How to Become an HR Professional: Key Steps, Skills, and Certifications

Did You Know: The world’s biggest HR department is in the U.S. Department of Defense, managing more than 3.4 million people worldwide!

Human Resources (HR) isn’t just a career, it’s a calling to shape workplaces, nurture talent, and drive organizational success. As the people-centered backbone of any company, HR professionals are pivotal in creating environments where employees thrive and businesses grow. 

The HR Professional Services Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.8% and is valued at 7.78 billion USD. This field is projected to grow even further and drive massive career demands and opportunities.

If you are wondering how to step into this dynamic field, this guide will walk you through the essential requirements and steps on how to become an HR professional. Keep reading to gain insights into the key steps to becoming an HR professional.

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How to become an HR? Educational Path and Skills

Pursuing a career in HR means stepping into a role where you can directly impact an organization’s growth and culture. HR professionals wear many hats, from hiring the right talent to fostering inclusivity and engagement.

If you’re ready to embark on this rewarding career journey, let’s explore the steps leading you there. But first, let’s take a brief look at who exactly is a Human Resources Professional.

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Who Exactly is an HR? 

An HR professional is much more than a hiring expert. They’re strategists, problem-solvers, and culture builders, who are entrusted with ensuring that employees are empowered and organizations are aligned with their goals. 

HR connects the dots between people and processes, creating workplaces where everyone can succeed.

Educational Path to Become an HR 

Becoming an HR starts with the right education. Here are some useful educational qualifications to become an HR:

Undergraduate Degrees

You can kickstart your journey with degrees like a BA or BSc in Human Resource Management or Business Administration. These programs teach foundational concepts like employment laws, organizational behavior, and recruitment strategies.

Postgraduate Degrees

To climb higher in your career, consider advanced programs like an MBA in HR or an MSc in Organizational Behavior. These courses offer deeper insights into HR analytics, leadership development, and strategic management, allowing you to pursue high-paying managerial roles.

Also Read: MBA HR Salary in India

Skills Required to Become an HR 

To excel in HR, you need to be exceptional at interpersonal skills and a few technical skills that you will find handy in working with various HR software and databases.  Since you work with people management, a stronghold in soft skills along with the right knowledge of technical skills required in human resources will make you a solid HR professional.

We know that mastering key soft skills is essential for building connections, resolving issues, and leading effectively. Here are some soft skills you need:

1. Stellar Communication and Interpersonal Abilities

• Active Listening to understand employee concerns.
• Clear Communication when drafting policies or mediating disputes.
• Empathy to build trust and strengthen relationships.

Enroll in upGrad’s Effective Communication Course to master this crucial HR skill!

2. Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution

• Analytical Thinking for identifying root causes of issues.
• Negotiation Skills to handle disagreements fairly.
• Adaptability to approach unique challenges with flexibility.

Complete our 7-hour-long Problem-Solving Course and gain a free certificate!

3. Organizational Skills and Leadership Charisma

• Time Management to juggle multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Attention to Detail for accuracy in compliance and records.
• Inspiring Leadership to foster a positive workplace culture.

4. Emotional Intelligence

• Self-awareness to manage your emotions in professional settings.
• Relationship Management to build meaningful connections.

Complete our Free Course on How To Be Emotionally Intelligent at Work and also get a certificate upon completion!

Developing these soft skills will set you apart in HR, enabling you to lead teams and create a thriving work environment. Now let’s take a closer look at some essential technical skills you need to become an HR:

5. HRIS (Human Resource Information Software)

• Data management for employee data storage
• Better efficiency through automation of tasks like recruitment

6. Data Analytics

• Use of predictive analytics in recruitment and employee management
• Data analytics tools provide trend analysis to improve employee engagement and organizational growth

Read here for further insights: 12 Crucial HR Skills Employers Look For

How to Become an HR?: Simple Steps to Follow 

If you are looking for a structured guide to the steps on how to become an HR professional, you can refer to this step-by-step that gives you a simple and easy-to-follow roadmap to kickstart your HR journey:

STEP 1: Pursue Relevant Education

• Ideally, your first step should be to pursue a degree in Human Resources, Business Management Administration, or a related field. You can complete undergraduate and postgraduate levels of study,
• You can also enroll in specialized HR courses to understand key concepts like labor laws, recruitment, and employee relations if you are transitioning into an HR role.

STEP 2. Gain Experience 

• You can initially work in administrative or entry-level roles in HR or general management.
• If you are a student, you may volunteer or intern in HR departments to gain hands-on experience.

STEP 3. Work on Skill Development 

• Brush up your communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Also, focus on technical skills and learn about HR software and tools for efficient personnel management.

STEP 4. Enroll in Certifications

• You can get certified through recognized programs like SHRM-CP, PHR, or other HR certification bodies.
• These certifications help validate your expertise and improve career prospects.

STEP 5. Stay Updated and Expand Your Network

• You must continuously educate yourself on the latest HR trends and labor laws.
• To build your professional network, you may attend industry seminars, and conferences and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.

Following these simple steps will assist you in pursuing your career in human resources. Moreover, you will have developed a structured path to advance and establish your career.

Certifications to Boost Your HR Career

Certifications are a powerful way to enhance your HR credentials, validate your expertise, and increase your earning potential. They showcase your commitment to professional growth and help you stand out in a competitive field.

Globally Recognized Certifications

• SHRM-CP/SCP:
  Offered by the Society for Human Resource Management, these certifications validate your HR expertise and practical knowledge.
• PHR/SPHR:
  From HRCI, these certifications are industry gold standards, enhancing your credibility in HR roles.
• CIPD:
  Ideal for professionals pursuing international HR careers, especially in Europe, with a strong focus on HR best practices.

Why Certifications Matter

• Enhanced Credibility: Certifications prove your skills and dedication, making your profile more attractive to employers.
• Competitive Edge: They help you stand out in a competitive market, opening doors to better opportunities and higher salaries.

By earning the right certifications, you can accelerate your HR career and stay ahead in this evolving field.

What are the Key Responsibilities of an HR Professional?

HR professionals play a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of an organization. They act as a bridge between management and employees, fostering a productive and harmonious work environment.

Key Roles and Responsibilities of an HR are:

• Recruiting and Onboarding: Identifying and bringing in top talent while ensuring a seamless integration into the organization.
• Employee Retention and Engagement: Building strategies to maintain a motivated and satisfied workforce.
• Policy Development and Compliance: Crafting policies that align with company goals and legal standards.
• Training and Development: Organizing programs to enhance employee skills and promote professional growth.

These responsibilities position HR professionals as key drivers of organizational success and employee well-being.

Enroll in upGrad’s HR Analytics Course from IIM Kozhikode and partake in comprehensive learning to keep you relevant in this dynamic data-driven world. 

The Future of HR Careers 

HR is evolving rapidly, blending human-centric practices with cutting-edge technology to meet modern workplace demands. This dynamic field offers immense growth opportunities for professionals ready to adapt and innovate.

Emerging Trends

• AI in HR:
  Assists in streamlining recruitment, employee management, and administrative tasks through automation.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):
  Creating inclusive workplaces is a top organizational priority worldwide.

Job Market and Salaries

• Entry-Level Roles:
  Fresher HR professionals can expect to earn between INR 3L - INR 6L annually.
• Senior Positions:
  HR Directors and similar roles can command salaries between INR 7L - INR 20L annually.

Also Read: Top HR Career Opportunities You Should Know

Conclusion

Now that you have a fair idea on how you can pursue a career in HR, we can reiterate how HR offers a promising future for those ready to embrace change and lead the way. 

A career in Human Resources offers endless opportunities to make a significant impact on both people and businesses. From mastering essential soft skills to obtaining key certifications, HR professionals are at the heart of creating thriving work environments. 

As the industry evolves with technology and a growing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, HR offers exciting career prospects with ample room for growth. 

Whether you're just starting or looking to advance, a career in HR provides the chance to shape workplaces, nurture talent, and lead organizational success.

Keen to study more about HR? Check upGrad’s Certification Course in Human Resource Management.

And, if you are looking for expert guidance to get started with your learning and career options, you may book a free counseling session with us and avail 1:1 assistance!

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