HR is becoming a higher priority than ever before for many UK businesses. There are multiple reasons for the increasing interest in human resources. First of all, people are beginning to realise that employee satisfaction is central to achieving successful business outcomes.
Second, technological innovations are causing employers to continually reconsider their processes for accomplishing their business goals. Management must constantly re-evaluate how new technologies will impact their industry. In some cases, executives find themselves scrambling to implement a new technology after competitors have adopted it. This, in turn, often forces companies to either retrain and upskill their current workforce – or replace their current workers with people who are already skilled at using the new technology. This creates high levels of demand for human resources managers who are adept at helping employers manage change and effectively transition between technologies.
These are just a few of the reasons it is smart to consider a career in human resources. As an HR professional, the end goal, logically, would be to maximise your salary and opportunities. One of the most straightforward ways to accomplish this would be to aim for a management role in HR.
So how do you become an HR manager? Follow these 3 steps for launching a career in human resources management:
1. Choose Your Path and Obtain Your Credentials
It is unusual for people to be hired as human resources managers directly after graduation from secondary school. However, you have multiple options for the next steps you can take towards launching your human resources career after secondary school is behind you. According to the career experts at the National Career Services, there are 5 different approaches you could take to successfully get started in this career:
- Take a university course in a relevant subject such as human resources management, business management or psychology.
- Complete a relevant college degree programme, such as a level 5 diploma in human resource management.
- Find an HR consultant or other employer who is willing to work with apprentices, and complete an apprenticeship.
- Work towards a promotion to the job you want. It is sometimes possible to find entry-level assistant HR jobs in the UK. If you do an outstanding job at one of these, it could be possible to get promoted to higher-paying work – and eventually become an HR manager in the long term. However, this is obviously the slow road to success. It could take many years.
- Enrol in a specialist course run by a professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). This organisation is a registered charity whose purpose is to empower better work and lives. You can choose to take CIPD courses online or through local training centres.
Any of these paths could help you gain the credentials you need for becoming a human resources manager.
2. Network
Credentials are helpful for obtaining work as a human resources manager – but your professional network is even more important. So be sure to meet, interact with and develop genuine friendships with as many people in your industry as possible. Do keep in mind that the most effective way to network is simply to help other people achieve their most cherished goals. This is particularly true in the field of human resources.
3. Interview
Next, identify jobs you think would be a worthwhile match for your talents, background and interests. Contact recruiters and ask them to help connect you with suitable opportunities. Reach out to the people in your network and ask if they know of any employers who are hiring workers with your qualifications. Schedule and attend interviews with all the appropriate employers you find through this process. By the time you get this far, you’re well on your way to developing a successful career in human resources management.
