How to Start a Career in HR: Step-by-Step Guide

In the wake of the rapid evolution of businesses in today’s competitive landscape and the ever-changing needs and demands of the workforce, the demand for human-centric and strategic HR professionals is on the rise. Companies are increasingly seeking professionals who possess a perfect blend of adequate education and experience, along with the right mindset.

All of this can be achieved with a professional degree in Human Resource Management. Moreover, the degree can now be secured online, thanks to the easy availability of flexible online programs for working professionals.

This blog examines the increasing popularity of online HRM programs as a widely accepted path to becoming a successful HR professional today. It also sheds more light on how to become an HR professional.

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Your Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become an HR Professional in the U.S.

Looking for a rewarding career in the US in the field of Human Resources? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started and make your way up. Read below on how to become a Human Resource Manager in the US and what it takes.

Start with the Right Education

A solid foundation in the relevant educational field is the first step to launching a successful career in HR. The right degree can help equip you with the proper knowledge, skills, and tools to get you started:

Select a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Human Resource Management.
Always select an accredited program with a strong focus on organizational behavior, labor laws, and HR technology to stay relevant and updated in the industry.
Enrol in programs that offer ample scope for hands-on case studies, internships, and coursework aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Build Key HR Skills Early

This is the next step in the path to becoming a thorough HR professional. Starting to develop the key skills required on the path early in your journey helps you gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Acquire practical skills and hands-on experience with HR systems and tools.
Work on developing effective communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
Get a thorough understanding of the US labor laws and compliance policies to ensure adherence at work.

Get Certified for Career Credibility

Earning a credible and recognized certification in HR is one of the most crucial achievements in your career path. It helps you stand out to employers and showcases your knowledge and abilities in the job market.

A certification can boost your chances of assuming senior management, leadership, or specialized roles in the HR domain.
It helps give validity and credibility to your expertise in core HR functions.
HR certifications are recognized by employers across varied industries in the US and other parts of the world, thus increasing your chances of employment globally.

Also Read: The Role of Ethical Leadership in Healthcare

Explore Entry-Level Job Opportunities

The next logical step is to identify potential relevant opportunities available to join the workforce as a professional in Human Resources. Start with entry-level roles as a fresher and gradually make your way up, gaining experience and certifications along the way. Some of the typical entry-level roles include:

Recruiting Coordinator – Responsible for managing the overall logistics of the entire hiring process for an organization. These include posting job openings, both online and offline, and arranging interviews as needed.
HR Assistant: Responsible for supporting everyday administrative tasks, such as scheduling interviews and maintaining records of employees.
Payroll or Benefits Administrator: Responsible for taking care of benefits handed out to employees, their compensation, and addressing payroll-related queries.

Grow into a Strategic HR Role

Once you have gained sufficient experience and knowledge in the role of an HR professional, start making your way up the career ladder and transitioning into a strategic senior management or leadership position in HR. This can happen seamlessly by:

Gaining expertise in HR analytics, workforce planning, and change management.
Developing the right business acumen to align HR goals with those of the organization.
Building key leadership skills to drive organizational growth and transformation.

Also Read: Thinking About an Online MSc in HRM?

Career Pathways in HR: From Entry-Level to Executive

The field of Human Resources offers a dynamic career path for aspiring professionals, paving the way for executive roles from entry-level positions. With the proper knowledge, skills, experience, and tools, professionals can continue to grow into influential leaders.

Career Level	Job Role	Average Annual Salary (Approx.)
Entry-level	HR Assistant	USD 46,881
Mid-level	HR Generalist	USD 66,264
Executive-level	HR Director	USD 107,614

Edgewood University Supports Your HR Career Ambitions

Take the first step to becoming an HR professional with a valued degree from Edgewood University – Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Development. The 10-month online program is designed for working professionals aspiring to gain expertise in HR. The course curriculum is aligned with the SHRM and offers learners a robust foundation in strategic leadership, HR principles, and employee development.

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FAQs on How to Become an HR?

Q: What qualifications do I need to become an HR professional?
Ans: You must ideally hold a Bachelor’s or equivalent overseas degree from an accredited or recognized institution with a cumulative GPA of a minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. This is the required qualification to study a Master’s in HRM at Edgewood University. You may need to check with the specific institution you apply to for its qualification requirements.

Q: Can I become an HR professional without a degree in HR?
Ans: Yes, an HR degree is not mandatory to start your journey as an HR professional. However, acquiring a relevant degree in Human Resources can benefit professionals in many ways by providing a strong foundation in the field.

Q: Do I need certification to work in HR?
Ans: Again, HR certifications are not mandatory; however, those received from HRCI or SHRM can highly boost your career prospects and salary packages globally. They make you gain a competitive edge in the job market, particularly for mid-level and senior roles.

Q:What skills are most important for HR roles?
Ans: Some of the key skills required to become an HR professional are strong interpersonal skills, practical written and verbal communication, conflict resolution, adaptability, and problem-solving ability.

Q: Can I switch to HR from another career?
Ans: Of course! It is possible to make a career switch to HR from another field by leveraging transferable skills, acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills, and building strong industry connections through networking. Additionally, obtaining relevant HR certifications can provide a solid foundation.