How Do I Become a Human Resources Generalist?

As an essential employee in any business or industry, the human resources generalist provides key insight in to the human resources field, assisting with employee hiring and retention. In order to become a human resources generalist, you should first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Next, gain some practical work experience through an internship and post-graduate employment, as well as pursue professional certification. Earning a master’s degree in this field will further enhance your employment opportunities.

A generalist works in many different capacities, so a bachelor's degree in human resources management or development should be sufficient to begin this career. A bachelor’s degree program in human resources typically consists of classes in employment law, accounting principles, and microeconomics, and may include courses in project management, macroeconomics, and human resource management. Some programs offer classes in compensation and benefits, organizational behavior, and conflict management as well. Before enrolling in a particular college, make certain that it is recognized by the Association to Accredit Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), as this accreditation may assist you with future enrollment in a master’s degree program and with professional certification.

You must also gain a certain amount of practical work experience before you become a human resources generalist. Many college degree programs include some type of internship program for on-the-job instruction, which typically begin during your third year of college and continue until graduation. In addition to an internship, you will probably need to spend some time in an entry-level human resources position to gain sufficient work experience. Working for a small company may give you more exposure to different aspects of the human resource field.

Although professional certification is not required to become a human resources generalist, it may give you a hiring advantage over other job candidates. Professional credentials assure potential employers that your knowledge and skills are current. In the United States, three types of Professional in Human Resources certificates are offered by the AASCB. Candidates must possess sufficient education and work experience to sit for the certification exam, and continuing education courses are required for recertification.

For advancement in this career, you will need to earn a master’s degree in human resources, as many large companies require a master’s degree to become a human resources generalist. Coursework for this degree typically includes subjects such as managerial communication, organizational behavior, and industrial relations, as well as classes in financial management and accounting practices may also be given. A master’s degree program usually takes two years to complete.