How to Become an HR Manager              

Human resources (HR) managers play a critical role in any organization’s success. As a 2023 report in Forbes noted, an effective HR department can:

• Locate the talent necessary to tackle the difficulties of a changing business environment
• Ensure that an organization complies with employment laws and regulations
• Promote a positive culture across the entire organization
• Help the organization reach its goals
• Reduce employee turnover

For those who are considering enrolling in a business degree program with an eye toward moving into HR management, it can be helpful to explore what an HR manager does, how to become an HR manager, and the salary and employment prospects associated with working in the profession.

What Does an HR Manager Do?

HR managers oversee several key administrative operations within an organization. The size of their organization generally dictates which specific areas of HR they are responsible for.

An HR manager working for a small business usually oversees all aspects of the organization’s workforce requirements. In these cases, HR managers are in charge of payroll, benefits, and employee conflict resolution. In larger organizations, the HR manager job description can include overseeing specialists who are directly in charge of specific aspects of HR, such as compensation, benefits, or training. 

People who become HR managers are responsible for performing duties such as:

• Managing the recruiting, selecting, and hiring of employees
• Providing employees with onboarding services
• Overseeing employee performance reviews
• Serving as a bridge between employees and the organization’s management
• Handling employee disputes and implementing employee discipline processes

They also can be responsible for:

• Coordinating the compensation and benefits that employees receive
• Advising management on issues related to HR
• Supervising specialists who work in HR
• Ensuring that the organization complies with labor and employment laws and regulations

In addition to these duties, HR managers can be charged with strategically planning for their organization’s workforce needs. Skilled HR managers have the expertise necessary to analyze the organization’s positions and overall structure and identify necessary changes that can help the organization meet its long-term objectives. 

Requirements to Become an HR Manager

To qualify for an HR management role requires a combination of education, experience, and skills. Although individuals can take any of several paths to become an HR manager, typical HR manager requirements are outlined below.

Education             

Earning a bachelor’s degree in a field such as business administration is the first step toward becoming an HR manager. Coursework in a bachelor’s program can provide individuals with important knowledge and skills in areas such as business management, labor laws, employee relations, accounting, and finance that can inform the decisions they make when working in HR.

For anyone who has been weighing the merits of getting an MBA or exploring the relative value of a Master of Arts or a Master of Science degree, it is important to know that graduate education can be helpful for aspiring HR managers. Some organizations even require their HR managers to have a graduate degree. Graduate education can provide individuals with in-depth expertise in strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership, which can help them succeed in HR management roles.

Experience               

Individuals typically need about five years of experience in HR-related positions before they can move into an HR manager position. Examples of roles along the career path to HR manager include those in:

• Employee or labor relations
• Employee recruitment
• Employee compensation
• Employee benefits

Gaining work experience in HR is invaluable in building a solid resume and gaining a real-world understanding of the various components of HR.

While acquiring work experience, individuals also can pursue an HR-related certification that can enhance their resume. For example, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers the SHRM certified professional (SHRM-CP) credential for HR managers and the more advanced SHRM senior certified professional (SHRM-SCP) credential for individuals involved in determining an organization’s HR-related strategy.

Key Skills               

Becoming an HR manager and excelling in the role requires strong skills in areas such as:

• Communication
• Decision-making
• Leadership
• Organization
• Team building
• Strategic thinking
• Assessing performance metrics

HR Manager Salary and Job Outlook

The HR manager salary and job outlook are attractive.

HR managers had a median annual salary of $136,350 as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). HR managers in the highest 10% of the salary range earned more than $239,200, while those in the lowest 10% of the salary range earned less than $81,060. Individuals’ actual salaries can vary based on factors such as their geographic location, years of experience, and employer.

The BLS projects 6% employment growth for HR managers from 2023 to 2033. That growth rate exceeds the BLS’s projection of 4% employment growth across all occupations in that time period.

Become an HR Manager and Contribute to Your Organization’s Success 

Becoming an HR manager can enable an individual to use their HR and business expertise to help their organization fulfill its mission. Functions such as recruiting employees, establishing compensation structures, and building strong employee relations are critical in helping organizations achieve their objectives.

Individuals who have an interest in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to work as an HR manager can explore the business degree programs at Notre Dame de Namur University to learn how enrolling in one of these programs can help them achieve their career goals. 

Whether you want to complete your undergraduate degree in business, earn an MBA, or earn a Master of Public Administration, NDNU has a program that can prepare you with the expertise necessary to work in today’s dynamic business environment. Start working toward your goals in business today.