Human Resources, Do You Need A Degree?
I am looking to get into the human resources field. I am currently working in customer service as a call center rep. What kind of degree will I need to move into HR? I’m in school now, but because of money reasons I can’t afford to go to a four-year school just yet. I’m at a J.C for now, they don’t offer any degrees in human resources, but they do have business admin, will that be helpful later on when I am able to pursue a degree in HR? Also what are some jobs I could do now that would allow me to gain useful experience for a job in HR later on? And will any aspect of my customer service background be useful?
I would be grateful for any help, Thanks!!
Tagged with: Degree • Human • Need • Resources
Filed under: Human Resources Degrees
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I hate to say, “it depends,” but, “it depends!”
HR employees range from no college necessary (rare, but it happens,) up through MBA for HR Director of a large-scale employer. I know there are specific programs tailored for HR work, but most HR people I’ve known either have Bus Admin or Psych backgrounds, or they are off-the-wall in their degree choice.
An associates in Bus Admin is a great degree for entry level HR work. Our company, about 40 or so employees in three different related companies, actually, has an HR Coordinator with an ABA. That person reports to the Director of Operations, who in turn reports to the owners.
I’m sure your customer service background will help you. In interviews, focus on how you have to relate to taking incoming calls from people in all walks of life, etc. HR is maybe 15% knowing the laws and regulations, 20% knowing forms and procedures / the bureaucracy, and 65% people skills.
Other areas that might help: Maybe getting in as an Admin Assistant somewhere, and then chatting up their HR people? (Or, for that matter, at your own company now?) Or possibly an admin/gofer job in Accounting/Bookkeeping, as HR people have to have some idea about the payroll and taxation processes.
Good luck!
Look for an entry level HR office/admin job, preferably one at a company that offers tuition reimbursement. As for a degree, if you want to move forward in an HR career, you definitely need one. Many universities now offer degrees in HR administration. Another option is industrial psychology. Get in with an entry level position that offers you the opportunity to grow within the company, especially as you obtain your education. Good luck.
Most Professional HR jobs require some kind of degree. You may be able to get as HR support, HR assistant, or HR Admin right now.
For professional HR jobs, You do not need an HR degree, although they are preferred. A general Business degree, Degree in Psychology, or Industrial Psychology are usually acceptable.
A customer service background is very beneficial. Many people don’t think of HR as a customer service job, but it is. Our customers are our Associates. A customer service background is very important, and usually a requirement for any HR job.
Good Luck!
The best Human Resources professionals are those that understand the business, and are very capable of supporting it. The best educational program, therefore, for a career in HR is Business. You can and should take courses specific to HR along the way, but make sure you can speak the language of management.
Many positions in Human Resources Departments do not require degrees. In larger HR groups, there are typically several clerical positions ranging from Receptionists to assistants in Recruiting, Benefits, Human Resources Information Systems and other functions. Your experience in customer service will be good background for many of these, with our focus on service to our employees.
Many organizations offer tuition reimbursement for education connected to your position. While that shouldn’t be the prime determinant in choosing a company to join, it may help in making the final decision.
Good luck in whatever you decide.