What can you do with a human resources degree?

Human resources (HR) professionals take care of everything having to do with an organization’s employees.

Beyond personnel management and staff development, HR has become a strategic cornerstone in many businesses, and the diversity of roles within the field may be surprising.

Lori White, MBA, a faculty member in Capella University’s School of Undergraduate Studies Department of Business, provides insight related job titles graduates could explore with a BS in Business, Human Resource Management degree. 

Human resource manager

For smaller organizations, the role of a human resource manager is often all-encompassing. For larger organizations, this role focuses on supervising departments that have specific HR functions. 

In either case, the human resource manager is responsible for working alongside other disciplines or teams within the organization to achieve company goals.

Responsibilities may include:

• Recruiting and staffing
• Training and development
• Performance management
• Compensation and benefits
• Labor relations
• Compliance with employment laws

Talent development manager

The talent development manager researches, develops, and implements staff training programs to further departmental or organizational goals. 

Depending on the organization, this position may also participate in some aspects of the hiring process.

Responsibilities may include:

• Creating and facilitating mentoring relationships among staff
• Implementing training programs
• Creating staff development initiatives
• Involvement in the hiring process

Talent Acquisition Manager

Talent acquisition managers have a fairly specific role within the organization to attract top talent. This typically involves determining which recruiting method will yield the best result, as well as which method is the most cost-effective for the organization. 

An individual in this position would pre-screen applications to generate a smaller group of qualified candidates and oversee the hiring process, including interview questions, candidate ratings, and background checks.

Responsibilities may include:

• Sourcing applicants for open positions
• Partnering with universities to source new talent 
• Managing the hiring process
• Onboarding and training new employees

Compensation and Benefits Manager

A compensation and benefits manager designs and manages salary and benefits plans, which could include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, or any other benefit a company offers. 

Having a working knowledge of up-to-date laws and regulations impacting pay and benefits is essential in this position. A compensation and benefits manager may also work with the talent acquisition manager to determine a company’s labor needs.

Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting benchmarking activities for compensation
• Administering 
  • Retirement and pension programs
  • Wellness programs 
  • Insurance offerings
  • Investment opportunities
  • Time off policies
• Managing company budget for these offerings
• Selecting and managing benefit vendors and investment brokers

Labor relations manager

Labor relations managers are common in organizations associated with a labor union, but can also exist in non-union environments. 

This position’s primary responsibility is to communicate and be involved in negotiations between the employees (or labor union) and the company. Labor relations managers may also be involved in grievance and dispute resolution activities.

Responsibilities may include:

• Communicating and managing negotiations between employees (or union) and the company
• Creating and negotiating contracts
• Implementing labor relations programs

Learn more about Capella’s bachelor’s in business, human resource management degree.

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes ,and Capella does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, or other career growth.