Office of Career Management

Explore Careers: Human Resources

What Can I Do with Human Resources?

 

What is Human Resources?

Manages the "people" side of an organization
Covers compensation, benefits, hiring, training, and career development
Focuses on attracting, retaining, and managing talent effectively

Day in the Life

Roles: Compensation & Benefits Specialist
Human Resources Specialist

Career-related podcasts:

HR Happy Hour
Bringing the Human Back to Human Resources
Best Practices in Human Resources

Sample HR Roles

Recruiting/Hiring: Staffing strategy and execution 
Training & Development: Career development and training programs 
Compensation & Benefits: Manage rewards and benefits 
Employee & Labor Relations: Resolve workplace issues 
Generalist: Oversee all HR functions

Characteristics for Success

Motivational and diplomatic 
Strong communication and presentation skills 
Enjoys working with people 
Ethical and trustworthy 

Preparation

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field 
Advanced degrees (e.g., Master of Human Resource Management) for advancement 
Recommended certifications: 
PHR 
SPHR 
SHRM 

Sample Employers

Kohl’s, Owens Corning, Sherwin-Williams Texas Instruments, Worthington Industries Abercrombie & Fitch, Big Lots, Cardinal Health DHL Supply Chain, Greif, Inc. 

Salary Information (2024-2025)

Full-time: $61,647 annually
Intern: $19/hour

Job Outlook

HR Specialists: 6% growth (2022-2032)
Compensation & Benefits Specialists:  7% growth 
Training & Development Specialists: 6% growth 
Growth driven by complex employment laws and digital training needs 

Fisher Resources

Academic: Management & Human Resources Department 
Extracurricular: Human Resources Association, HR Specialization Courses