6 Reasons Why You Need to Start Studying Human Resource Management Now

The role of a human resource manager involves carrying out a variety of employment-related responsibilities, from talent management to conflict mediation. Because of this, it’s a career path that requires a very broad skillset, which is why most aspiring hrms choose to take a relevant course.

We take a look at six key benefits you’ll gain by studying HR management, before exploring the main routes into the profession.

The expertise you’ll develop by studying human resources management will enable you to work in any sector, from banking to construction. If you’re keen to travel you could even build an international career, as the CIPD’s HR qualifications are recognised in many different countries.

Studying human resource management will also give you plenty of transferable skills, including the ability to communicate well, the ability to deliver top-notch presentations, the ability to build client relationships and the ability to multitask. Skills like these could prove useful in a variety of roles, should you decide to broaden your career options in HR.

It costs a lot of money to find and train new recruits, which is why HR management courses teach you how to hire the best people from the very start. To become skilled at this, you’ll need to learn about a variety of key interviewing techniques. Once you’ve mastered these, you’ll be able to assess whether the person you’re interviewing is really the right fit for your organisation.

Studying HR management also involves learning how to support new employees, so that they stay with your organisation. As well as exploring the value of training and career development, you’ll learn how to ensure that your new hires receive fair treatment, generous rewards and properly protected rights.

Working as a generalist HR manager involves building relationships with a wide variety of people, so thankfully your studies will help you get to grips with the psychology behind human behaviour. You’ll learn about talent management, look at how to improve employee engagement and learn how to manage employee relations. You’ll also discover how to deliver bad news such as redundancy with sensitivity and compassion.

If you become the manager of an HR department you’ll be responsible for developing a positive workplace culture, as well as ensuring that your team of employees are content. Focus groups, data insights, surveys and staff interviews all play a part in this process, so your studies will teach you how these work and how to explore creative solutions to employee dissatisfaction.

Your HR management course should also look at the performance management systems that enable organisations to monitor employee performance. As well as learning how to design these systems, you’ll learn how to join forces with line managers to carry out annual performance reviews.

Workplaces bring together a variety of different personalities, lifestyles and approaches to work, so conflict is bound to occur at some point. The good news is that if you study HR management, you’ll get the chance to explore a range of strategies aimed at spotting, handling and resolving workplace conflict in a professional manner.

Taking a degree or professional course in HR management is the best way to kick-start your career as an HR manager. There are two main routes to qualify.

To develop the knowledge and skills you’ll need, we recommend studying a course that has been approved by The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). These are available at three levels.

If you don’t have any HR experience or you’re currently working in a support role, you’ll need to start with the CIPD’s Foundation Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in HR Practice. These A level-standard courses will give you a thorough grounding in every aspect of human resources.

The CIPD’s Level 5 Intermediate Certificate or Diploma in HR Management is your best option if you’re already working in HR or if you’ve got some managerial work experience that included elements of HR. You could also choose this course if you have a degree and you’d like to begin learning at a higher level.

Once you’ve gained significant experience as the manager of a human resources department, you could consider taking the CIPD’s Level 7 Advanced Certificate or Diploma in HR practice. This postgraduate level qualification is aimed at professionals who want to move on to senior strategic roles.

As well as being available at three different levels, CIPD qualifications come in three different sizes.

There’s also flexibility in terms of course delivery, as you can choose to study via a regular class, intensive blocks or digital learning. Experienced HR professionals can opt for a mixed mode of learning that also includes workplace evidence.

If you’d prefer to study HR at university, you’ll be glad to know that specialist university degrees in HR Management are available, and that they often include a valuable year-long industry placement. However, you’ll need to ensure that any course you apply for is accredited by the CIPD. Once you’ve gained your HR degree, you’ll be eligible to apply for the CIPD’s Level 7 Advanced Diploma in HR practice, which will prepare you for senior strategic HR roles.

Study HR management and you’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need for a career that’s meaningful, fast-paced and packed with variety. Ready to take the first step towards an exciting future? Then check out our selection of HR management courses today!