How to Start a Career in HR

Human Resources (HR) is all about the people at the heart of any business: the employees. From ensuring a positive environment is maintained to managing the training of staff, the HR department is fundamental to businesses around the globe. 

Find out how you can get started in a human resources career today and become a part of this cornerstone of business.

Human Resources plays a key role in business, as it is involved in managing the employees in an organisation. This includes management of employee recruitment, training, wellbeing, data, termination, pay, and benefits, as well as maintaining a positive environment in the workplace. 

HR is, therefore, essential to maintaining the rights, welfare, and wellbeing of employees, ensuring that the practical and interpersonal aspects of employee relations are maintained.

If you are wondering how to get into HR in Ireland, then the role usually requires a bachelor’s degree. If you have an undergraduate degree or qualification in communications, business management, business, or the social sciences such as sociology and psychology, then you are likely to be well prepared for a career in HR. 

A postgraduate qualification such as a master’s degree in Human Resources or a postgraduate certificate can improve your employability in HR even further.

However, there are several routes into this role, and for those with a degree, it is still best to have some knowledge or experience of working in HR before applying for job opportunities. Studying online HR courses help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career in HR. With a Certificate in Personnel Management and Human Resources, learners can become qualified in HR in as little as six months.

Courses like these can be taken part-time or full-time, and you will develop key HR skills, including communication skills, emotional intelligence, and management skills. Some also give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the workplace.

CIPD or ICOES accredited courses are the best way to get into the HR field, no matter what previous experience you have. These courses demonstrate to employers that you have achieved professional competency in your subject and can greatly improve your chances of securing a job in HR. 

There is no specific requirement to have work experience in order to secure a job in HR, however, having some HR experience working in an HR team or within the HR field would be advantageous. Some jobs require less experience than others, including entry-level positions such as an HR assistant or trainee recruitment consultant. 

Having some work experience is also advisable, even if it is working in an area such as retail or customer service. You can gain experience in a paid or voluntary role to demonstrate key transferable skills which are useful to HR positions. 

If you have work experience in a different field, as well as theoretical knowledge from an online HR course, then employers can be more confident that you will be able to apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

HR professionals have a variety of everyday duties, and these will depend to a degree on which role they have within the human resources team. However, some of the main HR functions include the following:

An HR manager (HRM) is the head of the human resources team, supervising staff and coordinating the team to ensure that all areas of employee management are taken care of appropriately. They will also meet with other department heads to coordinate staff and training, manage any disputes that arise, and develop HR strategies, policies and procedures. 

If you want to progress your route into human resource management, then taking online courses in HR can demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge to take on a higher position and are motivated enough to work for it independently. Other qualifications, such as Payroll qualifications can be helpful in building a sturdy career in HR.

Jobs in human resources are important, varied, and highly in demand. Your daily duties, whether it is as an HR manager, recruitment officer, or payroll administrator, will be vital to the running of a business, carrying out essential duties to ensure all personnel is cared for. 

In human resource management, you can be responsible for the management and development of employees and work alongside other departments to come up with new initiatives to help employers, employees, and the business as a whole succeed. An HR career also opens up a variety of job roles, in a range of industries, from healthcare to hospitality, and there is plenty of room for career development. 

An HR role can be incredibly rewarding, with the knowledge that you will never be out of a job due to the importance of HR, the variety of job roles available, and the potential for high earnings.