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How do I get started
Hi,
I'm looking to move into the HR field and I'm wondering what education is actually required. I have worked as a Administrative Coordinator that had HR related duties. My duties included recruiting, onboarding, terminations and payroll. If I'm trying to level up do I need a BA in HR or would some of the certificate programs I'm seeing help me get both feet in the door?
Thanks in advance!
Unless you are applying for HR coordinator type roles, MissDiggens is correct that you will likely need at minimum a bachelors degree.
Based on your background mentioned look for roles in recruiting, HRIS and/or if the company has a HR shared service center. Good luck!
One skill that has helped me in an HRBP function, almost more than any other, has been leadership skills. If you have led people, you gain understanding of so many crucial abilities - coaching, development, performance management, succession planning, etc. Having these skills firsthand enables you to give better, experiential advice to business partners that are struggling. You also gain a lot of credibility from your partners that you really get it, and understand how to balance the needs of the business, with those of the compliance/legal side.
You may also want to check out LinkedIn Learning. Lots of content there about HR. HRCI has "micro-credentialing" for about $149. You can get "mini" certifications that may add credibility to your resume. Not sure of the required pre-qualifications to take the tests. You get three trys to pass after studying the material.
Thank you for your response. Since I've posted I have started school to get a certification in Human Resources Management. 3 credits down and 12 more to go already! The credits can count towards a BA if I choose to continue. After the certification I am planning to get my PHR.
Congrats on working toward the HR Certificate. Definitely continue on and complete the degree, though. If you want to move into any higher level position within HR, there's a high likelihood it will require a degree. For leadership positions, they may even require a master's degree...so keep going on that education!!!
If you don't already have a bachelor's degree I'd go that route, but if you do, a certification program is probably the way to go. Having credentials after your name (PHR, SHRM-CP) means a lot because those exams are very difficult. In your case you maybe not have enough experience to qualify for (and pass) those exams and you could look into the SHRM HR Generalist certification class, or similar class. Those aren't going to carry very much weight while looking for a job, but will show you have a vested interest in the career field and some relevant education.