Let me give a bit of background. I am currently a senior graduating in Fall 2015 with a BA in Psychology. I took business management my junior year, which involved a lot of Human Resource information, and loved that portion of the class. I’ve looked in detail what it is exactly Human Resource Managers do, and I’ve decided I want to eventually become a human resource manager.
Here’s the problem though, I really don’t want to start my degree all over. I’m about to graduate with a BA degree in Psychology, which I have been told can be used to get in to Human Resources. But how???
I wouldn’t mind going to graduate school to get a Human Resource degree, however I’ve been reading online that often a master’s degree is unnecessary for this field. I’m currently an “office manager” (but really it’s more of like an assistant) for a local photography business. I email clients, keep up with her finances, send emails marketing specials, write blog posts for marketing on website, write and send thank you notes, schedule appointments, call clients, and help with any promotions that I’ve set up. We use a software program to keep up with all the clients and communication with them.
So, that’s what I’m doing now. I was planning on taking some more business classes this summer, such as human resources. Right now all I’ve had is business management and business ethics.
Any advice what to do after I graduate??? Should I go to graduate school? If I should, then what type of program should I be entering? an MBA in Human Resources (which it appears requires at least 2 years work experience to get into most MBA programs), a MS in Human Resources??? Or should I just get my certification and then try to find an entry level Human Resource job?? Help!
You do not need a specific degree in HR/Human Capital to go into such.
You need to look for internships and opportunities for full time in HR roles. Psychology is all about people and HR is all about people - you have a connection. You can definitely use this major to apply for human capital positions. Just be ready to explain what draws you to HR.
I have a BA in psychology and I’m a human resources manager. You will need to work your way up by looking for HR assistant and other entry level positions. You can specialize and be something like a jr. recruiter or work in payroll, or you can be a generalist and do a bit of everything. Also start learning employment law (FLSA, FMLA, EEOC, etc. ) through state or federal websites or get a good HR handbook (don’t need to spend a lot of money, but keep in mind laws change and even a newer book can be out of date on certain topics). I never took an HR or business course and have taught myself everything I need to know. Psychology is a great background for employee relations, training, development, engagement and other HR responsibilities.
You could get an HR certificate at your local university extension. i.e. UCI extension offers a 6 class HR program. Classes are easy and not very time consuming, it just gets you familiar with HR laws, HR terminology, HR practice. Many schools offer extension programs such as this. You could also just study independently and take an HR certificate test to get your HR certificate. This isn’t always necessary for HR jobs but it looks good to have it along with your bachelors. In the meanwhile yes look for HR assistant jobs, entry level HR jobs, and/or internships. Psychology actually does have a lot to do with HR as HR is a bit like a business counselor as it has a lot do with employee relations and understanding the people and the company well enough to develop training programs and etc to make the people happier, improve company culture, and thus have everyone working most effectively to better the company.
I’m sorry that it has taken this long for me to reply to this thread, but better late than never. I have worked in Human Resources for over 20 years. I highly recommend joining the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)., a trade association for professionals in Human Resources. SHRM has student chapters with reduced dues. You can find out more here: http://www.shrm.org/communities/studentprograms/pages/crc.aspx You will gain contacts through the local meetings and learn more about HR when you receive the magazine.
SHRM also offers certificate degrees - PHR - Professional Human Resources and the SPHR - Senior Professional Human Resources. You can find out more here: shrmcertification.org. I recommend gaining work experience in HR while obtaining HR certification.