Potential career path: human resources
As a high school student, it’s exciting to get a first job and it always feels good when payday comes. Usually, students with part-time jobs show up at work, clock in and collect their paystubs, but don’t think about the people behind the scenes. In many organizations, it’s the human resources department that actually handles personnel matters. Anyone who is cheerful, fast-paced, focused and detail-oriented might want to consider a career in human resources.
Renee Falbo, director of human resources at the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, knows firsthand the wide array of expertise needed in her field. Falbo explained that human resources generally deals with hiring, training, payroll, benefits, performance evaluations, development and interviews.
Most large organizations have human resources departments to handle tasks regarding personnel.
“You would need to be very, very small not to have one, so most nonprofits have them and then any large public companies would have them, as well,” Falbo said.
There are many different opportunities within a single human resources department. Falbo outlined the many jobs that fall under the heading of HR. Recruitment and placement managers handle the hiring for organizations and then development and training specialists provide proper training and development opportunities for personnel. Compensation specialists not only prepare the payroll but also keep an eye on other rates in the field, making sure their company stay competitive.
Some organizations also have benefit specialists who handle insurance policies – life, health, dental and vision – as well as other employee benefits.
Other job positions in HR include employee and labor relations supervisors, as well as health, safety and security specialists.
“I actually like it because I like all of those areas, and so I get to have my hand in a little bit of all of them,” said Falbo.
For any students who are interested in pursuing the field, many universities offer degrees in business administration or management with concentrations in human resources. Career services can also help point college students in the right direction for internships.
“I tell everybody, and I firmly believe this … I think internships are so important. Because even if you don’t have a paying job in the field, an internship is going to get you the experience that you need, so that when you do go to apply for a job in your field, they will see that, yes, you have worked in an HR office before,” said Falbo.
After college, students can go on to earn their master’s degrees in human resources and receive different certifications in their field.
Since Falbo’s job description includes hiring, she understands what makes a good interview.
“When you’re answering questions on a job application, or even once you land that interview, you need to remember that you’re not talking to your friends, you need to find your professional voice,” Falbo said. “Even if you’re applying for a cashier at the dollar store, that’s going to get you started on your career path … You never know what’s going to come of those little part-time jobs.”
Human resources is an example of a behind-the-curtain job that is necessary to help the show go on successfully.
“It’s a really great field,” said Falbo. “My job is different every day. I never have two days that are exactly the same. I’m constantly doing something different.”
By Grace Scofield
Sophomore, Homeschooled