If you have a knack for managing people, perhaps a career in Human Resources is for you. Here's what you need to know about working in HR.
What is Human Resource Management about?
Human Resource Management (HRM, or simply HR) is a process used in organisations to manage people. It mainly deals with employing staff, training them, compensating (paying) them, developing policies to maximise their performance, and developing strategies to retain them.
What are the working conditions in the Human Resource Management field?
Working hours tend to be a standard 9am to 5pm per day but could sometimes include weekend work. There may also be a requirement to work extra hours to meet deadlines. The work is office-based but may involve travel to other sites such as factories, hotels, government departments or retail outlets, depending on the type and structure of the employer.
What are the duties and tasks performed in the Human Resource Management field?
- Managing company employees, including coordinating and supporting the recruitment process (hiring and interviewing staff);
- Compiling job advertisements;
- Determining suitable salaries and remuneration;
- Providing the necessary support systems for payroll requirements;
- Induction for new employees;
- Developing training programmes for employees;
- Facilitating disciplinary processes at the workplace; and
- Maintaining employee records
What skills and abilities are required for a career in Human Resource Management?
- Excellent written and verbal skills;
- Good computer skills – this helps to post jobs online, send e-mails, etc.
- Must have the ability to adapt to new technology such as working with new online systems, payroll software and run online training program
- Must have the ability to multitask
- Must have good interpersonal skills – this helps to communicate effectively with co-workers
What should I do if I want to study to build a career in HR?
- Contact your nearest institution to enquire about the entrance requirements to do the HR course
- Visit HR practitioners to gain more knowledge about the field and what it entails
- Contact DHET Career Development Services to provide you with free quality career information, advice and counselling services on 086 999 0123 or e-mail: [email protected]
- Go for an aptitude test to help understand if a career in HR is for you
- Attend Career Exhibitions in your area to liaise with higher learning institutions and obtain application forms
Where can I study to get a job in HR?
TVET Colleges offer courses to build a career in HR. Through these programmes, you can develop the skills you need and become qualified.
Visit the TVET Colleges website for more on South Africa's TVET Colleges.
Some Universities also offer HR qualifications such as Unisa, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Wits, University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg and the University of Johannesburg. There are other Universities you can choose from as well.
Private colleges such as Boston City Campus, Varsity College, Pearson Institute, Omni and Rosebank College are places where you can study HR.
You will also find a range of HR short courses from places like Red & Yellow, Udemy, Alison and the like.
Minimum entry requirements to study Human Resource Management?
TVET Colleges
NC(V) Programme:
- A Grade 9 Certificate + college requirements set per programme.
NATED Programme:
- Grade 12 Certificate + college requirements set per programme.
Universities
- English Home Language OR First Additional Language: Level 5
- Mathematics: Level 5
