A benefits specialist is a human resources professional who is an expert in benefits plans, such as health and life insurance, as well as retirement packages and even compensations amounts for the employees of a company. An individual who wants to become a benefits specialist will, in almost all cases, need to get a four-year college degree in human resources or business management. Getting on-the-job experience is important as well for people who want to become a benefits specialist, so it is a good idea to look for internships or other job shadowing experiences while you are still in school.
This job requires such specialized knowledge that pursuing a degree in human resources is probably your best bet as a place to start, and it will make it much more likely that a company will be willing to hire you in an entry-level position. Some people do choose to go on to get a master's degree in human resources, depending on their aspirations. Another option is to get certified as a benefits specialist; there are a few different certification programs that will go along with your degree. Individuals with these qualifications will likely find it much easier to become a benefits specialist.
These certification programs offer courses that are especially relevant to the knowledge you will need in order to become a benefits specialist. This might include courses in selecting the best group health plans, offering advice to employees in planning for retirement, and determining appropriate compensation amounts. This is all knowledge that can be learned on the job, but it is much better to walk through an employer's door with an already existing level of knowledge. Even so, most people are forced to start in an entry level position in human resources, and work their way up.
As a result, it can be very helpful to develop contacts early if you want to become a benefits specialist. One way to do this is to get an internship during college; if you are successful, you might be able to get a great recommendation, or even be offered a full-time permanent position at the company. Whenever you are interviewing for a position in human resources, as in any job interview, it is important to be very professional and personable since your entire job revolves around working with other people in a helpful and professional way.
