Human Resource Management (HRM) encompasses a variety of functions including, but not limited to, hiring, training, managing and developing employees. The department is focused on achieving organizational goals by hiring the right people who match the culture, values, requirements and vision of the company.

They also focus on creating a safe, healthy, stress-free, competitive and credible work environment for employees and helping them achieve their individual goals. A career in HRM can be both rewarding and challenging.

As a recent graduate, if you also want to start your career in HRM, here are some things to know in advance.

Training requirements for starting a career in HRM –

In India, in general, specialization in HRM is provided at the postgraduate level. However, with the changing dynamics of education and the recognition of skills versus degrees, anyone with a non-technical or technical background can now become an HR professional. If you are not willing to wait for post-graduation, you can gain the relevant expertise and knowledge through an online HRM course. You can sign up for online HRM training after completing your 10 + 2, during your graduation period, after completing your education or even while pursuing a job.

After completing your online training, where you learn concepts such as recruiting and selection, training and development, performance management system, disciplinary process, employee engagement and HR branding , you can apply for an internship.

An HRM internship can help you gain valuable work experience, explore a new career path, get ahead of your peers, validate your newly acquired HRM skills, build a professional network, convert your internship into a full-time job and whether HRM is the right career path for you or not.

Skills in demand for HR professionals –

Previously, HRM was an area that primarily required professionals to have people skills and soft skills. However, over time, with the inclusion of data and technology across the board, you may also need to hone a few technical skills. To start your career as a human resources professional, you need to work on attention to detail, confidentiality, communication skills, initiative taking, planning, problem solving, proactivity, time management and conflict resolution.

Regarding the technical aspects of HRM, it is essential to understand HR software, the human resources information system (HRIS), talent management systems, compensation and benefits management, company law and labor law.

You should also have a brief knowledge of big data, analytics fundamentals, business change management, people analytics, training facilitation, language processing, predictive algorithms, and leadership qualities for a digital world. These skills will help you make data-driven decisions that will facilitate the growth of employees in your organization and the organization as a whole.

Day-to-day functions and main responsibilities of HR professionals –

Human resources professionals handle a variety of tasks and take on a variety of responsibilities on a day-to-day basis. They are basically a link between the employees and the organization and perform the following functions –

a. Employee-related functions –

Recruit internally and externally using different assessment techniques, select the right candidates, register them, guide them and take care of their training and development needs.

Focus on reviews, decide on compensation, incentives, and other monetary and non-monetary benefits.

Focus on career planning, improving the quality of work life, auditing human resources, disciplining employees, retaining employees and avoiding all forms of harassment in the workplace.

Motivate employees to perform at their best, conduct recreational activities, help employees build better relationships with each other and ensure their safety and well-being in accordance with labor laws.

b. Organizational functions –

Develop a comprehensive understanding of business plans, mission, vision, culture and policies.

Act as an expert, facilitator, change agent and consultant between all internal stakeholders and be actively involved in the formulation of the organization’s strategy.

Build a better system of communication between individuals, groups and the organization, inside and outside the organization.

Ensure that human resource development (HRD) strategies and organizational strategies align with each other.

Training and development of various departments and management of their relationships with other departments, focus on achieving organizational goals effectively and efficiently, discovering conflicts or complications between departments and finding appropriate solutions for the same.

Create and deliver HRD services and programs, conduct research, evaluate program performance, and improve program quality to meet HRD and organizational goals.

Remuneration and employment opportunities in the field of HRM –

The decisions of an HR professional largely influence the image, productivity, growth and efficiency of an organization. Thus, human resources are an essential service that keeps the organization together. On average, an HR intern earned a stipend of Rs 9,764 per month, and a more fee was offered an average salary of Rs 4.05 LPA in 2020. Compensation and benefits are directly proportional to your training, your years experience and your understanding of the field. As you learn and grow professionally, there are great possibilities for a successful career in HRM.

As a fresher, you can start your career with internships and later convert it into employment. HR professionals typically work as generalists in which they take over all responsibilities, or as specialists where they might specialize in areas such as workforce planning and recruiting, rewards and benefits, employee and labor relations or risk management. In entry level positions, you can work in roles such as staffing coordinator or specialist and HR assistant, partner, analyst or representative.

As you grow professionally in your career, you can work as Human Resources Manager, Human Resources Manager, Human Resources Manager, Benefits Administrator, Employee Relations Manager, Security Officer or responsible for staffing senior or specialized HR positions.

Courtesy: Internshala Trainings, an online learning platform for learning Internshala new age skills.

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