Human resources department is as important as the finance department. HR department is crucial for the growth of any organization.
Before deciding to pursue a career in human resources, one has to understand the responsibilities one is expected to take. Human resources personnel perform a wide variety of tasks. Depending upon the industry, the size of the employer, and many other factors, HR personnel are expected to take varying degrees of responsibilities.
Bigger companies may have specialized subdivisions in the HR department. For example, there may be specialists to take care of developing recruitment strategies, training new recruits, the benefits offered to employees and legal aspects of manning labor force etc. In smaller companies, all these subdivisions are merged in HR department and fewer people take the responsibility of performing all these jobs. In much smaller companies, may be, you have to take all these responsibilities single handedly.
Basic qualifications required for taking different responsibilities vary. People having taken courses in business, social sciences, behavioral sciences, finance and labor laws can think of pursuing a career in Human Resources. HR professionals are expected to be thorough with labor laws and laws related to accidents and compensation, insurance etc.
People with masters in HR, labor relations or in business management focusing on HR management can aspire for taking up management positions. People with technical or specialized background in engineering have an advantage over others.
Since HR professionals are involved with human beings they are expected to have special skills. They must have leadership qualities and should be able to develop good relationship with the staff and the management. Above all they must be humane in their professional approach.
