Plentiful jobs, lucrative salaries, and personal growth opportunities are some of the benefits.
Human Resources, a university path often overlooked, is truly a hidden gem. Why? Every company needs HR professionals to handle hiring and decide pay rates. This means lots of job opportunities and good pay for those with HR degrees.
Let's explore the benefits of a career in human resource management, especially in the Australian context. If you're interested in studying HRM at university in Australia, there are many good reasons why this may be an excellent decision.
Demand for HR in Australia
The demand for HR professionals in Australia is constantly growing, partly due to population growth. Greater overall employment boosts demand for HR managers. As a people-oriented role, it's also an activity that's not easily replaced by technology.
According to the latest data from the National Skills Commission, there are currently 95,000 Human Resource Managers employed in Australia. This number is expected to grow by 16.3% by November 2026, which will bring the total to 137,100. This increase represents an additional 19,300 jobs in the HR management field alone.
In terms of Human Resource Professionals, the current number employed stands at 76,900. Over the same five-year period, the demand for these professionals is expected to grow by 13.1%, leading to an estimated total of 89,100 jobs by 2026.
These figures illustrate a strong and growing demand for HR expertise in Australia. The thriving demand is underscored by high weekly earnings for both Human Resource Managers ($2,445) and Professionals ($1,732), coupled with predominantly full-time employment rates (86% and 81% respectively).
Benefits of Working in Human Resources
A career in Human Resources has plenty to offer. This field is not only abundant with job openings and promising financial rewards, but also supports personal growth and development. Let's delve deeper into these benefits.
1. Abundant job opportunities
With HR teams necessary in nearly all medium to large businesses, job openings are plentiful. The field is diverse, offering roles from recruitment to compensation management. Positive growth predictions point to at an expanding job market, with excess demand likely for the foreseeable future.
2. High salaries
Working in HR could mean impressive pay. The average salary for human resources managers in Australia currently stands at $119,111 based on a sample of 716 workers. The prospect for high earnings often rises with career progression, with senior and executive roles typically offering attractive compensation. Director of Human Resources positions are associated with average earnings of $144,507.
3. Personal development and growth
Working as human resources manager presents opportunities for personal and professional development. The field helps professionals refine vital interpersonal and communication skills. Regular learning activities, such as workshops and conferences, encourage continuous grwoth. Furthermore, the career path is clear, with potential to rise to leadership roles or even join an organisation's executive team.
Qualifications You Need to Work in HR
The standard HR qualification in Australia is a university degree in HR management or a related field like Business or Psychology. This level of attainment is needed to compete for HR manager jobs. While not mandatory, a bachelor degree provides a competitive edge due to the complex nature of human resources management.
For those aiming at higher positions, a postgraduate qualification is often beneficial. The main options are a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, or Masters in Human Resource Management.
An MBA is also a good choice for experienced HR professionals looking for broader managerial responsibilities.
Experience along with relevant education makes you an ideal candidate for senior roles. Many job ads expressly prefer university graduates, often with a focus on Human Resources or related disciplines.
More qualifications: Human Resources (HR) Courses Online
How Do I Start My Career in HR?
Beginning an HR career can be a unique journey for everyone. There are no hard and fast rules, but common steps include skill development, education, experience, and certification. These steps can provide a solid foundation and pathway to success.
1. Develop key skills. You need strong communication abilities and effective problem-solving skills. Understanding business operations and demonstrating organisational prowess are also critical.
2. Earn a bachelor degree. Ideally, your degree should be in business with a Human Resource Management major, though other business majors are also useful.
3. Gain relevant work experience. Start with entry-level roles such as an HR assistant or benefits specialist. You should aim for about 5 to 7 years of experience to qualify for a senior management position.
4. Consider doing a masters degree. A Master of Human Resource Management isn't strictly necessary but can give you a competitive edge.
5. Earn certifications. The aim is to enhance your skills and professional profile. These certifications are not mandatory but can showcase your proficiency in specific activities and provide practical, immediately applicable knowledge.