Why a Career in HR Is Good in Australia

Human Resources, a university path often overlooked, is a hidden gem. Why? Every company needs HR to handle hiring and decide pay rates.

Woman adjacent to key points about HR career benefits

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 national employment projections, there are currently 106,000 Human Resource Managers employed in Australia. This number is expected to grow by 13.7% by May 2028, bringing the total to 120,500. This increase represents an additional 14,500 jobs in the HR management field alone.

In terms of Human Resource Professionals, the current number employed stands at 86,000. Over the same five-year period, the demand for these professionals is expected to grow by 7.7%, leading to an estimated total of 92,700 jobs by 2028.

These figures illustrate a strong and growing demand for HR expertise in Australia. The thriving demand is underscored by high average salaries for HR roles. Human Resource Managers and People and Culture Managers both attract salaries of around $130k per year.

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 around $130k. The prospect for high earnings often rises with career progression, with senior and executive roles typically offering attractive compensation.

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 growth. 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.

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 You Know if HR is Right for You?

Succeeding in HR requires more than just people skills. It can be advantageous to have an analytical mind and a willingness to make hard decisions.

HR might be the right fit if you (a) enjoy solving problems, (b) thrive on creating positive work environments, and (c) can balance the needs of both employees and the business.

The best HR managers blend empathy with toughness. They support employees while enforcing policies fairly. Strong communicators thrive in HR, but they also need to think strategically. You'll handle everything from recruitment to conflict resolution.

Related: Is HR a Good Career for Me? 7 Personal Qualities

How Do I Start My Career in HR?

Smiling businessman using laptop and phone

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.

Source: How to Become an HR Manager: 5 Steps