. HR functions in compensation include evaluating the pay practices of competitors and establishing the compensation structure. The compensation department is also responsible for creating job descriptions in tandem with department managers, as well as working with talent management on succession planning. On the benefits side, HR practitioners are typically responsible for functions such as negotiating group health coverage rates with insurance carriers or coordinating with the company’s 401(k) administrator. Of course, payroll is also part of the compensation and benefits area of HR, but many companies choose to outsource this function to a bookkeeper or payroll service provider.
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Every company wants to see its employees thrive, which means providing them with all the tools they need to succeed. These tools aren’t necessarily physical such as laptops, job-related software, or tools for a particular trade; they can include new employee orientation, leadership training programs, personal and professional development, and managerial training. Training and development (sometimes called learning and development) is an integral part of the HR team. Depending on the type of employee role played at the company, the training team might be responsible for building out instructional programs that have a direct effect on the success of the business. Today, many colleges and universities offer degrees in training and development; an instructional design degree would also be helpful in this role.
COMPLIANCE
Legal and regulatory compliance is a critical component of any HR department. Employment and labor laws are highly complex, and having a team devoted to monitoring this ever-changing landscape is essential to keeping companies out of trouble with federal, state, and local governments’ laws. When a business is out of compliance, it can result in applicants or employees filing claims based on discriminatory hiring and employment practices or hazardous working conditions. The compliance practitioner or team must fully understand employment laws and dozens of other rules and regulations.
WORKPLACE SAFETY
Of course, every company wants to provide a safe place to work for its employees, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) actually mandates that employers provide a safe working environment for their workers. A large focus area for HR is developing and supporting safety training and maintaining federally mandated logs in the event injuries or fatalities happen at work. In addition, this department often works hand-in-hand with benefits specialists to manage the company’s Workers’ Compensation filings.
One of the greatest benefits of pursuing careers in human resources (HR) is that it's an exceptionally broad field with many different paths for success Sanilia.
TALENT MANAGEMENT
The talent management team in the HR department covers a lot of ground. What used to be distinct areas of the department have been rolled up under one umbrella. The talent management team is responsible for recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining employees. Recruiters are the heavy lifters in building any company’s workforce. They’re responsible for the total hiring process including posting positions on job boards, sourcing candidates through job fairs and social media, serving as the first-line contacts for running background checks to screen candidates, conducting the initial interviews.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
In smaller companies the compensation and benefits roles can often be overseen by one or two human resources professionals, but companies with a larger workforce will typically split up the duties. HR functions in compensation include evaluating the pay practices of competitors and establishing the compensation structure. The compensation department is also responsible for creating job descriptions in tandem with department managers, as well as working with talent management on succession planning. On the benefits side, HR practitioners are typically responsible for functions such as negotiating group health coverage rates with insurance carriers or coordinating with the company’s 401(k) administrator. Of course, payroll is also part of the compensation and benefits area of HR, but many companies choose to outsource this function to a bookkeeper or payroll service provider.
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Every company wants to see its employees thrive, which means providing them with all the tools they need to succeed. These tools aren’t necessarily physical such as laptops, job-related software, or tools for a particular trade; they can include new employee orientation, leadership training programs, personal and professional development, and managerial training. Training and development (sometimes called learning and development) is an integral part of the HR team. Depending on the type of employee role played at the company, the training team might be responsible for building out instructional programs that have a direct effect on the success of the business. Today, many colleges and universities offer degrees in training and development; an instructional design degree would also be helpful in this role.
COMPLIANCE
Legal and regulatory compliance is a critical component of any HR department. Employment and labor laws are highly complex, and having a team devoted to monitoring this ever-changing landscape is essential to keeping companies out of trouble with federal, state, and local governments’ laws. When a business is out of compliance, it can result in applicants or employees filing claims based on discriminatory hiring and employment practices or hazardous working conditions. The compliance practitioner or team must fully understand employment laws and dozens of other rules and regulations.
WORKPLACE SAFETY
Of course, every company wants to provide a safe place to work for its employees, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) actually mandates that employers provide a safe working environment for their workers. A large focus area for HR is developing and supporting safety training and maintaining federally mandated logs in the event injuries or fatalities happen at work. In addition, this department often works hand-in-hand with benefits specialists to manage the company’s Workers’ Compensation filings.
One of the greatest benefits of pursuing careers in human resources (HR) is that it's an exceptionally broad field with many different paths for success Sanilia.
Elizabeth Rojas
Human Resources Manager
2
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Sanilia,
I work in the People Operations space, which is similar to Human Resources, but emphasizes a strategic and employee-centric approach to workforce management. I arrived at this career in an unconventional manner, so I cannot speak to the educational aspect. However, I can share the different aspects of HR I have learned along the way. Early in my career, I focused on workforce management by assisting leadership in creating workplace policies, company processes, and training and development programs. I also assisted with managing companies' Professional Employer Organization (PEO) software, which provides a service under which an employer can outsource employee management tasks, such as employee benefits, payroll, workers' compensation, recruiting, risk/safety management, and training and development. By doing these things, I learned and advanced my career, and now I manage these tasks myself as an HR manager.
My day-to-day often involves executing yearly planning, which includes benefits management, where I review medical bills, ensure new hires are correctly enrolled in health benefits, and answer questions employees may have. I manage the employee lifecycle, which encompasses new hire onboarding, promotions, terminations, etc. Part of that is reviewing state compliance information to mitigate risk management and ensure employees have a positive experience, to name a few tasks.
Key skills needed for this type of role are excellent communication skills, the ability to be diplomatic, read and review legal documents, organizational skills, and patience. Sometimes it may feel like this is a thankless job, so ensuring you find a good company culture and understand that you may not always get recognition for the work you produce is important. Many people may not say this to you, but I think it's important to highlight.
I don't have formal advice for how to break through into this industry, but if you go my route, I would say People Operations is a good option to get hands-on experience before making the jump. You may start off doing basic administrative tasks that later evolve into more sophisticated HR work. This space has been evolving since the rise of remote work, so I'd recommend finding HR and People Operations communities where you can learn more about trends or industries that can facilitate learning opportunities. A good networking Slack community is The People Geek Slack community - you can join by going to this website: https://www.cultureamp.com/slack-channel-for-people-geeks
My favorite part of this role is the impact I have on employee engagement. I build programs that employees utilize and make their time a positive one.
I work in the People Operations space, which is similar to Human Resources, but emphasizes a strategic and employee-centric approach to workforce management. I arrived at this career in an unconventional manner, so I cannot speak to the educational aspect. However, I can share the different aspects of HR I have learned along the way. Early in my career, I focused on workforce management by assisting leadership in creating workplace policies, company processes, and training and development programs. I also assisted with managing companies' Professional Employer Organization (PEO) software, which provides a service under which an employer can outsource employee management tasks, such as employee benefits, payroll, workers' compensation, recruiting, risk/safety management, and training and development. By doing these things, I learned and advanced my career, and now I manage these tasks myself as an HR manager.
My day-to-day often involves executing yearly planning, which includes benefits management, where I review medical bills, ensure new hires are correctly enrolled in health benefits, and answer questions employees may have. I manage the employee lifecycle, which encompasses new hire onboarding, promotions, terminations, etc. Part of that is reviewing state compliance information to mitigate risk management and ensure employees have a positive experience, to name a few tasks.
Key skills needed for this type of role are excellent communication skills, the ability to be diplomatic, read and review legal documents, organizational skills, and patience. Sometimes it may feel like this is a thankless job, so ensuring you find a good company culture and understand that you may not always get recognition for the work you produce is important. Many people may not say this to you, but I think it's important to highlight.
I don't have formal advice for how to break through into this industry, but if you go my route, I would say People Operations is a good option to get hands-on experience before making the jump. You may start off doing basic administrative tasks that later evolve into more sophisticated HR work. This space has been evolving since the rise of remote work, so I'd recommend finding HR and People Operations communities where you can learn more about trends or industries that can facilitate learning opportunities. A good networking Slack community is The People Geek Slack community - you can join by going to this website: https://www.cultureamp.com/slack-channel-for-people-geeks
My favorite part of this role is the impact I have on employee engagement. I build programs that employees utilize and make their time a positive one.
Thank you for the advice.
Sanilia
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1180
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sanilia !
Always happy to see that you are reaching out about your studies and your future career ! Although I am not in HR and never have been, I have known many HR people and through hands on observation of what they do and how their job is, I would like to contribute.
First of all, every Human Resource Director I have ever met has loved their job. They are very outgoing, people-loving members of a company. Human Resources is where you go when you have a situation and need advice and support, when you need to understand and get your benefits in order and a place to go to feel confident about them helping you if something is awry with your payroll check. They have a wide range in their job description which varies at each company.
In a large company, you could be dealing with a lot of various types of people. Often times a Human Resources Director will sit in and participate in employment interviews or conduct new employee tours and orientations. It depends on the company. Also, many times you would have an assistant to share the work load.
Another part of the job is to participate in developing guidelines for the company or agency, more or less the rules of the company and the place. Mostly that is collaborated on and you give your input which comes from your expertise knowledge. Where ever you get a position, you will become familiar with the various medical insurance plans in the area and sometimes arrange for those representatives to give a presentation to your staff. Than there's the employee paperwork which could be extensive at some companies. I actually think currently that it's extensive everywhere now. It will also depend on if an employee is also signing up for benefits.
A Human Resource Director needs stellar organizational skills, too. You will deal with many files, on line and if needed, hard copy files. The filing system needs to be efficient in that you can find things quickly. A neat and attractive office is always good too and makes co-workers and those you serve feel comfortable.
I hope that this is helpful and again I wish you all the best moving forward !
Always happy to see that you are reaching out about your studies and your future career ! Although I am not in HR and never have been, I have known many HR people and through hands on observation of what they do and how their job is, I would like to contribute.
First of all, every Human Resource Director I have ever met has loved their job. They are very outgoing, people-loving members of a company. Human Resources is where you go when you have a situation and need advice and support, when you need to understand and get your benefits in order and a place to go to feel confident about them helping you if something is awry with your payroll check. They have a wide range in their job description which varies at each company.
In a large company, you could be dealing with a lot of various types of people. Often times a Human Resources Director will sit in and participate in employment interviews or conduct new employee tours and orientations. It depends on the company. Also, many times you would have an assistant to share the work load.
Another part of the job is to participate in developing guidelines for the company or agency, more or less the rules of the company and the place. Mostly that is collaborated on and you give your input which comes from your expertise knowledge. Where ever you get a position, you will become familiar with the various medical insurance plans in the area and sometimes arrange for those representatives to give a presentation to your staff. Than there's the employee paperwork which could be extensive at some companies. I actually think currently that it's extensive everywhere now. It will also depend on if an employee is also signing up for benefits.
A Human Resource Director needs stellar organizational skills, too. You will deal with many files, on line and if needed, hard copy files. The filing system needs to be efficient in that you can find things quickly. A neat and attractive office is always good too and makes co-workers and those you serve feel comfortable.
I hope that this is helpful and again I wish you all the best moving forward !
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Sanilia
You are very welcome, Sanilia !
Michelle M.
Summer Wilson
iERP Finance SAP Enable Now Program Manager
2
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Summer’s Answer
My background is HR. But I didn't start there and I'm not currently there. I began my career in Accounting. I was a stay at home mom and then I just needed a job to help suppliment our family's income. I had a few admin positions but I was not excited about the work I was doing until I had an admin position with an HR department. I felt like I found my home. That first HR Admin position was a temporary position. I was blessed to be selected for an HR Admin position with another company that recognized my potential and invested in my education. I collected a couple certificates and eventually pursued my MS in HR Development. I thought that was it. I've made it! Unfortunately life does not always look like what we think it should look like. While I stayed in HR for several years, a paycheck was more imoprtant at time and even allowed me to find the positive aspects of working in HR ajacent positions or HR liaison positions. For example, I was a Recruitment Specialist. My job was outsourced, but that same company found me a position in Immigration Case Management. That was valuable because I took that knowledge with me into my next HR position. I was an HR Specialist for a couple years and was then headhunted for a Business Program Manager position where I hired people for the buiness. I wasn't in HR, but I worked directly with HR as an advocate for my team. Another valuable experience. I was able to understand the Buisness side's frustration with shared services and was able to smooth over some of the tension between those two areas. My knowledge was very valuable to my team and I developed a great working relationship with our shared services. In that same position I took on other programs that I managed. The content had nothing to do with HR directly, but continued to be staffing, budget approval, education. I took those skills with me to my current role which is Education. My point with is is to say you may find that your HR skills are transferrable to other areas that may not look like what you expected. It doesn't make you any less valuable and I encourage you to find something you love in whatever role you are currently in. Look for those opportunities to apply HR skills and grow your career to be useful wheverever you are. I know people still looking for a job because they don't want to go outside their one area of expertise, but that can be very limiting and costly. Best wishes in your career search!
thankyou for your advice !!
Sanilia
C. Yvette Moody, PMP, CSM, SPC4
Consultant
1
Answer
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Updated
C. Yvette’s Answer
A wide range of educational institutions, from Community Colleges to Universities and even online courses, offer degrees in Human Resources. Seek out a program that aligns with your personal interests. Utilize social networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with HR professionals who are open to offering you a chance to shadow them for a few weeks. This will give you a firsthand experience of a typical day in their role. It's important to note that there are various specific fields within HR. Begin your journey as a generalist, then gradually explore other specialized roles.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM.org) is another excellent resource. As the leading organization for HR professionals, they can provide further guidance on suitable schools, available scholarships, and immediate training opportunities. They can also direct you to local chapters where you can attend meetings and network with professionals in your vicinity.
Best of luck on your journey!
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM.org) is another excellent resource. As the leading organization for HR professionals, they can provide further guidance on suitable schools, available scholarships, and immediate training opportunities. They can also direct you to local chapters where you can attend meetings and network with professionals in your vicinity.
Best of luck on your journey!
thanks for the help and the website you provided!, will look through it
Sanilia
Alison Chambers
Human Resources - Learning
1
Answer
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Updated
Alison’s Answer
Hello Sanilia,
I'm happy to offer you a glimpse into my life as an HR professional, specifically in the exciting field of 'Learning and Development', a discipline well explained in Doc's first response. The variety of tasks I undertake daily keeps my role engaging !
At present, my main responsibility is organising the onboarding training for new sellers who join our organization. This involves a many hands-on planning tasks, from scheduling training sessions to coordinating with speakers and trainers. I also liaise with a diverse array of teams and individuals, such as Talent Acquisition, Onboarding, hiring managers, and business leaders. This communication takes various forms, whether it's sending emails, delivering presentations during calls, or updating our web pages.
In addition, I have the pleasure of hosting some of the training sessions for our new hires, assisting them in navigating the tools and learning platforms within our company.
An essential part of my role is to continuously improve our training programs. I regularly solicit feedback on our classes and collaborate with our Learning Design team to implement enhancements or introduce new content.
What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to work closely with new hires, guiding them to make a successful start in our company.
I hope this provides you with a valuable insight into one possible career pathway within the HR sphere, specifically in Learning and Development. Enjoy your journey!
I'm happy to offer you a glimpse into my life as an HR professional, specifically in the exciting field of 'Learning and Development', a discipline well explained in Doc's first response. The variety of tasks I undertake daily keeps my role engaging !
At present, my main responsibility is organising the onboarding training for new sellers who join our organization. This involves a many hands-on planning tasks, from scheduling training sessions to coordinating with speakers and trainers. I also liaise with a diverse array of teams and individuals, such as Talent Acquisition, Onboarding, hiring managers, and business leaders. This communication takes various forms, whether it's sending emails, delivering presentations during calls, or updating our web pages.
In addition, I have the pleasure of hosting some of the training sessions for our new hires, assisting them in navigating the tools and learning platforms within our company.
An essential part of my role is to continuously improve our training programs. I regularly solicit feedback on our classes and collaborate with our Learning Design team to implement enhancements or introduce new content.
What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to work closely with new hires, guiding them to make a successful start in our company.
I hope this provides you with a valuable insight into one possible career pathway within the HR sphere, specifically in Learning and Development. Enjoy your journey!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Sanilia
Houcine Lakhchach
Career Development Specialist | U.S Department exchange Alumnus | EFL/ESL trainer | Program manager
139
Answers
Kenitra, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Morocco
Updated
Houcine’s Answer
Dear Sanilia,
Embarking on a career in Human Resources (HR) can be both rewarding and dynamic. Professionals in HR play a crucial role in managing an organization's most valuable asset—its people. Here's a glimpse into the HR field:
Weekdays in HR:
The typical workweek in HR can vary based on the industry, company size, and specific role. HR professionals often find themselves engaged in a variety of tasks, including:
Recruitment and Onboarding: Attracting and hiring new talent, conducting interviews, and facilitating the onboarding process for new employees.
Employee Relations: Addressing workplace conflicts, assisting with employee grievances, and fostering a positive work environment.
Training and Development: Planning and implementing training programs to enhance employee skills and career development.
Compensation and Benefits: Managing salary structures, benefits administration, and ensuring compliance with employment laws.
Policy Development: Creating and updating company policies and procedures to align with legal requirements and organizational goals.
Performance Management: Overseeing performance reviews, providing feedback, and working on strategies to improve employee performance.
Strategic Planning: Collaborating with senior management to align HR strategies with overall business objectives.
HR Studies:
For those pursuing studies in HR, the curriculum often covers a range of topics such as organizational behavior, employment law, compensation and benefits, talent acquisition, and HR technology. Internships or practical experiences are valuable in gaining real-world insights.
Advice from HR Professionals:
Networking: Connect with HR professionals through industry events, LinkedIn, or local HR associations to broaden your network and gain insights.
Continuous Learning: HR is a field that evolves with changes in legislation, technology, and workplace trends. Stay updated through conferences, workshops, and online courses.
Soft Skills: Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills, as building relationships and understanding people are core aspects of HR.
Adaptability: The HR landscape can be unpredictable. Being adaptable and open to change is crucial.
If you have specific questions or topics you'd like to explore further, feel free to ask!
Best regards,
Houcine
Embarking on a career in Human Resources (HR) can be both rewarding and dynamic. Professionals in HR play a crucial role in managing an organization's most valuable asset—its people. Here's a glimpse into the HR field:
Weekdays in HR:
The typical workweek in HR can vary based on the industry, company size, and specific role. HR professionals often find themselves engaged in a variety of tasks, including:
Recruitment and Onboarding: Attracting and hiring new talent, conducting interviews, and facilitating the onboarding process for new employees.
Employee Relations: Addressing workplace conflicts, assisting with employee grievances, and fostering a positive work environment.
Training and Development: Planning and implementing training programs to enhance employee skills and career development.
Compensation and Benefits: Managing salary structures, benefits administration, and ensuring compliance with employment laws.
Policy Development: Creating and updating company policies and procedures to align with legal requirements and organizational goals.
Performance Management: Overseeing performance reviews, providing feedback, and working on strategies to improve employee performance.
Strategic Planning: Collaborating with senior management to align HR strategies with overall business objectives.
HR Studies:
For those pursuing studies in HR, the curriculum often covers a range of topics such as organizational behavior, employment law, compensation and benefits, talent acquisition, and HR technology. Internships or practical experiences are valuable in gaining real-world insights.
Advice from HR Professionals:
Networking: Connect with HR professionals through industry events, LinkedIn, or local HR associations to broaden your network and gain insights.
Continuous Learning: HR is a field that evolves with changes in legislation, technology, and workplace trends. Stay updated through conferences, workshops, and online courses.
Soft Skills: Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills, as building relationships and understanding people are core aspects of HR.
Adaptability: The HR landscape can be unpredictable. Being adaptable and open to change is crucial.
If you have specific questions or topics you'd like to explore further, feel free to ask!
Best regards,
Houcine
Raquel raquel.martin@sage.com
Tech
3
Answers
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Updated
Raquel’s Answer
Embracing a career in HR is a thrilling and dynamic experience. It's a role that's ideally suited for those who thrive on human interaction. The scope of HR is vast, encompassing areas such as Compensation and Benefits, Labor Law, Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, and CSR, among others.
To enhance your journey, consider following HR leaders on LinkedIn or other social media platforms. Their insights and advice can be invaluable. Additionally, reading job descriptions from organizations you aspire to join can provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of your desired role.
Remember, every step of this journey is an opportunity for growth. So, immerse yourself in it and enjoy every moment!
Best wishes,
Raquel
To enhance your journey, consider following HR leaders on LinkedIn or other social media platforms. Their insights and advice can be invaluable. Additionally, reading job descriptions from organizations you aspire to join can provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of your desired role.
Remember, every step of this journey is an opportunity for growth. So, immerse yourself in it and enjoy every moment!
Best wishes,
Raquel
Mei Abellon-Baniqued
Consultant
14
Answers
Philippines
Updated
Mei’s Answer
Hello Sanilia. The HR field is something very close to my heart because it impacts a company's employees directly. I majored in Psychology in college and pursued Industrial Relations for my post graduate studies. I started my career in the HR field -- specifically in International Assignments and Mobility -- and I'm now leading a team that creates business solutions for our clients as well as project managers who implement these solutions once contracts are signed.
As you may have already read in the other responses, there are many fields of HR that you can venture in and while studying HR-related courses will help you, I've met and worked with many amazing HR professionals who are from various backgrounds. This means you can study any course in university. One thing is common with these awesome HR professionals from all walks of life -- a passion and love to make a difference in the lives of the people they work with.
Your weekdays once you're in the profession will be driven by what field of HR you'll be in. No matter what this HR field is, keep in mind every day that you are the CEO and every line managers' strategic partner to drive business results as well as every employee's advocate and ally. Always strike a balance between what's right for the business and for the employees - this should never be contradictory. Maintain integrity in everything that you do. Lastly, be that HR professional who has a brilliant mind and a big heart and someone who get things done.
Take care and I wish you all the best!
As you may have already read in the other responses, there are many fields of HR that you can venture in and while studying HR-related courses will help you, I've met and worked with many amazing HR professionals who are from various backgrounds. This means you can study any course in university. One thing is common with these awesome HR professionals from all walks of life -- a passion and love to make a difference in the lives of the people they work with.
Your weekdays once you're in the profession will be driven by what field of HR you'll be in. No matter what this HR field is, keep in mind every day that you are the CEO and every line managers' strategic partner to drive business results as well as every employee's advocate and ally. Always strike a balance between what's right for the business and for the employees - this should never be contradictory. Maintain integrity in everything that you do. Lastly, be that HR professional who has a brilliant mind and a big heart and someone who get things done.
Take care and I wish you all the best!
Thankyou so much for Ur time. Its interesting how this job is actually with not only a particular thing but is vast and unique in its own way . Thankyou so much
Sanilia
Jennifer Baker
Culture, Engagement and Experience
2
Answers
Greensboro, North Carolina
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hello Sanilia,
The realm of Human Resources is a vast and diverse one, brimming with opportunities. It's a field that's all about people, and the various ways an organization interacts with them. This can range from benefits and compensation to rewards, engagement, culture, and overall experience. There's a multitude of facets to explore within HR.
I encourage you to delve into what truly sparks your interest. Are you passionate about recognizing and rewarding people's efforts? If so, the rewards sector could be your calling. Or perhaps, you thrive in uniting people, creating a sense of community? In that case, consider a role in culture and engagement. If you have a knack for identifying areas of improvement and enhancing someone's experience, the Colleague Experience sector might be a perfect fit for you. If you're inclined towards the legal profession, Employee Relations could be an interesting avenue as it aligns closely with legal aspects within HR.
Remember, the beauty of this field is that no two days are alike. You're constantly responding to the evolving dynamics within the organization. To get a real feel of the field, consider shadowing a professional for a day to understand all the intricate details. This field is rich with possibilities, find your niche and let your passion guide you.
Pick a book in the area you are thinking of
Shadow someone in the field for a day
Interview someone doing the exact part of HR you want. There are so many areas of the field
The realm of Human Resources is a vast and diverse one, brimming with opportunities. It's a field that's all about people, and the various ways an organization interacts with them. This can range from benefits and compensation to rewards, engagement, culture, and overall experience. There's a multitude of facets to explore within HR.
I encourage you to delve into what truly sparks your interest. Are you passionate about recognizing and rewarding people's efforts? If so, the rewards sector could be your calling. Or perhaps, you thrive in uniting people, creating a sense of community? In that case, consider a role in culture and engagement. If you have a knack for identifying areas of improvement and enhancing someone's experience, the Colleague Experience sector might be a perfect fit for you. If you're inclined towards the legal profession, Employee Relations could be an interesting avenue as it aligns closely with legal aspects within HR.
Remember, the beauty of this field is that no two days are alike. You're constantly responding to the evolving dynamics within the organization. To get a real feel of the field, consider shadowing a professional for a day to understand all the intricate details. This field is rich with possibilities, find your niche and let your passion guide you.
Jennifer recommends the following next steps:
Sunny Fowler, SHRM-SCP
Senior HR Business Partner
4
Answers
Santa Clara, California
Updated
Sunny’s Answer
In the lively world of Human Resources, you'll find yourself donning various hats throughout the day, sometimes even all at once! It's a thrilling aspect of the job that I personally cherish. Every day brings a fresh set of challenges and opportunities as you collaborate with leaders, internal and external partners, strategizing and learning along the way.
As a child, my dreams took me from envisioning myself as a teacher, to a lawyer, and then a therapist. Surprisingly, a career in HR never crossed my mind. But as I look back on my journey and achievements, it dawned on me that I've become all three - a lawyer, a teacher, and a therapist, all rolled into one! My childhood dreams have come true, magnified threefold!
As a child, my dreams took me from envisioning myself as a teacher, to a lawyer, and then a therapist. Surprisingly, a career in HR never crossed my mind. But as I look back on my journey and achievements, it dawned on me that I've become all three - a lawyer, a teacher, and a therapist, all rolled into one! My childhood dreams have come true, magnified threefold!
Michelle Mulcare
Human Resources Leader
1
Answer
Trinity, Florida
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello Sanilia,
When it comes to the field of Human Resources, there are so many different areas to delve into. Personally, I pursued my degree in Business Management and ended up doing a business internship at a hotel, where I spent several weeks in HR. Once I returned to school, to my Business Mgmt major, I added a concentration in HR since I enjoyed it so much. I then joined a software company in a generalist HR role where I was able to obtain experience in various disciplines of HR. While it's a great idea to find an area that suits you, I would also caution anyone to keep an open mind. Even if it's something you are not quite comfortable with or don't feel knowledgeable about, I would encourage anyone to learn about the different areas in HR - as it will provide good experience for future roles.
My current role in HR is leading teams across various countries who are working as HR partners to senior leaders. My days are filled with interesting conversations with business leaders where I'm able to consult with them and often provide advice or guidance. It's a Monday-Friday type role and while some days require more of my time than others, I can typically keep a regular schedule, which allows for a work-life balance. In addition, my role requires some domestic and international travel.
Thinking across each of the various HR areas, and different types of organizations, there are so many possibilities in terms of what type of HR role may best suit you. Consider what's important to you and what works with your lifestyle. I would imagine you will then be able to find the right type of company and area within human resources. Best of luck!
When it comes to the field of Human Resources, there are so many different areas to delve into. Personally, I pursued my degree in Business Management and ended up doing a business internship at a hotel, where I spent several weeks in HR. Once I returned to school, to my Business Mgmt major, I added a concentration in HR since I enjoyed it so much. I then joined a software company in a generalist HR role where I was able to obtain experience in various disciplines of HR. While it's a great idea to find an area that suits you, I would also caution anyone to keep an open mind. Even if it's something you are not quite comfortable with or don't feel knowledgeable about, I would encourage anyone to learn about the different areas in HR - as it will provide good experience for future roles.
My current role in HR is leading teams across various countries who are working as HR partners to senior leaders. My days are filled with interesting conversations with business leaders where I'm able to consult with them and often provide advice or guidance. It's a Monday-Friday type role and while some days require more of my time than others, I can typically keep a regular schedule, which allows for a work-life balance. In addition, my role requires some domestic and international travel.
Thinking across each of the various HR areas, and different types of organizations, there are so many possibilities in terms of what type of HR role may best suit you. Consider what's important to you and what works with your lifestyle. I would imagine you will then be able to find the right type of company and area within human resources. Best of luck!
Michael Bell
Human Resources Business Partner
3
Answers
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Michael’s Answer
As a People Business Partner in a software company, my role is dynamic and diverse, with no two days being the same.
In larger organizations, a People Calendar is typically maintained, outlining key activities that a business partner spearheads within their specific business area. These activities range from Annual Reward Reviews, Talent Reviews, and Appraisals, to Learning and Development activities, Budget Planning, and Engagement surveys. My role involves facilitating these activities, followed by analyzing the outcomes.
Regular one-on-one meetings with the key business leaders I support are crucial. These interactions help me stay in tune with the business and organizational dynamics. I also provide advice and guidance to these leaders on how to optimize their team's potential. This involves sharing relevant people data to aid them in making informed decisions related to their team. This could be anything from determining the location for a new role in the business or organization, to analyzing the results of the colleague engagement survey.
Additionally, I engage in project work. These are strategic initiatives that add value to the organization. This could involve implementing a re-organization of a business area to enhance its success, or supporting talented individuals with their career planning.
In the realm of Human Resources, one thing is certain - it's always engaging and far from monotonous.
In larger organizations, a People Calendar is typically maintained, outlining key activities that a business partner spearheads within their specific business area. These activities range from Annual Reward Reviews, Talent Reviews, and Appraisals, to Learning and Development activities, Budget Planning, and Engagement surveys. My role involves facilitating these activities, followed by analyzing the outcomes.
Regular one-on-one meetings with the key business leaders I support are crucial. These interactions help me stay in tune with the business and organizational dynamics. I also provide advice and guidance to these leaders on how to optimize their team's potential. This involves sharing relevant people data to aid them in making informed decisions related to their team. This could be anything from determining the location for a new role in the business or organization, to analyzing the results of the colleague engagement survey.
Additionally, I engage in project work. These are strategic initiatives that add value to the organization. This could involve implementing a re-organization of a business area to enhance its success, or supporting talented individuals with their career planning.
In the realm of Human Resources, one thing is certain - it's always engaging and far from monotonous.
Amber Zenuk
Human Resources
3
Answers
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Updated
Amber’s Answer
That's great! HR is a major strategic function in organizations and you can pursue SO many different career options/industries to really have a fulfilling career.
Weekdays in an HR career can vary depending on the organization and specific role. If you join a smaller company you will be exposed to so many different areas which can be a really great way to learn and get a good breadth of experience. However large organizations are great too as they have so many resources and really invest into HR so it's easier to specialize in a specific area.
Are you wanting to become a generalist or specialize in a certain area? I personally enjoyed starting out in a Generalist-type role so I was able to experience many different areas that HR touches on. Certainly would recommend reading into the different areas and seeing what interests you and what skills you have to match.
Some areas that you can specialize in may be:
1. Recruitment and Hiring: HR professionals are responsible for attracting and selecting qualified candidates for job vacancies. This involves creating job descriptions, advertising positions, screening resumes, conducting interviews, and coordinating the onboarding process for new hires. Great for those who enjoy being people-facing!
2. Employee Relations: HR professionals play a crucial role in maintaining positive relationships between employees and management. They handle employee grievances, mediate conflicts, and ensure that the workplace is inclusive and respectful. They may also be involved in disciplinary actions and performance management. Great for those who enjoy problem solving and remain calm under pressure.
3. Training and Development: HR professionals are involved in identifying training needs within the organization and designing or implementing training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge. They may also organize workshops, seminars, or webinars on various topics related to professional development. Great for those who enjoy presenting and engaging groups, public speaking!
4. Compensation and Benefits: HR professionals manage employee compensation and benefits programs. They analyze market trends, develop salary structures, administer employee benefits packages, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Great for those who enjoy data, spreadsheets, research.
5. HR Policies and Procedures: HR professionals are responsible for developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that align with legal requirements and organizational goals. They may also update and communicate these policies to employees, ensuring understanding and adherence. Great for those who are good communicators and can write articulately.
Pursuing a degree in HR or a related field can provide you with a solid foundation. Typical courses in HR programs may include organizational behavior, employment law, compensation management, training and development, and strategic HR management. These all give you a taste of what jobs you can do so diversify your studies and pay attention to what kind of work that you enjoy doing!
In addition to formal education, gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level HR positions can be valuable. It allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios and develop essential skills.
It's also worth mentioning that HR professionals need to stay updated on industry trends, legal changes, and best practices. Continuous learning and professional development through workshops, certifications, and networking events are important for career growth in HR so if you enjoy learning this is a great career path!
To get more insights into the HR field and hear personal experiences, I recommend connecting with HR professionals through professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. usually folx are happy to share about their experience. Good luck!
Weekdays in an HR career can vary depending on the organization and specific role. If you join a smaller company you will be exposed to so many different areas which can be a really great way to learn and get a good breadth of experience. However large organizations are great too as they have so many resources and really invest into HR so it's easier to specialize in a specific area.
Are you wanting to become a generalist or specialize in a certain area? I personally enjoyed starting out in a Generalist-type role so I was able to experience many different areas that HR touches on. Certainly would recommend reading into the different areas and seeing what interests you and what skills you have to match.
Some areas that you can specialize in may be:
1. Recruitment and Hiring: HR professionals are responsible for attracting and selecting qualified candidates for job vacancies. This involves creating job descriptions, advertising positions, screening resumes, conducting interviews, and coordinating the onboarding process for new hires. Great for those who enjoy being people-facing!
2. Employee Relations: HR professionals play a crucial role in maintaining positive relationships between employees and management. They handle employee grievances, mediate conflicts, and ensure that the workplace is inclusive and respectful. They may also be involved in disciplinary actions and performance management. Great for those who enjoy problem solving and remain calm under pressure.
3. Training and Development: HR professionals are involved in identifying training needs within the organization and designing or implementing training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge. They may also organize workshops, seminars, or webinars on various topics related to professional development. Great for those who enjoy presenting and engaging groups, public speaking!
4. Compensation and Benefits: HR professionals manage employee compensation and benefits programs. They analyze market trends, develop salary structures, administer employee benefits packages, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Great for those who enjoy data, spreadsheets, research.
5. HR Policies and Procedures: HR professionals are responsible for developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that align with legal requirements and organizational goals. They may also update and communicate these policies to employees, ensuring understanding and adherence. Great for those who are good communicators and can write articulately.
Pursuing a degree in HR or a related field can provide you with a solid foundation. Typical courses in HR programs may include organizational behavior, employment law, compensation management, training and development, and strategic HR management. These all give you a taste of what jobs you can do so diversify your studies and pay attention to what kind of work that you enjoy doing!
In addition to formal education, gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level HR positions can be valuable. It allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios and develop essential skills.
It's also worth mentioning that HR professionals need to stay updated on industry trends, legal changes, and best practices. Continuous learning and professional development through workshops, certifications, and networking events are important for career growth in HR so if you enjoy learning this is a great career path!
To get more insights into the HR field and hear personal experiences, I recommend connecting with HR professionals through professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. usually folx are happy to share about their experience. Good luck!