Human Resources departments are often misunderstood and unfairly categorised, especially in TV shows and other stereotypical portrayals, as team members that should be feared and are primarily responsible for cutting costs and firing employees.
The reality is, Human Resources departments have many valuable responsibilities within a company. More importantly, they’re a critical asset when it comes to hiring, managing staff, and addressing disputes within a company.
If you’re considering a career in Human Resources, you’re at the right place! We’re here to guide you to all things Human Resources, and to share why studying for human resources degree is the best thing you can do to have success in your career.
Firstly, what does Human Resources actually mean?
Human resources (HR) refer to the department of a business or organisation that hires, manages, and trains employees. Training in this discipline leads to a variety of careers, including some with strong projected growth rates and high median salaries.
When companies are looking to take care of their employees, they will turn to the human resources (HR) department. In turn, HR professionals make sure that the company’s policies and systems are functioning as intended.
At the end of the day, when an HR department is fulfilling its responsibilities, both the company and the employees benefit.
What are the roles and traits of a successful human resources executive?
- They participate in the planning and development of company goals
In the modern marketplace, human resource executives serve as strategic partners. They participate in the identification, development and execution of corporate objectives. In this capacity, HR executives align the work of their business unit to achieve company goals. The participation in company planning allows human resource leaders to gain a profound understanding of the organisational activities needed to aid in the sustainable growth of the enterprise.
- They provide employees with career assistance
Periodically, human resource leaders conduct staff member evaluations. Today, HR professionals take an active role in helping employees advance their careers. Instead of simply grading employees on a checklist of performance points, modern human resource specialists help workers identify areas for improvement and develop specific actionable steps.
By helping employees with career development, modern HR professionals gain deeper insight into available talent and the availability of internal candidates for potential role succession. This helps organisations gain a marked advantage in filling future roles and meeting forthcoming market demands.
- They find and recruit employees that advance company objectives
Today’s human resource executives do more than post ads and interview job candidates to fill open positions. Modern HR executives formulate employer brands designed to attract the right job candidates.
In this responsibility, human resource leaders work to promote their respective firms as highly-favourable workplaces. HR executives often earn this kind of accolade for organisations by creating a positive culture and providing satisfactory compensation and benefits as ways to attract ideal work candidates.
- They serve leaders of organisational change
Modern human resource leaders frequently lead change initiatives for their organisations. As a result, current HR executives yield strong project management skills in their corporate toolboxes. The professionals are skilled at helping organisational stakeholders make the connection between change initiatives and strategic needs, minimising employee unrest and the resistance to change.
Shaping organisational culture, managing staff member satisfaction and weighing the success of change initiatives are all a part of the human resource professional’s scope of responsibilities in the modern workplace.
What are the benefits of a human resources degree to build a successful career in HR?
A human resources degree can equip you with the necessary tools to enter an HR career in a variety of business settings.
Programs typically include a comprehensive overview of human resources principles and practices, business and technology training, and communication courses.
At James Cook University, for example, students can expect a human resources bachelor's program to include core business training in areas such as:
- Accounting for Decision Making
- Principles of Economics
- Principles of Data Analysis for Business
- Introduction to Management Concepts and Application
- Business Communication
- Marketing Matters
- Business Law
Students then progress to major subjects such as:
- Managing People
- Workforce Economics and Analytics
- Business Negotiation
- Change Management
- Employment Relations
- Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management
- Managing a Global Workforce
- Organisational Behaviour
In fact, JCU’s Bachelor of Business (Majoring in Human Resources Management) allows students to conclude their studies with a core Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience that connects them to the business community, enabling them to demonstrate their graduate skills to potential employers.
Gain a head start in your career with a human resources degree at James Cook University.
At James Cook University, you'll receive a high-quality human resources degree in Singapore, with state-of-the-art facilities and the latest in advanced technology, allowing you to pursue studies that create a meaningful impact in your field.
Deepen your industry knowledge and attain a globally recognised Australian degree to expand your employability opportunities or pursue entrepreneurship.
Take charge of your future and the countless opportunities that await you! Enquire with us today!