How to Kick Start a HR Career

Human resource management is an essential component of any business that values its workforce and wants to implement a long-term talent development strategy. As a person-centric role, an HR career path is as dynamic and varied as the workers the business employs. You’re not only responsible for onboarding new staff; you are the person who ensures their experience of the workplace remains positive for the duration of their employment.

If you are currently researching is HR a good career, the answer lies in its impact. You have the opportunity to help employees reach their goals while ensuring the business evolves alongside the modern workforce. However, many people are held back by the misconception that there is only one way to get started. In reality, knowing how to start a career in HR is about identifying the right skills and choosing the pathway that fits your current lifestyle.

The skills required for human resources

People from all backgrounds can break into a career in HR. When applying for roles, employers look for a specific combination of soft skills that prove you can handle the "human" element of the business:

• Adaptability: Dealing with people is unpredictable; you must adjust to changing circumstances quickly.
• Communication: Whether resolving a conflict or rolling out a new policy, you must be clear and empathetic.
• Problem solving: Much of your day will revolve around conflict resolution and finding win-win solutions.
• Trustworthiness: You will handle sensitive information; maintaining confidentiality is non-negotiable.

If you possess these traits, you are already halfway toward understanding how to start a career in HR.

Exploring the HR career path: Your routes to entry

There is no one-size-fits-all HR career path. Depending on your current experience and goals, you can choose from several established routes:

1. Apply for entry-level roles

If you’re happy to start from the ground up, you can pursue roles like HR Assistant or Operations Administrator. Many employers are willing to teach the technical side of the job to the right person if they show a strong desire to learn and have relevant transferable office experience. If you choose this route, you can study HR courses easily on the side to build up your knowledge quickly.

2. Obtain a human resources degree

For those who want a deep academic dive into the subject, studying a human resources degree at university is a traditional route. This usually takes three to four years and covers extensive theory on human capital, labour negotiations, and government regulations. While a degree is a significant commitment, it provides a broad theoretical background before you enter the workforce. If you opt for this route and don’t have A-Levels, an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business) can help you access HR degrees at university.

3. Complete an HR apprenticeship

Apprenticeships allow you to learn and earn simultaneously. They blend workplace learning with a small amount of study, typically offered at Level 3 (equivalent to A-Levels) or Level 5 (equivalent to a foundation degree). This is a hands-on way to build a portfolio while getting paid.

4. Study a professional HRM course

If you want to get the job-specific knowledge required, without committing to years of university or the rigid schedule of an apprenticeship, a professional online course is often the most efficient route. These courses focus on the practical foundations of HR—the stuff you actually need to know on Day 1 of the job. Plus, they cover everything from the Principles of Human Resource Management to more niche specialisms like Strategic Human Resource Management and International Human Resource Management.

Kick start your journey with learndirect

At learndirect, we provide a streamlined, flexible way to enter the profession through our Human Resource Management (HRM) course. This course is designed specifically for those who want to understand the core foundations of the industry and move quickly into the workforce.

By studying our Human Resource Management (HRM) course, you will:

• Master the essential practices of recruitment and selection.
• Understand how people management drives business success.
• Learn at your own pace with 100% online materials and 24-month access.

This course is an excellent way to define your own HR career path. Unlike a multi-year degree, you can study around your current job, allowing you to transition into a well-paid HR position faster. When people ask is HR a good career, they are often looking for stability and growth, both of which are hallmarks of the HR profession.

Study HR on your terms

By choosing to study your Human Resource Management (HRM) course online through learndirect, you put your future in your own hands. There are no strict entry requirements, making this one of the most accessible ways to answer the question of how to start a career in HR.

Ready to start your new career? Enrol in our Human Resource Management (HRM) course today and take the first step toward a rewarding professional future.

Call them now on 01202 006 464 or contact them online. Alternatively, click the link below to view our online HR course in more detail.