What Can You Do With a Human Resources Degree?

Most students enroll in a bachelor's degree program to develop the fundamental knowledge and industry-specific skills required for their chosen field. For those interested in a career in human resources, a bachelor's degree in human resources provides a strong foundation in the field while simultaneously offering broad career flexibility.

Across all industries, human resource professionals play a strategic role in organizational growth and development, giving those in the field the ability to have a measurable impact wherever they work. So, what can you do with a human resources degree? The truth of the matter is you will have plenty of professional opportunities to consider. In this guide, we explore the strength and versatility of this undergraduate degree program.

Why Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources?

The bachelor's degree in human resources is an undergraduate degree program that is designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a bachelor's degree in human resources is typically required for most positions, highlighting the value of this credential in today's evolving business climate.

Traditionally, human resources (HR) focused on the administrative work involved with recruiting and retaining employees as well as administering employer-sponsored benefits. In recent years, though, the scope of human resources has expanded beyond these administrative tasks. Today, most organizations view HR as a strategic function that is essential to positioning them for success.

Throughout the bachelor's degree in human resource management program, students explore central topics, such as employment law, talent and acquisition, employee onboarding, and organizational behavior, equipping them with the industry-specific skills and core competencies required in this field.

Core Skills Gained in an HR Degree Program

Graduates of this program develop the following skills:

• Recruitment
• Employee onboarding and development
• Employee retention
• Labor relations
• Data analysis
• HR technical competencies
• Business acumen
• Professional communication
• Cultural consciousness
• Self-awareness
• Empathy

Careers You Can Pursue With a Bachelor's in Human Resources

The bachelor's degree in human resources has a dual purpose. Not only does it prepare students with the foundational skills necessary in entry-level positions in human resources, but it also lays the groundwork for professional advancement into mid-level roles.

These are some of the career opportunities that you may be able to consider when you graduate with a bachelor's degree in human resources.

Human Resources Generalist

Human resources generalists have the ability to oversee a broad range of HR functions, making this career appealing to those who want to take on varied tasks throughout the day. According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), HR generalists play an integral role in every aspect of the employee life cycle. They are involved with recruiting, interviewing candidates, developing employment offers, creating and distributing benefits packages, accepting resignations, and managing the exit interview process. They often get to work directly with leadership to shape organizational strategy, making this a rewarding opportunity for those in the field.

Human Resources Specialist

While generalists oversee all types of functions within the HR department, human resources specialists focus on one key area within the department. HR specialists may oversee the recruitment and screening process, or they may focus on job placement within the organization. In addition, there are HR specialists who handle compensation and benefits, while others manage labor relations for the company. Through training and professional experience, human resources specialists are able to rely on their expertise to provide in-depth knowledge and insight in organizational settings.

Talent Acquisition Specialist / Recruiter

Talent acquisition specialists, who are sometimes known as recruiters, are HR professionals who specialize in attracting top talent for job opportunities within an organization. According to the Academy to Innovate HR, talent acquisition specialists work closely with hiring managers and the leadership team to predict workforce demands, develop strategies to attract the most qualified candidates, and fill critical roles as efficiently as possible. As the job market becomes more competitive, it's expected that organizations will prioritize talent acquisition in the years to come, which may heighten the demand for HR professionals with expertise in employee acquisition and retention.

Training and Development Coordinator

Within an HR department, training and development coordinators play a vital role. Training and development coordinators are responsible for creating programs that improve the skills of existing employees. They may focus on developing skills training workshops or implementing programming that expands the knowledge or awareness of employees. Considered to be a key part of retaining the most qualified employees, training and development are crucial to organizational success in the modern business landscape.

Compensation and Benefits Analyst

The HR department is often responsible for creating and distributing benefits to employees in return for their work at the organization. Compensation and benefits analysts are HR professionals with specialized expertise in creating and distributing favorable compensation packages that attract top talent. They may be responsible for researching comparable industry compensation and benefits plans, comparing different available benefit packages to maximize operational efficiency within an organization, and determining which positions within an organization are offered specific salary levels.

Employee Relations Specialist

Employee relations specialists, sometimes referred to as labor relations specialists, are HR professionals who manage and resolve labor disputes with employees. They also play a key role in developing and negotiating labor contracts with employees who are represented by unions.

Human Resources Coordinator

The human resources coordinator position is a mid-level role that requires a bachelor's degree in human resources as well as several years of professional experience in an HR department. Human resources coordinators work to facilitate all functions within a human resource department, often serving as a liaison between employees and HR leadership.

HR Compliance Specialist

Professionals within a human resources department must remain in compliance with local, state, and federal laws when it comes to distributing compensation packages and managing employee disputes. An HR compliance specialist is an experienced HR professional who has extensive knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements. They work to ensure that the organization maintains compliance in all its HR functions.

Payroll Administrator

Companies of all sizes must have effective payroll administration procedures in place. Payroll administrators are HR professionals who oversee the payment process and who provide employees with support when they need assistance with their pay. Payroll administrators often work closely with other departments to ensure streamlined payment processes are in place throughout the organization.

Industries That Hire Human Resources Professionals

The fact of the matter is, organizations across all industries need to implement effective HR strategies, requiring them to partner with experienced HR professionals. From small businesses to large corporations, there is significant demand for HR professionals, making this a stable and adaptable career path.

Industries that are experiencing growth and development are often looking to hire qualified HR professionals, such as:

• Technology
• Manufacturing
• Business
• Healthcare
• Finance

Is a Human Resources Degree Right for You?

When exploring the question of "What can you do with a human resources degree?", a quick self-assessment can help you determine if the HR field aligns with your interests and strengths. Here are a few questions to consider:

• What type of work environment do I prefer?
• Do I consider myself an organized and detail-oriented individual?
• Do I feel comfortable with difficult conversations with others?
• Do I enjoy working with advanced technology?
• Do I see myself in a supportive and collaborative role?

Traits of Successful HR Professionals

If you are considering a career in HR, you will need to focus on developing practical and technical HR management skills as well as the core competencies needed to work closely with employees. Successful HR professionals have:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathy balanced with professionalism
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Interest in people development and organizational culture

Advance Your Career With a Bachelor's in Human Resource Management

The human resources field offers a broad scope, giving professionals the ability to carve out a personalized path forward. The online Bachelor of Human Resource Management degree at Champlain College Online provides a strong foundation for long-term career growth in the field, equipping graduates with key human relations skills, including recruitment, onboarding, employee development and retention, and labor relations skills. By investing in a formal, industry-aligned human resources education, you will be well-positioned for professional advancement and leadership opportunities throughout your career.

Contact admissions to learn more about our online degree programs today.