How to gain experience in human resources

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For new graduates in the human resources field, open positions may require hands-on experience in addition to a degree. But how can someone who’s recently graduated gain experience that supplements a quality education from a respected college or university?

“Many people considering a career in human resources are established professionals in their respective fields,” says Al Gorriaran, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, lead faculty with Capella’s Master of Science in Human Resource Management program. “They could explore opportunities beyond their formal education, which they may be able to find at their current employer.”

Below are some tips and guidelines for aspiring HR professionals who want to gain marketable experience in their field.

Identify your career goals

Be intentional about finding the right opportunity by first identifying your career objective and goals. Ask yourself:

• What specific areas of HR do you want to focus on? Examples include recruiting/staffing, training and development, employee relations and performance management. Some possible employment settings for a graduate with an MS in Human Resource Management could include:*
  • Administration of Veterans Affairs
  • Colleges, universities and professional schools
  • Employment placement agencies
  • Executive offices
  • Miscellaneous retailers
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
• What skills or experience could lead to success in human resources or as a human resources professional?
• What skills do you have to offer an organization?

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

It’s important to do your research and understand which HR skills and positions are in demand. Look at target jobs that interest you and build a clear understanding of their requirements, qualifications and responsibilities.

Expand your skills within your current position

You may not have to look far for that first experience in human resources. If you’re already working, get permission to seek out opportunities within your current organization to build HR skills.

• Find a stretch role. Ask an HR professional at your organization if you can take on a developmental role in their department. Provide a proposal that focuses on what you offer the business rather than focusing solely on how working for them could benefit you.
• Volunteer in your current role. Offer to do HR-related tasks that align with your current role. These might include sitting in on interviews, assessing candidates, attending career fairs or mentoring new employees or interns. Make sure you get approval from your supervisor before committing to a volunteering opportunity.
• Facilitate lunch and learns or professional development webinars. These casual events can help employees develop their knowledge and network with others who have similar interests. They also serve as a way for you to build skills and experience as a facilitator or organizer.

Volunteer at a local organization

Many nonprofit organizations or small businesses appreciate pro bono assistance from a skilled human resources professional. Seek out opportunities like these to build skills and make connections through volunteering.

• Identify local organizations that align with your values.
• Search for positions such as volunteer director or volunteer coordinator, or look for roles where you can recruit, train, mentor or perform other HR-related tasks.
• Propose a remote solution if you have geographical limitations or if the employer lacks physical space to accommodate an on-site experience.
• Explore volunteer positions via websites such as VolunteerMatch, Engage, Create the Good and idealist.org. (Capella University is not affiliated with VolunteerMatch, Engage, Create the Good or idealist.)
• If you’re currently working as a volunteer, look for ways to change your role so it fits better with your interests in HR. For example, if you already volunteer at a food bank serving meals, consider moving into a volunteer coordinator role.

Get active in professional associations

Professional associations can offer a great way to engage in professional development while also making connections in the human resources field. Actively engaging in these organizations can help you build marketable skills and experience. Even better, many of these professional organizations have discounted student member rates.

• Research organizations and see if there are local chapters in your area. Some popular organizations include the Society for Human Resource Management and the Association for Talent Development. (Capella University is not affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management or Association for Talent Development.)
• Seek out opportunities to do the type of work that would close skill gaps, such as leading a committee, recruiting new members or managing professional development activities and vendor relationships.

Formal internships

Formal internships may be an option if you can meet the time, pay and location requirements. Use the same strategies and techniques to search for an internship as you would if you were looking for a job. Internships could lead to a full-time employment offer, so treat them with the same level of professionalism and dedication you would with any other role.

• Identify internship opportunities through networking, internship-specific job boards or employer websites.
• Propose your own internship at organizations of interest. Leverage relationships with organizations you know.
• Some universities partner with organizations to help match students or alumni with internship opportunities. You may even be able to use what you learn in an internship to earn credit toward your degree.

Interested in expanding your human resources skill set? Learn more about the MS in Human Resource Management program at Capella University.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has acknowledged that Capella University’s MS in Human Resource Management fully aligns with SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.