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Unit 1: Introduction to Human Resource Management

Education and Training: Although a bachelor’s degree is a typical path of entry into these Notes
occupations, many colleges and universities do not offer degree programs in personnel
administration, human resources, or labour relations until the graduate degree level. However,
many offer individual courses in these subjects at the undergraduate level in addition to
concentrate in human resources administration or human resources management, training
and development, organizational development, and compensation and benefits.

Other Qualifications: Experience is an asset for many specialties in the human resources
area, and is essential for advancement to senior-level positions, including managers,
arbitrators, and mediators. Many employers prefer entry-level workers who have gained
some experience through an internship or work-study program while in school. Employees
in human resources administration and human resources development need the ability to
work well with individuals and a commitment to organizational goals. This field demands
skills that people may have developed elsewhere teaching, supervising, and volunteering,
among others. Human resources work also offers clerical workers opportunities to advance
to more responsible or professional positions. Some positions occasionally are filled by
experienced individuals from other backgrounds, including business, government, education,
social services administration, and the military. The human resources field demands a range
of personal qualities and skills. Human resources, training and labour relations managers
and specialists must speak and write effectively. Ever-changing technologies and the growing
complexities inherent to the many services human resources personnel provide require that
they be knowledgeable about computer systems, storage and retrieval software, and how
to use a wide array of digital communications devices.
Certification and Advancement: Most professional associations that specialize in human
resources offer classes intended to enhance the skills of their members. Some organizations
offer certification programs, which are signs of competence and credibility and can enhance
advancement opportunities. For example, the International Foundation of Employee Benefit
Plans confers a designation in three distinct areas of specialization—group benefit, retirement,
and compensation to persons who complete a series of college-level courses and pass exams.
Candidates can earn a designation in each of the specialty tracks and, simultaneously, receive
credit toward becoming a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS). The American
Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Certification Institute offers professional
certification in the learning and performance field. Addressing nine areas of expertise,
certification requires passing a knowledge-based exam and successful work experience. In
addition, ASTD offers 16 short-term certificate and workshop programs covering a broad
range of professional training and development topics. The Society for Human Resource
Management offers two levels of certification, including the Professional in Human Resources
(PHR) and the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Additionally, the organization
offers the Global Professional in Human Resources certification for those with international
and cross-border responsibilities and the California Certification in Human Resources for
those who plan to work in that State and become familiar with California’s labour and
human resources laws. All designations require experience and a passing score on a
comprehensive exam. The World at Work Society of Certified Professionals offers four
distinct designations in the areas of compensation, benefits, work-life, and global remuneration
that comprise the total rewards management practice. Candidates obtain the designation of
Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), Global
Remuneration Professional (GRP), and Work-Life Certified Professional (WLCP). Certification
is achieved after passing a series of knowledge-based exams within each designation.
Additionally, World-at-Work offers online and classroom education covering a broad range
of total rewards topics.

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