What do employees in human resource management do?
Human Resource managers play critical roles not only in the selection, training, and evaluation of employees, but also in the establishment of organizational structures (for example, through the development of managerial hierarchies). They may develop compensation packages or handle questions about workforce laws and regulations.
HR managers can manage employees in private and public sectors. They can also work within a company or as private contractors to advise corporations on anticipated organizational change.
What degree options are available in this area?
Undergraduates can earn a Bachelor’s in HR Management. Graduate students can earn a Master’s Degree in HR Management or an MBA with a concentration in HR Management
What is the difference between a Master’s Degree in HR Management and an MBA with a concentration in HR Management?
The basic difference between these two options is that the master’s degree is highly specialized and will allow you to focus almost exclusively on human resource management. In contrast, an MBA program will permit you to develop a general set of management skills in other areas while you learn about human resource practices. There are advantages to each: a master’s program will enable you to delve into human resource issues in greater depth; an MBA program will allow you to spend your first year developing a set of skills that can be transferred to other areas.
While both a master’s degree and an MBA concentration will prepare you to hold management positions, master’s programs are designed to help you become a leader in human resources. In contrast, an MBA degree may also qualify you to hold management positions in other fields, should you become interested in a different career.
What subjects will I study?
MBA programs in human resource management focus on the skills that are required to be effective organizational managers. Traditionally, students learned about managing human resources; now, however, emphasis is also placed upon organizational behavior and information systems management.
As an HR MBA, you might study human resource development, the legal aspects of management, and strategic human resource management. You will also become familiar with the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence employee relations. Furthermore, you will learn how to assess and improve essential components of company operations, including compensation, benefits, salary negotiations and safety standards.
What skills will I need?
In addition to an overall comprehension of business administration, HR MBAs should have:
Legal knowledge: HR managers have to deal with complex aspects of company business, including layoffs, salary adjustments and labor disputes. All HR managers need to understand laws and regulations, like the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, that affect the workforce. Companies cannot risk violating these laws and rely on HR departments to keep up-to-date with any regulatory changes.
People skills: Tact is an essential HR trait: you must be able to have forthright discussions with employees about earnings, job performance, and future opportunities. If you are involved with labor or salary negotiations, you must be a strong mediator who can find common ground between diverse points of view. Understanding employee needs is crucial to your success, as is the ability to make difficult, well-planned decisions.
Communication skills: Since you may oversee the development of human resource policies, you should be a proficient speaker and writer. Clarity is fundamental in the HR field.
What careers do HR MBAs pursue?
HR MBAs have many career choices. According to the GMAC, graduates with significant business experience fill management positions in strategic operations, while most MBAs accept roles in diverse HR fields. The GMAC notes that some popular careers include:
Recruiters: Recruiters are an essential part of a company’s human resource team. As a recruiter, you may research prospective candidate pools, conduct interviews, and evaluate potential employees.
Compensation managers: A position as a compensation manager may appeal to you if you enjoy accounting and finance. You will manage the company’s compensation plan, researching industry trends and regulations to be sure that your salaries remain competitive.
International HR managers: An international HR position enables you to work with company personnel in a multinational corporation. You may start out in a domestic position before moving to a higher level job in another country. Some international managers oversee employee relations in several branch offices worldwide, each of which has its own HR manager on site.
What kinds of firms employ HR MBAs?
It is difficult to find a company that does not have at least one human resource position. Above all, large corporations need HR managers to maintain relationships between executives and entry-level workers and to prevent fallouts during labor disputes. Smaller corporations also need individuals with advanced HR degrees to manage salary and hiring processes.
What’s the overall career outlook for this field?
HR is a highly competitive field comprised of individuals from a variety of educational and occupational backgrounds. The GMAC estimates that employment will grow in the upcoming years as the workplace becomes increasingly diverse. Employers will have to respond to new regulations or to stricter versions of existing labor, health, and safety laws, which will open up new positions for HR MBAs. The salaries vary based upon the job position and size of the company; other important factors include your previous experience and level of education.