What Careers are Available for those with an Online Business Degree Specializing in Human Resources?

If you have an online business degree with a specialty in human resource management, what careers are available to you? The answer is that if your degree was earned from an accredited school your job outlook is bright.

What is Human Resource Management

Your degree specialty involves helping organizations or corporations become competitive by managing the human capital. The employment arena includes non-profits because it is imperative for these organizations to effectively utilize funding. These managers must be able to work with information technology and understand labor regulations as well as communicate effectively.

Human Resource Generalist

According to “SHRM.Org,” the human resource generalist usually works in a small-to-medium business. This professional is responsible for every aspect of employee management beginning with recruitment and retention. The manager develops benefit and compensation packages that will attract top-notch employees. He or she evaluates training needs, including orientation, and develops materials to teach the needed information. The manager may even present the training. He or she assesses safety issues and responds to OSHA needs as well as working with unions and labor to resolve issues. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists job growth for human resource generalists at 11 per cent, which is average. The average wage for these professionals is $48,670.

The Human Resource Management Specialist

These professionals work in larger corporations or organizations. They work with one aspect of the human resource department, and may participate in team conferences and strategy. Some of the specialty careers are listed here.
• Recruiter: This person interviews prospective employees and performs background checks. Recruiters are responsible for processing promotions, transfers and terminations. They are also known as Chief Talent Officers. The projected job growth rate for this specialty is 7 percent, which is slower than average. The median salary is $55,640.
• Training and Development Manager: Assessing training needs and developing programs to meet the needs are two of the responsibilities of this manager. The median salary is $94,400, but those managers employed in the healthcare industry earn significantly higher salaries. The job outlook for this specialty is at 11 percent, which is average.
• Compensation and Benefits Manager: This manager develops salary/benefit packages to attract top candidates for jobs and to retain them. He or she also must also deal with insurance claims and process workman’s compensation issues. The median salary is $74,750. The job growth rate is projected at 17 percent, which is higher than average
• Labor Management Specialist: This person resolves disputes between workers and supervisors, negotiates collective bargaining contracts with unions and coordinates employee grievance procedures. The median salary is $54,660. The projected job growth rate is 7 percent, which is below average.
• Directors or Vice Presidents: Managers who accumulate much experience and knowledge in a corporation or organization may become a director or vice president. These jobs tend to have specialization, too, as in “Director of International Relations.” These positions are classified as top executives in the BLS Occupational Handbook and the median salary is $101,650.

People with online business degrees specializing in human resource management have many options for careers. The profession is diverse in focus and in compensation.