Human Resources

Human resources (HR) is the business function focused on managing the employee lifecycle — from recruiting and onboarding to professional development, performance management, compensation, benefits, and employee relations. HR also plays a strategic role in shaping company culture, promoting diversity and inclusion, and driving organizational change.

Career Paths: Generalist or Specialist

There are two main career paths for human resources professionals, generalist or specialist. A role as a generalist will cover all the areas of HR, while a specialist focuses on one area.

Generalist Specialist
  • Handles multiple aspects of HR
  • Example: HR Coordinator managing hiring, training and benefits enrollment. 
  • Focuses on one area of expertise
  • Example: Recruiter focused on sourcing top talent.
HR Generalist - Job Titles  HR Specialist - Job Titles
  • Associate HR Generalist
  • HR Assistant
  • HR Coordinator
  • HR Generalist
  • HR Manager
  • HR Representative
  • Benefits Assistant
  • Compensation Analyst
  • Employee Engagement Coordinator
  • Employee Relations Specialist
  • HRIS Analyst
  • Learning and Development Coordinator
  • People Analytics Specialist
  • Recruiter
  • Talent Acquisition Manager
  • Training Specialist
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Career Paths: HR Business Partner

HR Business Partners (HRBPs) work strategically with leadership to align people strategy with business goals. This role is usually achieved after working as a generalist or specialist for several years. 

Samples of these strategic HR  roles include: 

  • HR Business Partner
  • Director of Human Resources
  • Vice President of Human Resources
  • Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

Emerging HR Trends and Industry Updates

HR continues to evolve with new industry trends, including:

  • HR Technology and People Analytics: Data-driven decision-making in HR, including predictive analytics for workforce planning.
  • AI and Automation in HR:  AI-driven applicant tracking systems, chatbots for employee queries, and automation in performance management.
  • Remote and Hybrid Work Strategies: Evolving policies for remote work, employee engagement, and productivity.
  • Gig Economy and Workforce Flexibility: Managing contingent workers, freelancers, and alternative employment models.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) – A growing emphasis on fostering inclusive workplaces and addressing pay equity.
  • Employee Well-being and Mental Health: Prioritizing employee wellness programs and mental health resources.
  • Skills-Based Hiring and Internal Mobility: Moving away from degree-based hiring toward a focus on skills and career-development opportunities.

Key HR Associations and Professional Organizations

HR Certifications

Professional certifications can enhance credibility and career growth opportunities in HR.

  • SHRM Certifications:
    • SHRM-CP (Certified Professional)
    • SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional)
  • HRCI Certifications:
    • aPHR (Associate Professional in Human Resources)
    • PHR (Professional in Human Resources)
    • SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources)

Certifications are increasingly requested by employers and can often be a deciding factor for promotions or higher-level roles.

Human Resources Job Search Resources

Human Resources Magazines and Websites

Academics

To learn more about the Human Resources concentrations and courses included within the concentration, please refer to the academic curriculum.