Human Resources Assistant
All businesses with employees require some level of human resources services. Even in smaller businesses, human resource activities are essential, though they may fall to a smaller staff or to a busy multitasking professional. If you have strong people skills and a knack for problem solving, you may have just the skill set you need to excel with human resources.
As a human resources assistant, you can gain entry level access to this field. From filing to scheduling to handling employee disputes, you'll find this job offers a diverse set of responsibilities to keep you busy in this field.
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What is the Job Outlook for Human Resources Assistants?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't collect data for human resource assistants, but the job outlook for human resource specialists is average. Job opportunities are expected to increase 7 percent in this area over the 2016 to 2026 decade. This is as fast as average for all occupations in the United States.
While companies continue to need the services of HR professionals, some are maintaining a smaller staff because modern technologies make it easier to do more with fewer employees. Some businesses are now outsourcing their human resource services as well. Though this could minimize job opportunities within a dedicated organization, it could create new jobs for those interested in working for the outsourced service providers.
Where Do Human Resources Assistants Work?
Human resource assistants can find job opportunities in nearly any company large enough to maintain its own human resource department. While there's typically a single human resource manager, there may be several assistants in this department, aiding with routine clerical tasks and employee relations.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 16 percent of human resource specialists work in employment services. Thirteen percent work in professional, scientific, and technical services while 12 percent are in the government and 10 percent work in healthcare and social assistance.
Human resource assistants in areas other than payroll and timekeeping will find the highest employment levels in management of companies and enterprises. This is followed by employment services, the federal executive branch, elementary and secondary schools, and general merchandise stores. The states with the highest employment levels for this occupation are California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Minnesota.
What Education is Required to Become a Human Resources Assistant?
Requirements vary for employment as a human resource assistant. Though you may do best with a bachelor's degree for a specialist or management role in human resources, an associate degree can qualify you for a job as a human resource assistant.
The AAS Human Resource Specialist Degree from Bryant & Stratton College has 39 major requirements. These cover a broad range of topics that will equip you for a position in human resources. You'll learn about business law and ethics, recruitment, labor relations, accounting, business principles, and more. These courses will help you gain a well-rounded understanding of the everyday duties involved in a career in human resources.
You can also enhance your employability in this field by obtaining voluntary certification that's relevant to the field. Consider the Certified Professional or Senior Certified Professional certification from the Society for Human Resource Management. The HR Certification Institute offers additional certification option.
What Can I Do with an AAS Human Resource Specialist Degree?
An AAS Human Resource Specialist degree will equip you for a variety of positions in human resources and related areas. As you're conducting your job search, keep an eye out for job titles including:
- Corporate Recruiter
- Employment Representative
- Human Resources Coordinator
- HR Generalist
- Employment Coordinator
- Personnel Coordinator
- Technical Recruiter
- Benefits Administrator
- Applications Specialist
- Benefits Officer
- Contract Recruiter
- Employment Supervisor
- Employee Relations Specialist
- Functional Leader
- Staffing Consultant
Please note that all information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is intended to offer statistical averages only. This is not a guarantee of job opportunities. However, this information can give you a broad understanding of what a particular field may look like in the coming years.
For more insights into your job opportunities with an AAS Human Resource Specialist degree, visit the human resource section of our blog. There, you'll find valuable information to help guide your career decisions on the coming years. With the right degree, you can equip yourself for a satisfying career in human relations in just a few years.