Top Reasons to Study Human Resource Management
Very few roles look like they did a generation ago. New ways of teaching, practicing medicine, designing products, and more have grown and evolved. You would be hard-pressed, though, to find a business function that has changed as dramatically over the last decade as human resources.
HR has moved away from some of the traditional box-checking processes into playing a much more strategic, business-focused role in many companies (and industries). As digital transformation accelerates and the way we work changes, HR’s role will continue to become more and more strategic. After all, human resources management is fundamentally about developing and aligning people, and people are most organizations’ competitive advantage.
This reality can make studying human resource management appealing to many students. What makes a good strategic HR student—and eventually, professional? While this can be a hotly debated topic, many HR professionals would agree it comes down to a list of skills that looks a lot like this:
- Knowledge and expertise in the HR function with a good educational foundation
- Strong presentation and communication skills
- Ability to multitask and reprioritize
- Strong sense of ethics and clear grasp of organizational values
- Leadership
- Conflict management and resolution skills
HR professionals have to contend with an array of problems, challenges, and priorities—many of which fall into “gray” or ambiguous areas. A strong educational foundation and polished interpersonal and communication skills can take a person far in the HR field.
Why study human resources management?
Sure, many people come up through HR in traditional ways, by earning a degree and/or certification in the field. Others come to HR through more circuitous routes. For students considering earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree or certification in HR, it can be important to understand the value of education and the opportunity it provides in the field.
Earning a degree in HR can help students seize a quality career in an evolving strategic business role. Education can also make it easier to enter the field and advance quickly through early-career roles. A degree, experience, and HR certification can also help professionals boost their earning potential. In fact, 90% of senior professionals who hold advanced certifications in HR earn more than their uncertified counterparts.
Completing an HR degree, advancing in the field, and earning certification can all open the door to lifelong learning that enhances a rewarding career in the field of human resources.
Excellence in Education Student Scholarship
The HRSouthwest Conference recognizes the benefits of studying human resource management and values investing in our industry’s future leaders. Each year, we award up to four scholarships to outstanding graduate and undergraduate students in HR.
Award winners are selected based on their academic standing, involvement in their community and campus, and by recommendations from professors, advisors, and/or employers. Winners receive $1,000 scholarshipsand complimentary registration, lodging and recognition during the event.
Learn more and apply for the 2021 Excellence in Education scholarship.
DallasHR is the third largest SHRM affiliate chapter in the nation. With more than 2,300 engaged HR professionals, the Chapter has been Advancing the Value of HR since 1939 through cutting-edge education, fun networking events and opportunities to share best practices with others in the field of HR. The Chapter powers The HRSouthwest Conference, one of the largest regional HR events in the U.S. DallasHR events are held in both Dallas and Collin Counties. Visit us at dallashr.org to join or hrsouthwest.com to register and follow us at #DALLASHR, #HRSWC.
