If you’re looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding, becoming a human resource manager may be the right choice for you. Human resource managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the employee lifecycle from recruitment to retirement. To become a human resource manager, it is important to have strong organizational skills and a good understanding of employment law. In this article, we will explore what it takes to become a human resource manager and provide some helpful tips on how to get started.
Table of Contents
Overview of Human Resource, Human Resource Management and Human Resource Department
To begin with, we have to understand what human resource (HR) is. The term ‘human resource’ refers to the group of individuals who work for a given organization, business sector, industry, or economy. A human resource department is a department within a company that is responsible for all things related to the employee. This includes recruiting the right people for the job, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, labor law compliance, workplace safety, training, and development.
The human resource departments serve as a link between the company and its employees, assisting in workplace dispute resolution, compliance with labor laws and regulations, and working with executives on long-term strategic planning. Usually, the human resource department is headed by a human resources manager.
Human resource management is the process of managing human resources within an organization. The aim of human resource management is to optimize the performance of employees in order to achieve the goals of the organization.
Who is a Human Resource Manager?
A human resource manager is a person who is in charge of a company’s staff recruitment and management.
He or she should have the following abilities;
- organizational skills
- effective communication
- interpersonal skills,
- adaptability
- analytical thinking
- confidentiality
- technological expertise
- and experience to do their job properly.
Duties of a Human Resource Manager
A human resource manager’s duties varies based on each organization. However, a human resource manager will generally engage in:
- recruitment and selection
- training and development
- performance management
- employee relations
- health and safety
- pay and benefits
How to Become a Human Resource Manager
HR departments are increasingly reliant on internet technologies and software to fulfill their functions, particularly as it pertain to recruiting, talent management, performance management, and employee management. Therefore, HR professionals must also be increasingly tech-savvy.
Get the Degree/Certification
The first step to becoming a human resource manager is to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. If you want to have an edge you can pursue a master’s degree in human resources or business administration (MBA).
Get the Experience
Once you have earned your degree, it is important to get the necessary experience in the human resources field. Many human resource managers start their careers as HR assistants.
Internships are a wonderful way to develop experience in the field of human resources. Many colleges and universities offer internship programs that allow students to work in their school’s human resources department or be attached to a different company. This is a great way to learn about the various aspects of human resources and to get a feel for what the job entails.
Get the Necessary Certification
After you have gained some experience, you may want to consider pursuing a certification in human resources. There are several different types of certifications available, and each has its own set of requirements. Once you have earned your certification, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field of human resources.
In Africa there are governing bodies that offer certification, such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) of Nigeria , the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) of Kenya, In South Africa there is the South African Board for Personnel Practice (SABPP). Egypt has the Egyptian Society for Human Resources Management (ESHRM). It is vital to be aware of the certification courses available in one’s nation and the relevant regulating body.
Final Thoughts
Human resources management is an important field that impacts the lives of employees and employers alike. By becoming a human resource manager, you can help organizations find and keep the best talent, while also ensuring that employees are treated fairly and in accordance with the law.
There are HR specialists who have chosen to specialize in one area of human resources, whereas others have chosen to be generalists.
As the world of work changes, human resources managers are more important than ever. They are the link between employees and the organization, ensuring that both sides understand their roles and responsibilities.
It’s a challenging but rewarding career and one that is sure to continue growing in importance in the years to come.