Interested in a Career in Human Resources?

Shaping your career path is no easy feat. However, having an idea of what you’d want from your career could help. Perhaps you’re a people’s person, you want to aid in the growth of others, and be able to work on a variety of different tasks in a field where the opportunity for career growth is abundant. HR is both challenging, and a highly rewarding career path with various specialisations that make it a diverse industry to work in.

In recent times, HR departments around the globe are helping businesses to navigate new challenges such as remote working. COVID-19 has put HR departments at the forefront of businesses, existing policies and practices have shifted into ones that are relevant to companies during this time where business is remote and meetings are virtual.

There are many paths you can take to establish a career in human resources, but it’s important to take the guess work out of making strategic career decisions. The preferred route by many professionals is to do an HR specific course such as a higher certificate qualification, or skills development short course. Let’s unpack some vital information around a career in human resources.

What exactly is human resources?

Human resources refers to both the personnel and department who manage the hiring and administration of employees within the organisation. Human resource management uses a variety of strategies and technologies to improve the output of a business. A few vital focus areas within the human resource management model are:

• Recruitment
• Employee compensation
• Employee training and development
• Labour relations and legal compliance
• Business development
• Employee performance management

The HR field has grown substantially over the past few decades and plays a vital role in any business operation. Let’s be frank, HR is important to reinforcing and also changing the culture of an organisation. This makes it a very sought-after career path with many opportunities to advance your career in the field of HR.

What are the benefits of studying human resources?

As mentioned, the HR career field is abundant with career opportunities! This particular field also has incredible intrapersonal positive aspects which makes it an attractive option for many. Here are a few other benefits of working within the HR field.

Many important decisions are made based on the HR department. This allows you to play an integral part in promoting ideas and increase your success within the organisation.

As mentioned above, the field of human resource management is necessary for any successful business. As a result, companies will always need recruitment consultants, trainers and HR personnel within their business operations, making this career path one that holds longevity and career growth.

Job gratification is a wonderful thing. When you are able to identify issues before anyone else, address them and alleviate problem areas you will experience rewarding gratification. As HR managers are the frontline of employee problem-solving, you’ll be faced with a variety of different obstacles.

HR workers have the ability to guide entry-level employees to a position within the business. From external recruitment to internal, you’ll be guiding and working with employees on a daily basis. If you’re a people’s person, you’ll find being a part of shaping someone’s future and career extremely gratifying.

If the thought of doing the same day-to-day duties from Monday to Friday fill you with dread, rest assured that not one day working in HR is ever the same. You’ll find yourself navigating numerous projects and challenges daily, offering you variety and excitement on a daily basis.

Potential career options with a human resources certificate or qualification

There are many different areas of specialisation available in the field of human resource management. Whether you choose to climb the corporate ladder into management or decide to stay on the ground hiring employees and training them, the choices are yours to make! Let’s go through just a few potential career options within the field below.

Human resource manager

A human resource manager will work directly with employees. They also are the central point of the HR department, often dealing with HR coordination and any related tasks. The HR manager oversees all the company’s HR-related activities- From recruitment training and development to labour disputes and administrative tasks.

Employee relations manager

Employee relations managers are those responsible for the employee relations of a company and finding resolutions for any issues on behalf of the company. Employee relations managers are the bridge between employees and management, alleviating any potential issues that might arise and making sure each party understands each other for the betterment of the business operations.

Human resources generalist

A jack of all HR-related trades, an HR generalist has a broad range of responsibilities within the department. From hiring, compensation and benefits, HR administration, an HR generalist fills the gap between all HR-related functions in a company.

According to salary surveys from Payscale, here are some details around the average salaries of Human Resource Managers in South Africa:

• Average base salary:
  R397,999 / year

According to salary surveys from Payscale, here are some details around the average salaries of Employee Relations Managers in South Africa:

• Average base salary:
  R504,171 / year

According to salary surveys from Payscale, here are some details around the average salaries of a Human Resources Generalist in South Africa:

• Average base salary:
  R281,172 / year

Available HR management online courses

Whether you’re currently in an HR role or looking to enter the field, at iQ Academy we have a range of courses within the human resource category to set you on the road to success! Let’s discuss a few of the HR course available:

Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management

The Higher Certificate in Human Resources Management course from IQ Academy will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage employee’s within an organisation. This course is made up of a range of different modules, all aligned to the SABPP HR standard. Upon completion, you’ll earn an NQF level 5 qualification.View course

Human Resources Management Short Course

Our Human Resources Management Short Course is perfect for any existing HR professionals looking to up their skills, or if you’re just starting out, this is a great course to get you on the right path. With a comprehensive curriculum, this industry-ready certificate will only empower your journey in the field of HR, with a specific focus on developing management skills.View course

Human Resources Administration Short Course

This is another great course for entry-level students or existing professionals looking to enhance their skills. The learning content focuses on developing key administrative skills and knowledge in HR. Upon completion of our Human Resources Administration Short Course, you will receive an industry-ready certificate.

Is a Career in Human Resources for you?

Now that you have a broader idea of the options available to you within the human resources field, if you’re still debating on whether or not this is for you, here are a few pointers that could aid you in your decision.

HR professionals are faced with a variety of tasks that require strategic intervention. If you’re a naturally strategic person, you’ll likely find that this field satiates your desire for working out, or reworking business strategies.

The HR department is the core of what makes a business work. If this is something that interests you, you’ll find it highly satisfying to be a part of all the decisions that lead to the smooth operations of a company.

Working with people means you’ll likely have to deal with various psychological techniques. Often these are quickly picked up by dealing with a variety of personalities at once. Resolving conflict, dealing with day to day knots within a company, HR professionals are the heart of employee and management relations.

If you don’t have a passion for working with people, HR won’t be for you. At the very heart of the field, you’re working with humans. The complicated relationships, conflict management and guidance that comes with being in the field of human resources means if you enjoy working with people, you’ll thrive working in HR.

Work culture is ever-evolving and more organisations are realising the importance of happy employees. If you feel strongly about worker rights and ensuring that no one is ignored or left to feel unwanted, then a career in HR is where you will be able to do the most good.