Working in human resources means always having to learn and adapt. Employment laws change, workplace trends evolve, and helping people is rarely simple. Growing your HR know-how is crucial for career growth and being an awesome HR pro.
Read, Read, Read
One fantastic way to boost your HR knowledge is to read as much as possible. Whether that’s blogs, books, magazines, or journals, consuming HR content helps you stay current. Subscribe to some quality HR publications; check out top HR blogs during your breaks; pick up books on areas you want to strengthen.
For book recommendations, ask colleagues what they are reading. Or look for bestsellers and award winners on topics like employment law, talent management, or training. Reading gives your brain a ton of new ideas and perspectives.
Attend HR Conferences
Getting out of the office for an HR conference provides a great opportunity to learn. You will hear from experienced HR experts and be exposed to groundbreaking strategies. As well as this, you can network with other HR professionals to share tips.
Many national and local HR conferences happen annually. Ask your employer if they will cover registration fees or travel costs for you to attend. The people at ProTrain suggest prioritizing conferences that offer credits towards HR certifications like SHRM-CP, PHR or APHR certification.
Take Online Courses
With computer and internet access, you can learn HR from anywhere through online courses. Look for offerings from HR associations, colleges/universities, or private education companies. Online classes let you learn at your own pace while still working full time.
Course topics could cover anything from HR fundamentals and legal compliance to specialized areas like compensation, HR data analytics, or DEI initiatives. Some courses even prep you for certification exams, which is an affordable way to steadily grow your skills.
Pursue an HR Certification
Earning an HR credential shows your commitment to the field. It proves you have specialized HR knowledge that meets professional standards. Some popular HR certifications include:
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR).
- Associate Professional in Human Resources (APHR certification).
Preparing for the exams involves studying thoroughly, so you will grow your HR competency in the process. Having those letters after your name can also help your resume to stand out.
Tap Into HR Events
Beyond conferences, keep an eye out for local HR meetings, workshops, webinars, and other events. They are great ways to hear speakers, pick up tips, discuss hot topics and network. Your city may have an association chapter or HR-focused groups that put on these learning opportunities.
Many HR events are free or low-cost. At a minimum, you’ll walk away with some new insights. At best, you will gain knowledge that solves an issue you have been wrestling with at work.
Get an HR Mentor
Having an HR mentor can speed up your professional growth through one-on-one guidance. A seasoned HR mentor can share wisdom from their experiences. They can suggest learning resources tailored to your interests. With their advice, you can navigate thorny workplace situations and advance your HR career.
To find a potential mentor, tap into your network. Reach out to HR contacts you respect and have rapport with. Ask if they would be willing to mentor you informally. If not, they may redirect you to someone ideal.
Conclusion
The key to boosting your human resources know-how is to use a variety of methods and soak it all in like a sponge. With commitment, you can master HR to better serve employees and companies. Don’t forget to keep learning and stay curious; the HR field is evolving rapidly, so there’s always more to discover.
