The human resource (HR) profession prides itself on managing the most crucial part of businesses: the employees. The profession involves recruiting and managing human talent to ensure optimal productivity, and it can be the deal breaker between business survival and failure. Due to this reason, companies in need of HR personnel place a lot of emphasis on experience and a broad range of skills to ensure that the individuals tasked with the crucial role are up for the task. Landing an HR job in any firm requires meeting the long list of soft and role-specific skills such as communication, conflict resolution and management, leadership, and strong business acumen. While this may sound like a tall order, achieving it is not as hard. Students have an opportunity to gain the skills while still undertaking their studies, which increases their chances of landing their dream HR job easily. Here are smart ways to gain HR skills faster while still in school to prepare for your professional life.
Enroll for relevant certifications and short courses
The HR industry has a cut-throat competition, which requires you to arm yourself with the right tools. Taking short HR-related courses and certifications will enable you to stand out as a contender for a job. The level 3, 5, and 7 Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) studies, the Society of Human Resource Management (SCHRM), and the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) are examples of internationally recognized HR certifications. They are customized to fit HR roles and practical skills needed to excel in the field. A major perk of these certifications is that they are available online, making them more accessible.
Don’t worry that committing to an additional course of study will make your college life difficult or make you dependent on paper writing sites like https://essayusa.com/ to complete assignments. With proper planning, time management, and making some sacrifices, you can balance your college degree studies and the extra course.
Take part in volunteer programs for HR skills
Unlike internships, which are hard to land, volunteering is an easy way to build your HR competencies and gain experience as a bonus. Currently, internships are as competitive as entry-level jobs; hence, landing one might be challenging. Additionally, companies are constantly looking for ways to cut down operations costs; thus, they end up with few internship positions but open to volunteers. If you have not had luck with your internship application, volunteering might be the answer for you.
One mistake the students make is assessing the importance of volunteering in the short run. You might argue that it is exploitative since there is no pay. However, this is not the case. It gives you a chance to learn from the best, pick up new skills or sharpen the ones you already have, and gain practical experience. Besides, it will build your resume, which is better than not having any experience at all. Think of the advantages of volunteering in the long run and embrace it with both hands.
Apply for internship and cooperative education (co-op) programs
Internships are an opportunity to interact with the best minds in the fields and gain relevant exposure to tackling real-world problems. While they are hard to come by, especially in prominent and reputable forms, it is worth the try since landing the internship is one way to ticket to gaining skills and experience, which you can add to your resume. Moreover, you are able to identify mentors who will be useful by providing guidance.
A quick tip to secure internships is to apply at small firms since they have low competition for spots, unlike large firms. To easily find internship opportunities, make sure to keep in contact with mentors, professors, and alumni members, as they can help by referring you to organizations looking for interns. Additionally, read job boards and visit websites and career fairs to be aware of internship opportunities. Do not give up on applying. Keep trying; it will all be worthwhile when you land that spot.
A co-op position is similar to an internship. However, a co-op is longer, requires multiple terms, and, in most cases, is a full-time position. Hence, students alternate between academic semesters and job placement. If your school schedule allows for a co-op program, then it is a chance you might want to consider.
Sign up for a student organisation and take on an active role
Soft skills such as leadership and communication are the pillars of HR roles. It is rare for these skills to be taught in class but you can acquire them through participation in roles that allow you to apply them. a simple way to practice them is through taking active roles in student organizations. You’ll be able to gain valuable skills such as teamwork, conflict management, communication, motivation, and organizational skills. These soft skills will help you maneuver in the HR field and increase your chance of success. A quick thing to note is that you should pick the right student organization. Just like you would compare different writers when seeking paper writing help to pick the most qualified one like those described in EssayUSA review, evaluate the organizations, and choose one that has the potential for meeting your aspirations.
Take advantage of HR competitions and projects
Colleges and other institutions of higher learning are constantly hosting competitions or project fairs in different fields. These events bring together students with similar interests to actively compete by applying class knowledge to solving real-world problems. If such an opportunity is available, do not let it pass by. HR competition and projects give you a chance to interact with like-minded individuals. Through such interactions, you can learn a thing or two about what to do to perfect your skills. Such events also give you a chance to showcase your abilities and skills to peers, adjudicators, and potential employers. You never know if your employer is in the audience.
Wrapping up on HR skills
Having HR skills can be the difference between landing or missing your dream HR job. In such a competitive field, you can never go wrong with having an arsenal of skills and experience in your resume. You can fast track the development of your skills by engaging in internships and volunteer programs, enrolling in professional courses, joining student organizations, and participating in HR projects.
Featured image via Envato Elements
