Thinking of starting a career in HR? You’re in the right place, especially in Singapore, where the demand for skilled HR professionals is rising. According to data released in 2024, Singapore’s total employment grew by 44,500, and there are currently 1.64 job vacancies for every unemployed person, reflecting a strong job market. In this context, pursuing a career in HR can be an advantageous choice.
HR professionals are crucial in managing recruitment, enhancing employee experience, and fostering workforce development, making the field an attractive career path. But before you take the plunge, what should you consider? Don’t worry — in this blog, we’ll explore the five key things you need to know before starting a career in HR.
Also Read: MBA Programs Worth Knowing About: HR, Finance, and Marketing
5 Key Things to Know Before Launching Your Career in HR
So, if you are excited about starting a career in HR and want to make it rewarding, make sure to know the right approach. For this, we are now presenting five factors to consider when launching your journey into the world of HR careers.
Understand the Multifaceted Role of HR
Before you kickstart your career in HR, the prime thing to understand is that it is not just about hiring employees. The HR department plays a crucial role in shaping acompany’s culture, ensuring compliance, managing conflict, and enhancing employee engagement. Be it a Talent Acquisition Specialist or an HR Director, careers in HR management require a deep understanding of organisational needs and how to align them with the right people.
Develop a Blend of Soft and Technical Skills
As an HR professional, no one skill is enough; you need a perfect mix of soft skills, such as communication, empathy, negotiation, and technical prowess, like data analysis and HR software. Only a well-rounded skill set can help you sail through to achieve your career aspirations for HR.
Pursue Relevant Education and Certifications
Complete a degree in HR or a related field to succeed in careers in HR management. Certifications can enhance your qualifications and make you more competitive in the job market, helping you meet your HR career goals with confidence and calibre.
Also Read: What Does it Take To Be a Successful HR Assistant?
Gain Practical Experience Through Internships and Volunteering
The more experience you gain, the better it will be for your career in HR. There are several ways to gain experience in the field of HR, such as internships, volunteering, or part-time roles. These will help you gain day-to-day operational experience in HR. Real-world exposure will give you practical insights and make your resume stand out when applying for HR positions.
Also Read: Human Resource Jobs in Singapore: A Complete Career Guide for 2026
Multitasking is the Key to Success
Balancing multiple tasks like recruitment, training, and resolving employee issues is crucial in hr careers. This can be accomplished with strong organisational skills. As an HR professional, you must be competent enough to manage several projects at once; only then can you progress in this field.
Also Read: Be a Top HR Manager: Essential Skills You Need in Singapore
Key Challenges in a Career in HR and How to Overcome Them
HR professionals often face several challenges in their roles. The table below will reveal some common issues and practical ways to tackle them:
| Challenge | Ways to Overcome |
| Handle disputes with strong communication and mediation skills. Encourage open dialogue and neutrality. |
| Stay informed on labour regulations through regular training and HR forums. |
| Maintain transparency and fairness to build trust on both sides. |
| Use HR software to automate payroll, recruitment, and performance tracking tasks. |
| Foster a positive work culture through feedback, recognition, and development opportunities. |
Also Read: Why Study Human Resource Management in Singapore?
Kickstart Your Career in HR with upGrad
Take the first step towards a successful HR career with upGrad’s Professional Certificate Programme in HR Management and Analytics. This industry-relevant course from IIM Kozhikode equips you with essential HR skills and data-driven insights to stand out in today’s competitive job market. Enrol today to gain practical knowledge, expert mentorship, and a recognised certificate to boost your career prospects!
Have questions? Email us at query@upgrad.com or call +65 6232 6730
FAQs On Starting Your Career in HR
Q: What should I know before starting a career in HR?
Ans: Before starting a career in HR, understand its role in recruitment, compliance, employee relations, and training. Also, focus on enhancing your communication skills, organisational skills, and emotional intelligence.
Q: How do you start your career in HR?
Ans:The best way to start your career in HR is by pursuing an online degree or certification in HR. You must also consider applying for internships or entry-level roles like an HR assistant. Learning HR software can also boost your chances of excelling in this field.
Q: Which is the best HR qualification?
Ans: The five best HR qualifications are:
- Professional Certificate in HR Management and Analytics – upGrad
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
- Singapore HR Institute (SHRI) Certifications
- HRCI – Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
- CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management
Q: What are the 7 HR basics?
Ans: The seven basics of HR are:
- Recruitment
- Onboarding
- Training
- Performance Management
- Compensation
- Employee Relations
- Compliance
Q: How to start in HR with no experience?
Ans: The best way to start a career in HR with no experience is by pursuing an online HR course or volunteering for HR tasks. Try networking online and offline to spread the word about your skills in this field and emphasise your soft skills in your resume.
