Overview of Online Human Resources (HR) Courses
Mar 3, 2015 | 9:00 am
Today’s business world is adjusting to new realities, particularly in the world of human resources. In a world of increasing regulations from the state and federal governments and changes in employment practices alone, trained HR managers are essential resources for businesses and there is an increasing need. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate of human resources managers is projected to grow 13% from 2012 to 2022.
The Opportunities Available with Online HR Courses
Most people seek careers, which have well defined career paths and it is typical for people to make an early career choice and undertake some formal training in preparation for employment. Human resources have traditionally taken a different route. Many of them have found themselves falling into the job by accident. They come from another area of employment and find they are being “promoted” to HR.
Some of the most financially attractive professions have stemmed from jobs that some employees just fell into. Human resource jobs are probably the best examples of this type of career opportunity. HR can lead to satisfying employment that demands sound judgment of human nature combined with a good conversational ability plus up to date market and industry knowledge. It does require significant investment in time, if nothing else, to learn the job.
Choices in Online HR Courses
The choices in online courses range from simple refresher classes to full online degree courses. What you choose depends on the time and money that you are prepared to invest. You should research to understand what you need before committing. Does it have a strong grasp of the latest understandings in both employees’ regulations as well as insurance and other aspects? Most do meet these minimum standards, but not all do.
One aspect that most online courses lack is in student support. If you have questions, you have to get the answers in a student forum. Students interacting and sharing information is great on paper. However, this can also prove to be an example of “blind leading the blind” if everyone has an incorrect answer.
When your knowledge and skill can change the profitability of your company, either by avoiding fines or receiving them for non- compliance, it is best to make sure you get only accurate information. Receiving accurate information requires access to the instructor.
The classes should apply to your specific organization. A small chain has different needs than a large corporation. The more you focus on exactly what your company needs, the more effective you will prove yourself. If you want to move on later, any additional training will be as readily available then, and provide more up to date information.
Simply stated, Human Resources departments have been staffed by secretaries, and that’s a mistake. Today, it requires more focused training. Many will choose to seek that training online and it would behoove them to do some research to assure that it will accomplish goals. This is the importance of accredited online HR courses.