How Do I Become a Human Resource Analyst?

Human resource analysts are experienced, highly trained professionals who are responsible for overseeing recruitment processes, improving position definitions and requirements, and optimizing most human resource operations, such as contract negotiations and training. To become a human resource analyst, it is a good idea to earn an undergraduate degree in a field such as human resources or management, and in some cases, you should also earn a graduate degree. You might also want to get formal training or experience in a particular industry. It is important that you are able to analyze business intelligence and, in some cases, be able to use complex information systems.

While most human resource analysts have the same general goals of improving human resource operations, the processes performed by analysts, as well as their individual focuses, vary greatly. An analyst in the manufacturing industry, for example, might spend time mining data to learn about different production levels associated with different kinds of employees and equipment. Analysts in the insurance industry, on the other hand, might specialize in developing a smoother workflow by creating positions for people who can improve the efficiency of claims assessments. In most cases, a person who wants to become a human resource analyst needs to be familiar with labor laws and regulations in his or her area.

To become a human resource analyst, your first step should be to acquire a formal business education. If possible, you should major in a field such as human resources, so you can get an early start learning about important principles and practices in this field. Not all schools offer human resource concentrations, however, so you may instead major in a field such as management. Taking classes in social sciences, such as sociology and psychology, can be incredibly valuable, especially for learning about behavioral and organizational theories, which are relevant to human resource management. If you find that you do not have the option to earn a degree in human resources specifically, tell your faculty adviser about your choice to become a human resource analyst, and he or she can help you to choose the best courses.

An individual who wants to become a human resource analyst should be prepared to use complex information systems to access data and analyze it. This technology changes regularly as new kinds of programs are introduced into software markets, so many human resource analysts keep up with developments by reading trade magazines and attending seminars. Aside from being able to analyze data, however, a person who wants to become a human resource analyst also must be able to apply his or her analysis to real world situations.