Top 15 Human Resource Degree Jobs (2024)

Benefits

• Executive Healthcare Package: As a Vice President of Talent Acquisition, you may be offered a comprehensive healthcare package that includes premium medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with a wide range of wellness programs.
• Expense Account: Many organizations provide an expense account for high-ranking positions like Vice President of Talent Acquisition, which can be used for recruiting events, business meetings, travel expenses, and other job-related costs.
• Competitive Retirement Plans: The position often includes a robust retirement package with higher employer-matching contributions to help secure your financial future.
• Executive Bonuses: Beyond a competitive base salary, a Vice President of Talent Acquisition often receives a significant bonus structure that is tied to the company’s performance and their personal KPI achievements.

Working Conditions

As a Vice President of Talent Acquisition, you will operate in a fast-paced and challenging environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams and staying updated with industry trends. You will have flexible working hours, with occasional travel for recruitment events and industry conferences.

Further Studies

• Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management (MHRM): A master’s degree provides a comprehensive understanding of human resources, diving into advanced areas such as talent management, HR analytics, and strategic HRM. This degree could enhance your strategic thinking skills and your ability to align talent acquisition with broader organizational goals.
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR): This advanced certification provided by HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is focused on the strategic aspects of HR management, including talent acquisition and retention. SPHR can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your readiness for leadership roles in HR.
• SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP): This globally recognized certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management signifies your ability to develop strategies, lead the HR function, foster influence in the community, analyze performance metrics, and align HR strategies to organizational goals. This credential is quite valuable for HR leaders like a VP of Talent Acquisition.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Due to the role’s specialized nature, compensation managers often command high salaries.
• Comprehensive Benefit Plans: As a benefit expert, companies often offer extensive healthcare and retirement benefits to their Compensation Managers, ensuring they are well taken care of.
• Cross-Functional Interaction: Collaborate with various departments, providing a broad understanding of the organization and aiding in career growth.
• Professional Development: Compensation Managers have the opportunity to learn and grow in their field, and many employers offer tuition reimbursem*nt or other educational benefits.

Working Conditions

As a Compensation Manager, you’ll work in an office environment, leading compensation programs and strategies. Your role involves conducting data analysis, collaborating with HR and management teams, and ensuring compliance with compensation regulations. Expect a dynamic and rewarding position, with opportunities to make a significant impact on employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Further Studies

• Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management: An MHRM can provide a deeper understanding of HR policies, regulations, and trends. You’ll delve into areas like talent management, workforce planning, and of course, compensation and benefits, learning how to devise strategic and fair compensation plans.
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP): This certification, offered by WorldatWork, is a gold standard in the field of compensation. It covers critical areas like regulatory practices, quantitative analysis, and compensation program design, providing the specialized knowledge that could set you apart as a leader in the field.

Benefits

• Networking: Frequent interaction with stakeholders both internal and external, helping build a robust professional network.
• Professional Growth Opportunities: There will be multiple opportunities for learning and growth as you handle different projects with unique challenges.
• High Demand: Companies often require HR project managers to streamline their HR initiatives, meaning plenty of job opportunities.
• Competitive Salary: Project managers typically receive competitive salaries, reflecting their crucial role.

Working Conditions

As an HR Project Manager, you’ll work in a fast-paced office setting, overseeing HR initiatives and projects. Your role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing project timelines, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Expect challenges and rewards in driving successful HR projects, utilizing strong leadership and communication skills to achieve project objectives.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Project Management (MPM): An MPM program equips you with the necessary skills to manage complex projects effectively. You’ll learn about project lifecycle management, budgeting, risk management, and leadership—critical skills for an HR project manager. Most MPM programs expect an undergraduate degree in a related field, so your bachelor’s degree should suffice for entry.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the PMP certification is one of the most highly respected certifications in project management worldwide. It covers key areas like initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing projects. The PMP requires a mix of education and professional experience, and it can be a powerful demonstration of your project management skills.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): Also offered by PMI, the CAPM is a valuable entry-level certification for project practitioners who have less professional experience. It covers fundamental project management knowledge and terminology and can be a stepping stone toward more advanced certifications like the PMP.

Benefits

• Autonomy: As a consultant, you’ll often have a high degree of control over your work, including the projects you choose to work on and the methods you use to achieve your objectives.
• Potential for High Earnings: HR Consultants often have the opportunity for higher earnings based on the value they bring to clients, especially when they work independently or at a senior level
• Flexibility in Work Environment: HR consulting often comes with the ability to work remotely or travel to different client locations, providing variety in your work environment.
• Skill Enhancement: Working with diverse clients and industries helps you continually develop and refine your HR skills.

Working Conditions

As an HR Consultant, you’ll experience a dynamic work environment, collaborating with diverse clients and industries. Your role involves providing expert HR advice, conducting assessments, and designing tailored solutions. Expect project-based work, autonomy in managing projects, and the potential for remote or flexible work arrangements. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential for success.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Human Resource Management (MHRM): An MHRM offers an in-depth understanding of HR concepts and practices, equipping you with the advanced knowledge that organizations expect from a consultant. This degree will enhance your strategic decision-making capabilities and your understanding of key HR functions.
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certifications: SHRM offers the Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) for early- and mid-career professionals and the Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) for senior-level practitioners. These certifications demonstrate your commitment to the HR field and can significantly enhance your credibility as a consultant.

Benefits

• Potential for Internal Mobility: The role of an HR Business Partner often serves as a stepping stone to other high-level positions within HR or general management, enhancing career progression.
• Enhanced Learning Opportunities: As you’ll be dealing with various aspects of the business and its strategy, this role offers continuous learning opportunities to develop both your HR and business acumen.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programs: Many companies offer comprehensive Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide support for personal issues, from mental health to financial counseling.
• Paid Sabbatical Programs: Some organizations offer paid sabbatical programs that allow you to take a break from work for personal development or rest after a certain period of service.

Working Conditions

As an HR Business Partner, you can expect a dynamic work environment that demands versatility and adaptability. You’ll collaborate with various stakeholders, attend leadership meetings, and lead HR projects. Your work hours will typically follow regular office hours, but you may occasionally need to adjust your schedule to accommodate urgent matters or critical projects.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Human Resource Management (MHRM): This degree deepens your understanding of HR practices and strategies, equipping you with the knowledge to influence business decisions at a high level. It will also allow you to explore areas such as organizational behavior and leadership in greater depth, which can be beneficial for an HR Business Partner.
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR): These certifications from the HR Certification Institute offer another way to validate your HR knowledge. The SPHR, which focuses on strategy and policy-making, could be particularly beneficial for HR Business Partners.
• Strategic HR Business Partner (SHRBP) Certification: This certification, typically offered by established HR training institutions such as the Human Capital Institute (HCI), is specifically designed to enhance strategic thinking and execution in HR business partners. It emphasizes the skills needed to align HR strategy with business strategy, a key role of the HR business partner.

Benefits

• Professional Development Support: Many companies offer opportunities for continuous learning such as workshops, seminars, and training programs tailored for HR professionals. They might also support your pursuit of professional certifications like SPHR or SHRM-SCP.
• Networking: Regular interaction with a broad set of internal and external stakeholders, expanding your professional network.
• Career Advancement: A stepping stone to higher-level HR leadership roles.
• Leadership: Oversee an HR team, fostering leadership skills and team management.

Working Conditions

As an HR Manager, you’ll work in office settings, collaborating with employees and management. Your role involves handling recruitment, training, employee relations, and strategic planning. Expect a fast-paced environment, juggling various responsibilities, and addressing HR challenges. Effective communication, problem-solving skills, and adaptability are essential for success.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Human Resource Management (MHRM): This degree provides an in-depth understanding of human resources and can equip you with strategic management skills. MHRM programs typically cover key HR areas such as recruitment, talent management, organizational behavior, employee relations, and more, positioning you for leadership roles in HR.
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR): These certifications from the HR Certification Institute can further affirm your expertise in HR. The SPHR, in particular, emphasizes the strategic aspect of HR management and could be particularly beneficial for HR managers aiming for senior-level positions.

Benefits

• Building Long-Term Relationships: The role allows you to build long-term relationships with both candidates and companies, which can lead to a robust professional network.
• Commission-Based Earnings: In many organizations, recruiters can earn commissions or bonuses based on successful placements, which can significantly boost income potential.
• High Demand: Companies are always looking for talent, making recruiters in high demand.
• Clear Career Path: The recruitment profession often offers a clear and structured career path, providing plenty of opportunities for advancement.

Working Conditions

As a recruiter, you’ll work in a fast-paced office environment, collaborating with hiring managers and candidates. Your role involves sourcing and screening candidates, conducting interviews, and managing multiple job openings simultaneously. Expect to use recruitment software and attend job fairs. Strong communication, time management, and adaptability are essential for success.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Human Resource Management (MHRM): An MHRM can offer in-depth knowledge about the broader aspects of human resources, including the finer nuances of talent acquisition, retention, and employment laws, helping you approach recruitment more strategically.
• Sourcing Training & Certifications: Being an adept source is a huge advantage in recruiting. Consider courses that teach advanced sourcing techniques, Boolean search methods, and tools to identify passive candidates.

Benefits

• Technology Skills Enhancement: As an HRIS Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to work with and learn from the latest HR technologies, which can significantly boost your tech competency.
• Competitive Compensation: Given the specialized technical skills required for the role, HRIS Managers often command a competitive salary compared to other HR roles.
• High Demand: As HR becomes more data-driven, the demand for HRIS managers is increasing.
• Vendor Management Skills: Working with various software and service vendors enhances your negotiation and vendor management skills, which can be beneficial in many other roles and contexts.

Working Conditions

As an HR Information Systems (HRIS) Manager, you’ll work in an office setting, overseeing HR technology and data systems. Your role involves implementing, managing, and optimizing HRIS solutions to streamline HR processes. Expect a dynamic and data-driven environment, collaborating with HR and IT teams to ensure smooth technology integration and efficient HR operations. Strong technical and communication skills are essential for success.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Information Systems Management or Information Technology (IT): This degree can provide advanced knowledge and skills in managing information systems, focusing on areas like system analysis, data management, IT project management, and cybersecurity. This could be particularly beneficial for HRIS managers given the technical nature of the role.
• Certifications in HR Technology: There are various certifications focusing on HR technology, such as the HRIP (Human Resource Information Professional) certification offered by the International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM). This certification validates your knowledge and skills in HR technology solutions and can set you apart in the field.

Benefits

• Skill Development: You will have the opportunity to enhance a wide range of skills, including communication, data analysis, coaching, and facilitation.
• Competitive Compensation: Performance Management Specialists often receive competitive salary packages due to the strategic importance of their role.
• Exposure to Human Capital Analytics: You’ll have the opportunity to work with human capital analytics, enhancing your understanding of this important area of HR.

Working Conditions

As a Performance Management Specialist, you’ll work in an office environment, collaborating with HR professionals and managers. Your role involves evaluating employee performance, providing feedback, and designing improvement plans. Expect a mix of data analysis, coaching, and communication to optimize workforce productivity and development. Strong organization and interpersonal skills are essential for success.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology: This program delves into human behavior in the workplace. It covers how to measure performance, employee motivation, leadership effectiveness, and organizational development, all of which are important for a Performance Management Specialist.
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certifications: Both the SHRM SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications can validate your HR expertise and commitment to the field. They also cover performance management as part of their competency and knowledge exams.

Benefits

• Recognition of Efforts: Successful diversity and inclusion initiatives often get recognized both within and outside the organization, leading to professional recognition and satisfaction.
• Innovation and Creativity: The role encourages innovative and creative thinking to address diversity and inclusion challenges, keeping the job exciting and fulfilling.
• Continuous Learning: The ever-evolving nature of diversity and inclusion ensures that you’re continuously learning and staying abreast of new trends and best practices in the field.
• Skill Development: The role requires a wide range of skills including communication, empathy, adaptability, and leadership, providing plenty of opportunities for personal growth and skill development.

Working Conditions

As a Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Manager, you’ll work in an office setting, collaborating with HR professionals and company leadership. Your role involves developing and implementing diversity initiatives, conducting training, and advocating for an inclusive work culture. Expect a dynamic and rewarding environment, promoting equality and fostering a positive employee experience. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Diversity and Inclusion: Some universities now offer this specialized degree, which provides in-depth knowledge and skills specific to leading D&I initiatives. It covers topics such as social justice, intercultural communication, inclusive leadership, and diversity law.
• Cornell Certified Diversity Professional/Advanced Practitioner (CCDP/AP): This certification, offered by Cornell University, provides a comprehensive understanding of strategic D&I management, laws, and regulations. It is an excellent choice for professionals seeking to gain advanced, practical skills in this field.

Benefits

• Constant Learning: The nature of the role means that you will always be learning about new training methods, technologies, and developments in your industry.
• Leadership Opportunities: This role often involves leading a team of trainers or training coordinators, providing opportunities to enhance your leadership skills.
• Future-Proof Role: The role often involves keeping up-to-date with future workforce needs and skills, making it an evolving and future-proof profession.
• Facilitation Skills: Designing and leading training sessions can improve your facilitation skills, which are beneficial in a variety of professional contexts.

Working Conditions

As a Training and Development Manager, you’ll work in an office setting, collaborating with HR professionals and department heads. Your role involves assessing training needs, designing programs, and delivering training sessions.

Expect a dynamic and rewarding environment, facilitating employee growth, and promoting a culture of continuous learning. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for success.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Organizational Development (OD): OD focuses on improving organizational performance and individual development by increasing alignment among the various systems within the organization. This can be especially valuable for a Training and Development Manager since it enhances understanding of how to drive change and performance improvements.
• Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM): This certification from Training Industry is specifically designed for those in a training and development leadership role. It emphasizes business alignment, leadership, and the management and measurement of training.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: HR Generalists often receive competitive compensation packages, especially as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities.
• Holistic Understanding: Gain a comprehensive view of HR, understanding how different functions interconnect.
• Job Security: As HR Generalists handle multiple functions within HR, they are usually considered indispensable, providing a degree of job security.
• Career Advancement Opportunities: The broad knowledge and experience gained in this role can provide a stepping stone to more specialized or senior HR roles.

Working Conditions

As an HR Generalist, you’ll work in an office setting, handling various HR functions. Your role involves recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, and policy implementation. Expect a fast-paced environment, working with employees and managers. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential for managing diverse HR responsibilities and fostering a positive work environment.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Human Resources: An MBA provides a broad understanding of business operations, which can be useful in aligning HR strategies with overall business objectives. Specializing in HR allows you to delve deeper into areas like talent management, organizational behavior, and employee performance. Some schools may require prerequisite courses in basic accounting, statistics, or economics if these subjects were not part of your bachelor’s program.
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification: The PHR certification offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is one of the most recognized certifications for HR professionals. It covers areas like talent planning and acquisition, benefits and compensation, employee and labor relations, and learning and development.

Benefits

• Entry Point: Provides a stepping stone into the field of HR for recent graduates or those changing careers.
• Exposure to Multiple HR Functions: As an HR Assistant, you will often be involved in various HR functions such as recruitment, employee relations, and benefits, providing a diverse work experience.
• Professional Growth: Many organizations offer opportunities for HR Assistants to advance in their HR careers through professional development, training, and mentoring opportunities.

Working Conditions

As an HR Assistant, you’ll work in an office setting, supporting HR professionals in various administrative tasks. Your role involves managing HR documentation, assisting in recruitment, and providing employee support. Expect a fast-paced environment, collaborating with HR team members and employees. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for success.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Human Resource Management (MHRM): This advanced degree provides comprehensive knowledge of HR practices and principles, enabling HR Generalists to handle complex challenges and take on leadership roles.
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certifications: The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is designed for HR professionals early in their career, while the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) is for senior-level practitioners. Both can validate your HR expertise and dedication to the field.

Benefits

• Professional Recognition: This role is highly respected, as it plays a vital part in safeguarding the company’s reputation and legal standing.
• Conflict Resolution Skills: You’ll gain valuable experience in resolving conflicts between company operations and regulatory requirements.
• Professional Development: Many organizations offer opportunities for continuous learning, such as compliance certification programs.
• Business Acumen: Understanding how compliance impacts various aspects of the business can enhance your business acumen.

Working Conditions

As an HR Compliance Manager, you’ll work in an office setting, overseeing HR policies and practices to ensure legal compliance. Your role involves conducting audits, analyzing data, and advising management on compliance strategies. Expect a challenging yet rewarding environment, contributing to a compliant workplace and minimizing legal risks. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential for success.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Employment Law or Juris Doctor (JD): For a role heavily focused on legal compliance, advanced knowledge in employment law can be greatly beneficial. A Master’s in Employment Law or a JD degree provides a deep understanding of the legal landscape affecting businesses and employees.
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certifications: Both the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications can validate your HR expertise and commitment to the field. They cover compliance as part of their competency and knowledge exams.
• Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP): Offered by the Compliance Certification Board, this certification validates your knowledge of compliance and ethics programs in businesses.

Benefits

• In-Demand Skills: Data skills are in high demand, increasing your marketability and job security.
• Upskilling and Reskilling: As data tools and technologies evolve, there are ample opportunities for upskilling and reskilling in this role.
• Future Opportunities: The skills and experiences you gain as an HR Data Analyst can open doors to other roles in data analysis, HR, and beyond.
• Decision-Making Autonomy: Depending on the organization, you may have the autonomy to decide which data to analyze and how, fostering your creativity and independence.

Working Conditions

As an HR Data Analyst, you will typically work in office settings, collaborating with HR professionals and utilizing data analysis tools and software. Your work will involve transforming raw data into actionable reports and recommendations to support HR initiatives.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Business Analytics or Data Science: These programs delve into advanced data analysis techniques, statistical methods, machine learning, and predictive modeling, all of which can be very useful for an HR Data Analyst. Prior knowledge of statistics and some programming languages might be required.
• Certifications in Relevant Software Tools: Certifications in data visualization tools like Tableau, PowerBI, or HR-specific software can be advantageous in demonstrating your technical skills.