Human Resource Professional

Human Resource Professionals are responsible for advising, developing and implementing policies that are meant to oversee the engagement of employees in an organization. Basically, it is their job to recruit, develop and look after the welfare of the employees of a particular organization. They ensure that every candidate that is to be hired by the company is a perfect fit for the job role they are to fill, and after they have hired candidates, it is the duty of the human resource personnel to oversee the performance of the employee and ensure that the employee is given any opportunity that will enhance their professional development. The job of a human resource professional is not an easy one because it involves dealing with people every day. Being responsible for the hiring, monitoring of work flow, welfare and firing of workers is a very sensitive position that requires a lot of hard work, creativity and commitment.

So, if you think you are up for the challenge, let’s take a look at what it takes to become a human resource professional.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

To begin with, you need a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources Management or in other related fields. Due to the high level of competition in this profession, it’s advisable that you go for your MBA in Human Resource Management. This will give you an edge over your contemporaries as you will be exposed to various recruitment and staffing models, core business management, compensation design and development. You can also take professional certification examinations like the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), HR certification institute (HRCI) etc.

HR PERSONNEL SKILLS

To be effective in your job as a human resource personnel you must possess the following skills. You must have problem solving skills, business management skills, decision making skill, public speaking, and have the ability to understand and process detailed information. The ability to read and understand people is also required of a HR personnel in order to be able to manage employees. You also need to have excellent interpersonal communication and negotiation skills in order to find a middle ground for both candidate and company.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

As a HR personnel, you are responsible for hiring new employees, monitoring their progress and letting go of staff where the need arises. It’s your job to administer employee welfare packages, act as a link between the staff and management and ensure that both parties are on the same page at all times. You are also tasked with reconciling employee benefits, conducting performance reviews and auditing employee salary and benefits. You are expected to ensure that all employees are given equal opportunities toward professional development.

EMPLOYERS OF HR PERSONNEL

The services of human resource personnel are needed in virtually all industries, so long as they are companies that employ staff. HR personnel are hired by both large organizations and growing businesses. In Nigeria, they can work for companies like MTN, UBA, The Place, Deloitte, PWC, Wema Bank, etc.

Becoming a human resource personnel calls for focus, passion and commitment, because you will be faced with various challenges as you try to grow. But if you are focused and committed you will arrive at your desired career destination.