Steps to Becoming an HR Manager
1. Earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Human Resources
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) guide for human resources managers, the entry-level degree necessary to become an HR manager is a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field, such as finance, business management, education or information technology. That said, the BLS also acknowledges higher level positions require a master’s degree in human resources, labor relations or business administration. Furthermore, the BLS notes that certification, while voluntary, can be beneficial to an HR manager’s employment prospects. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), which offers such certification, says those with a master’s in an HR-related field can get certification up to two years faster than those with just a bachelor’s degree.
2. Consider an Internship
Although not necessarily a requirement for becoming an HR manager, those aspiring to the position should consider an internship in the field. Not only are interns able to gain work experience—which is a necessary qualification, according to the BLS guide for human resources managers but an internship may also be of use when it comes to voluntary certification. For example, students who have accumulated at least 500 internship hours are eligible to sit for the Society for Human Resource Management exam for certification.
3. Gain the Appropriate Work Experience
The BLS guide for human resources managers notes that becoming an HR manager requires a variable amount of work experience in a related occupation, such as human resources specialist. According to the BLS, HR specialists recruit, screen, interview and place workers, as well as completing tasks related to employee relations, compensation, benefits and training. HR specialists may be generalists, handling all aspects of HR work; or recruitment specialists, personnel recruiters or “headhunters” who focus primarily on finding new talent. Occupations similar to HR managers include administrative services managers; compensation and benefits managers; compensation, benefits and job analysis specialists; human resources specialists; top executives; training and development managers; and training and development specialists.
4. Apply for a Manager Position
Becoming an HR manager requires the appropriate work experience, often as an HR specialist. Making the transition from specialist to manager doesn’t necessarily entail moving from one organization to another, but may be a process of graduating from the former to the latter within the same organization. While this can happen naturally through the course of promotions, it is much more likely to involve a specialist applying for an opening as a manager. Holding a master’s degree in human relations is one qualification that can help an applicant move to a manager position, as is holding a voluntary certification.
5. Consider Getting Certified
Although the BLS guide for human resources managers notes that certification is a voluntary qualification for HR managers, it can improve the employment prospects of HR managers. The Society for Human Resource Management offers such certification, the SHRM-Certified Professional, which is available to HR managers of various educational and professional levels who qualify for and pass a specialized exam. Other certifications are available from the HR Certification Institute and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.
