Human resource workers provide specialized methods, techniques and professional judgment geared toward fair and effective employee selection, training, placement, management and development. By making effective use of employees' skills, and helping employees find satisfaction in their jobs and working conditions, productivity is enhanced and both the employee and employer benefit. Typical job titles found in human resource departments include interviewer, benefits counselor, training services coordinator, personnel administrator analyst, personnel counselor, employment and placement manager, job analyst, labor relations specialist, affirmative action manager, recruiter, health services coordinator, medical director, and personnel development specialist. Many jobs are available in the field of human resource management. A typical first job would be a non-managerial position in an area such as compensation analysis or employment counseling.
Career paths depend on the company.
In large companies specialized groups or units often work in just one area. Human resource workers may choose to specialize in one area or gain experience in several. Professional preparation is the focus for those majoring in human resource management. Specially designed courses and affiliated campus organizations help to fully prepare you for a career in this field. For example, Management 460 combines a Small Business Institute field project with class presentations by local human resource management professionals.