Shaping a career in human resources

Human resource management (HRM) deals with issues related to people such as compensation, hiring, performance management, organisation development, safety, wellness, benefits, employee motivation, communication, administration and training. It is also a strategic and comprehensive approach to managing people and the workplace culture and environment.

Effective HRM enables employees to contribute effectively and productively to the overall company direction and to accomplish the organisation’s goals and objectives. Of late HRM is moving away from the traditional personnel, administration and transactional roles, as these are increasingly getting outsourced.

Nowadays, it is expected that HRM should add value to the strategic utilisation of employees and employee programmes that impact the business in measurable ways.

HRM involves strategic direction and measurements to demonstrate value. HR, therefore, acts as a harbinger of change with changing markets and eco-systems.

For a career in HR you need to plan your education and your work experience to qualify. The income and opportunity prospects, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, are favourable for the next decade or two.

As a professional career, HRM demands integrity, confidentiality, and a high level of interpersonal interaction capability from its practitioners.

HRM is taught as part of the MBA curriculum at B-Schools across the country. Many colleges also offer HR courses at graduation level. MBA in human resources is a two-year course taken up after graduation or equivalent degree. The admission is generally held on the basis of a written test, group discussion and personal interview.
Though there are HR professionals with a wide variety of educational background, many positions require candidates with a master’s degree in human resources, industrial relations/personnel management or other related specialisation. Such a degree will be highly regarded by hiring managers. This is not to imply that HR professionals without the above degrees are unsuccessful. Many have developed successful careers in human resources without a formal HR degree.
Large companies also offer workshops and classes that broaden an existing professional’s HR skills. By completing a professional certification course, you have the opportunity to switch careers or increase your growth and earning potential. Some examples include certifications from XLRI, Symbiosis International University, IIMs, SHRM etc.
A career in HR is easy for those with a college degree and/or professional certification in the field.
But people with related majors in areas such areas business, sociology, psychology and social sciences are also considered, especially for entry-level jobs. If you are a student, or just out of college, an internship in an HR department can provide the relevant experience.
If you are looking at making a career switch, look internally at opportunities that might be available within your own organisation, as that is the best place to leverage on the goodwill earned and confidence gained from the management. Keep a watch on online portals or internal job postings. HR jobs are also being advertised in professional networking and online social networking sites.
The main task of HR managers is the efficient use and development of available skills and talent of the employees within the organisation. These sectors may vary from public and private sector industries, banking and financial institutions, corporate houses and multinational companies.
The remuneration that a fresh graduate can expect would be anywhere between `3 lakh-`7.5 lakh per annum at an entry level.
At a manager level one can expect anywhere between `10 lakh-`15 lakh per annum and senior managers have compensations upwards of `25 lakh per annum.
(Rajesh Patro, associate VP, HR, Ness Technologies)