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Degrees and Schools
There are numerous schools that offer associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in the fields of human resources, personnel administration, and industrial and labor relations. Some schools offer accelerated programs.
The HR Certification Institute provides certifications for human resource professionals including the Professional in Human Resources, the Senior Professional in Human Resources and the Global Professional in Human Resources certifications. The Society for Human Resource Management also provides certifications. Employers are typically impressed with quality certifications.
Classes
Employment specialists usually study subjects such as:
- Training and development
- Human resources management
- Staffing
- Employee and labor relations
- Compensation and benefits
- Organizational behavior
- Global business issues
Online Classes and Programs
Online associate, bachelor's and master's degrees are available in the fields of human resources, personnel administration, and industrial and labor relations. The online programs offer convenience and flexibility but they typically don't provide externships. Students gain valuable experience and networking opportunities during an externship. An externship also gives students the opportunity to find out if they like the job.
Employment Requirements
The requirements for employment specialists vary greatly. For most entry-level jobs employers typically prefer applicants that have a bachelor's degree in personnel administration, human resources or industrial and labor relations. Some companies prefer candidates who have degrees in business or technical fields or candidates that have a well-rounded liberal arts education. Typically, a master's degree in a subject such as human resources, labor relations or business administration is required for a management position.
Knowledge of computer systems and bilingual speaking ability are useful in the profession. Certifications such as the types provided by the HR Certification Institute can be useful in obtaining a job. Most employment specialists work in the private sector. Other employers include government agencies, school systems, colleges and universities.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
Answers to the following questions can be helpful in selecting a school:
- Training - Does the program include externships in human resources departments? Do students have to find their own externship?
- School's Reputation - What kind of reputation does the school have with local employers? Is the school nationally ranked?
- Job Placement - Are job placement services available? What is the school's job placement rate for graduates seeking employment specialist positions and related jobs? Does the school provide job fairs? Do companies visit the campus to recruit students?
- Curriculum - Does the school offer accelerated degree programs? Can students specialize in their subject of interest? Are students prepared to take certification exams in human resources related areas?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Has the school been approved to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Is the school accredited by an agency that has been approved by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education?
Employment Specialists Job Description
Employment specialists are typically involved in all aspects of a company's hiring process. They spend a lot of their time recruiting workers. They also place new employees in appropriate jobs at their organization. Some large companies separate the two tasks and have recruiting specialists and placement specialists.
An employment specialist also serves as a connection between a company's management and the workforce. Some employment specialists are involved with job development, assessment, technical assistance and training. Shown below are some examples of their responsibilities:
- Provide assistance to employees on a regular basis
- Interview job candidates, check references and make job offers
- Discuss working conditions, promotion opportunities and wages with prospective employees
- Be familiar with the latest equal employment opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws
- Advise managers
- Process employee documents
- Conduct background checks and drug testing
- Maintain contact with related segments of the industry and the local community
- Visit job fairs and college campuses to find prospective employees
Resources
- HR Certification Institute
- Society for Human Resource Management
- National Human Resources Association
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