Career Options in Human Resources

Discover Career Opportunities

Sample career options for students and alumni pursuing the field of human resources. 

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

Human Resource - Generalist

Generalists in human resources often plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of human resources and personnel departments, and develop and implement policies, programs and procedures regarding human resource planning, recruitment, collective bargaining, training and development, occupational classification, and pay and benefit administration. They represent management and participate actively on various joint committees to maintain ongoing relations between management and employees. Human resource managers are employed throughout the private and public sectors.

• Career Development
• Compensation & Benefits
• Employee Relations
• Employment Equity
• Human Resource Administration
• Human Resource Management 
• Industrial Relations
• Leadership Development
• Occupational Health & Safety
• Organizational Development
• Recruitment
• Staff Relations
• Succession Planning
• Talent Management
• Training & Development

Human Resource - Specialist

Specialists in human resources develop, implement and evaluate human resources and labour relations policies, programs and procedures and advise managers and employers on personnel matters. Specialists in human resources are employed throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.

• Career Developer
• Compensation Analyst
• Conciliator
• Diversity and Inclusion Manager
• Employee Communications Specialist
• Employee Relations Associate
• Human Resource Consultant
• Human Resource Policy Analyst
• Job Analyst
• Labour Relations Associate
• Mediator
• Recruitment Manager
• Training Manager
• Union Representative
• Wage Analysis

Develop your Knowledge and Skills

Functional Knowledge

• Ability to understand principles of planning, organizing, controlling and evaluating the operations of human resources within an organizational setting.
• Awareness of the key components of human resource policy and decision making including financial, operational,
  employee relations, unionization, employment branding and organizational cultural impacts.
• Understanding of current and emerging labour market trends and issues, legislative policy and employment standards.
• Knowledge of strategic human resource planning, including aspects of employee attraction, retention, evaluation,
  training and development.
• The ability to describe and interpret human resource and labour relations policy, changes and decisions to a variety of internal and external audiences.
• Skills to research and assess information and data related to occupational classifications, job descriptions, salary scales and competency appraisal measures and systems.
• Ability to administer staffing, total compensation, training and career development, employee assistance, employment equity and diversity training programs.
• Knowledge of the budgeting process and the ability to understand and interpret financial information in relation to human resource strategies.
• Skills to conduct quantitative/qualitative analysis of information/data to forecast labour market and industry-specific trends and make plans.

Collaboration/Teamwork

• Work effectively as part of a team by identifying your role and contributing, leading, teaching, motivating and/or
  encouraging others for team success.
• Oversee, lead and/or contribute to a project including determining goals, planning details, making decisions and
  completing tasks.
• Demonstrate professional behaviour and an understanding of individual perspectives and diversity.

Communication

• Explain information, ideas and opinions professionally and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Probe for information by asking questions and listening, and engage in constructive conversations.
• Prepare effective, interesting and informative reports and presentations for diverse audiences using current technology.

Problem-Solving

• Identify and access a wide range of relevant information and resources.
• Learn, understand and critically interpret information and apply knowledge to new situations.
• Set priorities, meet deadlines and manage time, data and resources.
• Make well-reasoned decisions, think creatively, identify and consider all sides of an issue.
• Analyze and evaluate data to discuss, support and/or question ideas, opinions, reports, theories and proposals.

Related Websites