High School

In high school, take a general college preparatory curriculum that includes classes in business, mathematics, computer science, English, speech, foreign language, and current events.

Postsecondary Education

A bachelor’s degree in human resources or business administration is the minimum educational requirement to become a human resources manager. Alternatively, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in another field and augment your education by taking courses in subjects such as labor or industrial relations, organizational development, and industrial psychology. Human resources managers may also have degrees in finance, education, or information technology. Some organizations require job applicants to have a master’s degree in human resources, labor relations, or business administration. Visit https://www.shrm.org/certification/for-organizations/academic-alignment/Pages/HR-Program-Directory.aspx for a directory of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in human resources.

Certification

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans’ certificate series offers learning opportunities in all areas of total compensation. Applicants can sign up for just a single course or take three of the following courses to earn a certificate of achievement:

• Benefit Plan Administration
• Benefits and Compensation
• Health and Welfare Plans
• Public Sector Benefits Administration
• Retirement Plans
• Strategic Benefits Management

Other Education or Training

In this highly-competitive industry, it’s important to keep your skills up to date by participating in continuing education (CE) classes, workshops, and seminars. Most HR associations provide some type of professional development opportunities. For example, the Society for Human Resource Management offers the Essentials of HR Management program, which can be completed online or via in-person seminars. The society also provides more than 200 courses and webcasts on topics such as leadership, communication skills, employee engagement, benefit plans, and employment laws. The Association for Talent Development, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, International Society for Performance Improvement, and WorldatWork also provide CE opportunities. Contact these organizations to learn more.

Certification or Licensing

Becoming certified is an excellent way to demonstrate to potential employers that you’ve met the highest standards established by your industry. Several professional associations provide certification programs for HR professionals. For example, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers the SHRM certified professional and SHRM senior certified professional designations to those who pass an examination and meet other requirements. The following organizations also provide certification:

• Association for Talent Development: certified professional in talent development
• International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans: certified employee benefit specialist and three specialty designations (group benefits associate, retirement plans associate, and compensation management specialist)
• International Society for Performance Improvement: certified performance technologist
• WorldatWork: WorldatWork Society of Certified Professional, which includes designations in compensation, global rewards, executive compensation professional, sales compensation professional, benefits, and work-life

You’ll need at least five years of experience in lower-level human resources positions (such as employment interviewer, placement specialist, and personnel recruiter, or as a human resources department head) to work as a human resources manager. Additionally, the Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that “many positions require experience working with human resources programs, such as compensation and benefits plans or with a Human Resources Information System (HRIS), and require a solid understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws.” (See http://www.dresserassociates.com/what-is-hris.php# to learn more about HRISs.)

Strong communication skills are key to being a successful HR manager. You’ll need to be able to clearly explain your organization’s personnel policies and benefits plans to employees, effectively negotiate with labor union representatives, and prepare reports and oral presentations about ongoing HR issues and long-term planning goals for organization executives. Human resources managers must also possess tact and patience when dealing with employees who’ve violated organization rules or who question company policies or request pay raises. Other important traits include objectivity and fair-mindedness, the ability to work as a member of a team, excellent organizational and leadership skills, and a willingness to continue to learn throughout your career.