Careers in HR
As the job market becomes more competitive, the focus on issues that relate to staff members strengthens. This, in turn, has fortified the importance of human resources departments. Because of this, individuals who chose careers in HR will experience a certain level of job security. One of the major differences that determines a lot for individuals who have careers in HR, is whether they have chosen to be a generalist or a specialist.
Those who have chosen careers as HR generalists are considered the office place “jack-of-all-trades.” Generalist tend tend to have less specific job descriptions and handle a variety of different tasks. Because of their ability to handle an assortment of tasks, HR generalist often experience a higher level of job security.
Careers as HR specialists, offer just that, a chance to specialize in a particular area such as employment and recruiting, training and development, compensation and benefits, employee and labor relations, or health, safety, and security.
Usually, smaller businesses have one of two HR generalist who shoulder the responsibilities that would, in a larger office, be divided amongst several different specialists. From reading HR articles arely do smaller businesses have HR specialists, but a larger company may have one HR generalist who handles employee relations.
Interestingly enough, there is a certain level of fluidity in HR careers in the staffing industry. Individuals who start up as generalist may end their career as specialist. The switch between the two areas is particularly easy in the early stages of an individual’s career. As one grows in their chosen field, careers changes maybe come some what more difficult due to the fact that their experience and base of knowledge has become more specialized.
Because of this, it is a good idea to try out several options early in one’s career. In doing this, individuals who chose a career in HR allow themselves time to decide what area they would rather work in without having to struggle to make a shift later on. According to Matt Aspin, a board member of the Seattle chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management, filling entry level jobs tend to be in recruiting or in administrative roles.