How to Become a Human Resources Manager in Ohio

Online Human Resources Education in Ohio

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Human resource management and other similar areas or study are relatively popular in the United States. Many colleges and universities throughout the nation offer academic degree programs in these subjects. Those planning to pursue employment in Ohio, however, may benefit from enrolling with academic institutions located within the state. These schools offer the most geographically relevant curriculums, ensuring you obtain the knowledge and skills that most local employers seek when evaluating job candidates. Students interested in earning a degree in this field will find programs all over the state.

Organizations across almost every industry need to hire human resources managers as these professionals oversee various employee-related programs and initiatives. They are also often instrumental in strategic planning, and frequently keep top executives informed about the overall satisfaction of their workers. Although these professionals can find jobs with businesses of all types, opportunities are particularly prevalent in the professional, scientific, technical services, management, and manufacturing sectors.

These professionals tend to provide a wide range of services. Much of their work relates to bridging gaps between leadership and other employees. They are regularly responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing administrative tasks. They may also be expected to address staff issues through mediation and disciplinary procedures, participate in job interviews, and provide in-take briefings for new workers. In fact, some positions require HR managers to take highly active roles in or completely oversee recruitment processes, as well as professional development and training. When necessary, they will also provide assistance filing retirement paperwork.

Notably, it’s possible for these professionals specialize in one or two aspects of the field.

Some popular areas of expertise include:

Those seeking professional human resource management positions will likely need some amount of higher education to qualify for employment in Ohio. Colleges and universities in the state and throughout the United States generally offer degrees in human resource management and other related areas of study at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Prospective students can typically choose from in-person and online enrollment options.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, most occupations in this field require workers to possess bachelor’s degrees. While many have backgrounds in human resource management, majoring in business, communication, or psychology is often acceptable, as well. Additionally, some businesses may be willing to hire candidates with high school diplomas or GEDs only. These opportunities tend to be for entry-level employment exclusively, however, and are not very common.

Become a Human Resources Manager in Ohio

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The first step to becoming a human resources professional in Ohio is determining exactly what kind of work you want to perform. While not as expansive as some other professions, there are still many different types of professional opportunities available in the field. Identifying a preferred occupation will make it significantly easier to set and reach your career goals.

As employment standards and hiring expectations vary by occupation, it’s important to spend some time familiarizing yourself with the education, training, and experience requirements associated with your job of choice. This ensures you pursue the most appropriate type of degree and can also help you select relevant elective courses, academic minors, departmental concentrations, extra-curricular activities, and/or internship opportunities you want to pursue.

It's also important to realize that many organizations establish their own hiring standards. While some businesses may be satisfied with candidates who possess a bachelor’s degree, others may only consider applicants who have a master’s degree. In some cases, this can further influence the amount of higher education you decide to pursue.

Additionally, it may not be entirely necessary that you study HR management while enrolled. Most human resource professionals in the field do obtain degrees in human resources management, but some other areas can be equally suitable depending on the occupation sought. Some common undergraduate alternatives include business, communications, and psychology. At the graduate level, studying labor relations or administration can also be beneficial.

After obtaining the necessary degree(s), you should qualify to apply for various HR positions. Becoming a manager, however, often takes more time. These positions generally require several years of relevant work experience, making it common to work as human resources specialists and/or labor relations specialists first.

It’s also common for human resources management professionals also pursue certification. While not always necessary for employment, earning additional credentials demonstrates credibility and expertise in the field. As a result, many employers tend to give preference to candidates who possess relevant certifications. In addition to enhancing job prospects, it can also lead to higher pay potential.

There is no required or single most important credential for professionals in this field. As a result, individuals in this field are generally free to select which certification(s) they want to pursue based on personal interest and/or their career aspirations.

Certifications relevant to human resources management are often offered by professional associations and organizations. Some prominent examples of these include the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), HR Certification Institute (HRCI), and International Foundation of Employment Benefit Plans.

Some of the most popular credentials available to HR managers include:

Careers for Human Resources Graduates

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