An HR professional, or HR professional advisor as they are more commonly referred to, should be considered an important member of any business strategy. Businesses can be very complex organizations, each with it’s own framework and diverse functions. While human resource development may not seem all that connected to the strategic management of the company, it certainly applies in many instances. Human Resource professionals to help companies organize their workforce, design an effective training program, and provide benefits and incentives to employees who are of optimum benefit to the organization. A solid human resource development program ensures that this happens.
The National Association of State Boards of License and Certifications (NASBC) has created a professional certification in order to help applicants to become knowledgeable in the area of human resource development. Applicants must first complete the National Association of State Boards of License and Certifications (NASSC) examination which assesses specific areas of business professionalism. Upon passing the examination, applicants must then complete two area tests that examine leadership skills, communication skills, understanding and taking action, and performance in one specific area.
Students now have the opportunity to choose from two different NASSC area tests that will help them decide if they are ready to take the Human Resources Strategic Assessment Test. The first series of exams is broken down into four different areas: strategic planning, talent acquisition planning, performance management, and continuing education and development. Students will be required to answer multiple-choice questions regarding each of these four areas and will also be required to create a work plan based on the answers to these questions. Students are then ranked following the completion of these tests.
The second part of the Human Resources Strategic Assessment covers the activities of HRM activities. Students will be required to conduct a series of HRM activities that focus on recruiting, developing, retaining, managing, and promoting individuals who posses the skills, qualities, abilities, and capabilities needed to contribute to the success or failure of the organization. These activities involve assessing prospective employees, interviewing, screening, hiring, placement, coaching, managing training and education, and compensation and benefits administration. Students will also be required to create policies that address workplace health and safety as well as strategies to enhance business competitiveness. Lastly, students will be required to present and implement strategies, tactics, policies, and practices that are aligned with company goals and objectives. As part of the assessment, students will also be required to demonstrate their understanding of HRM principles, HRM theories, and best practices.
The Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management program at The University of Minnesota is designed to give students an all-around overview of this important field. It covers a range of academic and career choices and includes core courses in recruitment, placement, performance management, and leadership. In addition to these core classes, students will learn technical skills and techniques such as communication, negotiation, goal setting, coaching, and development, throughout their Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management program. Throughout the program, students will be able to participate in extensive laboratory experience, internships, and extensive coursework in the core areas of recruitment and placement, performance management, and leadership.
The University of Minnesota offers a number of different professional development and career options for those interested in Human Resources. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, which allows students to obtain a high level of education and employable skills once they are out into the working world. Most human resource degree programs incorporate a strong core curriculum that introduces students to the theories and methods of recruitment and placement, while preparing them for a wide variety of job related tasks. Many of the human resource degree programs at the university are interdisciplinary, allowing students to pursue work in a variety of departments within the department. Some of the popular courses taken in these degree programs include strategic management, human resource management planning, and HRM audit.
Those wishing to enroll in a master’s in human resources program at the university should take the time to learn about their schools policies and procedures for taking new graduates on the job. Many schools require potential students to take a pre-requisite course such as an internship or a business course. Prospective students should also inquire about whether they are required to take a background check or a drug test before being accepted into any of the university’s graduate or doctoral programs.