Why Choose HR as a Career Path?

Human Resources, or HR, is an integral part of any company and involves recruitment, onboarding, development, and employer-employee relations. Some companies have an entire HR department with varying roles and responsibilities whilst others may only have one dedicated HR individual. There are various qualifications and courses available to help embark upon a career in HR such as a HND or Diploma, and there are many benefits to choosing this path, including:

Courses and qualifications in HR
Higher education centres such as the College of Contact Management offer HR courses such as a HND in Business and Human Resource Management or an Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management. These courses do not stipulate tough entry requirements so you may gain a HR qualification regardless of your educational background. In addition, these courses are conducted via remote learning and are flexible around your work arrangements as lectures and lectures are generally in the evenings and are also recorded for a hassle free learning experience at your convenience. Whether you already work in the field or are looking to start your career, studying for a HR qualification will enhance your prospects and further your knowledge.

Work in any industry
Some careers will restrict you to one industry, for example if you are a doctor you will work in healthcare, and if you are an engineer you will work in the engineering sector. However, every company requires a HR division and so you will have a wide variety of job prospects in different industries, with the luxury to completely change direction during your career. You may find yourself in aviation at one time and entertainment at another, HR is an incredibly versatile career to choose.

Meet a variety of people
If you enjoy talking (and listening!) to lots of different people, HR is the job for you. No two days will be the same and you will have to have to think on your feet and deal with multiple different scenarios in a professional and confidential manner. HR is an extremely rewarding job, and you will have the ability to make a positive impact on all staff, with their happiness and wellbeing at the heart of what you do.

Unique insight into the inner workings of a company
You will see a side to your organisation that most employees don’t and will understand the structure, goals, and struggles of the company and help to guide decisions which shape the future. You will also have the ability to interview and aid selection of new candidates, putting you in a strong position of influence and trust.

Job Satisfaction
At the end of the day, working in HR means that you will be able to make positive and impactful changes at work, as well as supporting and guiding your fellow employees. You will be in an extremely unique position and the job satisfaction gained from seeing your work come to fruition will be extremely satisfying. If you embark upon a career in HR, you will not feel like a small cog in a big machine as many often do at work, you will be an integral and valued cog which machine could not function without!

Good career progression
As you gain additional years of experience, you will become an increasingly valued member of a company, meaning that you are in a strong position to progress up the pay scale. Dependent on an organisations structure, you may join as a HR administrator and work your way up until you are the HR director, or you may be the sole HR representative in the company. Starting your career at a company with a large HR department may be a good idea, as you will be able to slowly gain experience which will enable you to become a sole HR later on. In order to further enhance your experience and skills there are a number or qualifications and courses you can undertake.

Key attributes for working in HR
So, you know the benefits of a career in HR, and you have an idea of the courses and qualifications that are available in order to get you there, but are you the perfect fit for the job? As you’ve probably realised, HR is an extremely dynamic and varied career and requires a certain type of individual, if you answer yes to strength in the following attributes, this career path is definitely for you!
• Communication
• Compassion
• Organisation
• Quick thinking
• Confidential
• Problem solving
• Leadership
• Decision making
• Strong work ethic