Human resources is a broad field.HR professionals design compensation programs, administer benefits packages, ensure employee safety, hire and fire employees, provide training to employees and managers, and communicate critical information company-wide.In a field that covers so many different disciplines, some HR professionals need help finding ways to get started in their careers or expand their areas of expertise.There are some tips on how to get experience in human resources.
Step 1: There is an internship in the HR department.
The first step for many people who want to learn more about human resources is an internship.Many large and mid-sized departments hire interns because there is a lot of administrative work in HR.
Step 2: You should look for work at your current company.
If you're currently employed, there may be projects going on in your company's HR department.Ask if you can help.Not all projects involve confidential data, so you can gain hands-on HR experience and learn more about your company in the process.If you work in a division of the company's HR department, you should volunteer to help out in other divisions.If you work in the benefits department, you can offer to help the recruitment department interview candidates at a career fair.
Step 3: Donate time to a nonprofit organization.
There are no credentials required to practice HR in many small nonprofits.If you're willing to work for free to gain HR experience, volunteering can help you gain exposure to higher level work than you might find in an entry level HR job.
Step 4: Administrative support jobs are available in human resources.
Administrative positions are usually found in personnel departments because HR has a lot of paperwork to process.Entry-level roles in human resources are often filled by people who are promoted over time.Many of the HR leaders started out as receptionists.
Step 5: Someone is working for a staffing company.
Agencies that place temporary personnel can help gain experience in areas that overlap into HR.Staffing companies evaluate, interview, hire and place large volumes of candidates and experience in these areas can position you for a corporate recruiting position in a larger HR department.Staffing agencies often hire people from sales positions or recent college graduates, and don't require HR experience to start.
Step 6: You can join an organization for HR professionals.
You can find entry-level opportunities if you network with other HR professionals.Word-of-mouth fills many open positions.You can meet people who are filling HR positions if you join a professional association and attend networking events regularly.An annual conference is an opportunity to gain exposure to HR professionals and learn more about various topics in the field.
Step 7: There is a certification called pursue.
certification for HR professionals in the state of California is offered by the Human Resources Certification Institute.There are preparation courses for various levels of certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management.
Step 8: There are people in HR that you can network with online.
There are a lot of online networking opportunities for people who want to connect with others in the profession.Online networking opportunities offered by many HR associations allow you to connect with hiring professionals outside of your area.The Society for Human Resource Management has a members-only section on its website called "HR Talk," which allows members to discuss a variety of HR-related topics.
Step 9: You should be open to starting out in different disciplines.
Human resources includes compensation and benefits, as well as recruiting and labor relations.At some point in their careers, most HR professionals spend time in several of these areas.It's usually easier to find work in benefits in the fall.The best times to volunteer to help are at the beginning of the fiscal year and after the holidays, when hiring picks up.The best time to offer your services in order to gain experience is when the compensation department has a set cycle for reviewing pay practices.