What do HR Professionals do?
- Human Resources and Industrial Relations professionals manage the relationship between an organization and its employees
- Focus on hiring, training, workplace policies, employee well-being, and resolving workplace issues
- Industrial Relations specifically deals with labor laws, unions, collective bargaining, and maintaining fair and productive employer–employee relationships
About the Industry
- Human Resources and Industrial Relations exist in almost every industry, including business, healthcare, education, government, and manufacturing
- The field plays a key role in creating safe, fair, and inclusive workplaces
- Professionals must stay updated on employment laws, workplace standards, and organizational best practices to support both employees and employers
- There are many branches within HR that suit a wide variety of interests and personalities
Explore Roles in this Field
Steps for Success
If you have any questions about any of this information, please set up an appointment with a career coach in the Piper Center. Click here t0 sign up for a meeting through Handshake.
Podcasts & Written Resources
- HR Happy Hour Podcast
- The HR Mentor Podcast
- HR Uprising Podcast
- The Essential HR Handbook, 10th Anniversary Edition Book
HR Certification Institute (HRCI) Resources
- Blog & Announcements
- Webinar Hub
- What is the HRCI Certification?
- Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPRH) Certification
Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) Resources
- SHRM E-Newsletters Free Sign-Up
- Preparing for a Career in HR
- Is a Graduate Degree in an HR Field Right for You?
- SHRM Certification
Additional Resources
Student Employment
- Piper Center’s Peer Advisor
- Review and edit resumes and application materials for clarity, formatting, and alignment with employer expectations
- Interpret and communicate career center policies, campus resources, and recruiting timelines to students
- Maintain confidential student information and handle sensitive conversations with professionalism and discretion
- Student employment: Human Resources Department
Highlighted Events
- Fall Recruiting Showcase
- Alumni Career Chats
- See more on our Piper Center Events Page
Check LinkedIn to see what alum are working in this industry and consider reaching out for an informational interview. Also, evaluate your personal network and the branching connections you already may have.
HR & IR roles are varied and dynamic. Consider searching for roles within the following functional areas:
- Recruiting and Staffing
- Training and Developing Employees
- Organizational Culture and Employee Engagement
- Leadership, Management, Coaching and Development
- Compensation and Benefits
- Employee Relations
- Business Function Strategic Support
- Trade Union and Labor Relations
Larger corporations will be conducting their recruiting in the fall, while mid to smaller sized companies typically conduct hiring in during the spring recruiting period. Check job databases and resources to find positions of interest:
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- Handshake
- TCSHRM (Minnesota HR Postings)
- SHRM’s HR Job Postings
- iHireHR
- Check the employment websites of companies that interest you directly
Graduate Programs
Some students may choose to get a graduate degree in this field, but it is not required for most entry-level positions. Graduate programs may include a Master of Arts in Human Resources & Industrial Relations, Master of Education in Human Resource Development, Master of Arts in IO Psychology, etc. For more information on graduate programs, please explore our Graduate School page.
Certifications
- Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPRH) Certification
- SHRM-CP Certification (Eligibility Requirements)
- Please note these certifications are not associated with the Ole Career Launcher
- Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM)
- Note: $40 student membership includes membership to TCSHRM (below)
- Twin Cities Society for Human Resources Management (TCSHRM)
- Minnesota State Council for Society of Human Resources Management (MNSHRM)
- American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration
- Association for Talent Development
- College and University Professional Association for Human Resources
- International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Jordan Frechette (she, her, hers)
Assistant Director of Career Development and Coaching (Business Careers)
Office Hours: Drop Ins Friday 3-5 pm; Mon-Fri schedule an appointment via Handshake Appointments
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