If you love working with people, enjoy training and motivating individuals and keeping up with the latest technology and resource trends, a degree in human resources management might be for you.

A degree in human resource management (HRM) can help you to understand the driving forces of an organisation and the people behind it. Studying a degree in HRM allows you to develop the skills and experiences needed to improve organisation culture and activities and plays a vital role to organisational success.

What is human resources management?

At its core, HRM is the organisational function that manages all matters related to the people who work in the organisation. It is a strategic and comprehensive approach to managing people, workplace environment and culture. When done well, it allows employees to contribute efficiently and effectively to the company’s overall goals and objectives.

HRM professionals also provide knowledge, tools, and training to its employees so that the company can operate smoothly and successfully.

What kind of job can you get in human resources management?

HRM graduates can work across a range of different industries including energy, mining and resources, education, government, tourism, hospitality and healthcare, as people management skills are required in every type of industry.

So where could your study in human resources management take you? You might want to take on roles such as:

• Human Resource Entrepreneur. Focus on launching an organisation that delivers innovative, proactive practices to drive better business – whether that be as a headhunting firm, employee placement company, HR consulting firm, or a professional employer organisation.
• Human Resources Policy Officer. Provide advice to employees on the application and interpretation of staff rules, regulations and other related HR policies.
• Recruitment Resourcer. Attract and retain candidates for clients.

What skills do you need for a career in human resources management?

Human resource professionals are required to have a variety of skills as their day-to-day tasks involve a number of aspects, including the management of an organisation’s employees, planning and coordinating administrative functions, consulting with current employees and recruiting prospective employees.

Some of the essential skills you will need include:

• Organisation skills. Having good organisational skills help to prioritise, juggle responsibilities and manage workloads; oversee employees, carry out appraisals and review goals.
• Communication skills. HR professionals are the link between the company and the employee. HR professionals need to be approachable and have good communication skills to maintain positive working relationships between all staff.
• Analytical skills. Most professionals are now required to leverage the power of data analytics to reveal fresh insights about the workforce. Analytical skills are needed to help make data-driven decisions to best inform business practice.
• Teamwork skills. This is pivotal to ensure company-wide success. As a HR professional, being able to work efficiently and effectively with other team members, while aligning to human resource practices is key.
• Adaptability skills. Know how to respond in a timely manner, embrace change and embrace different opinions.

Why should you study human resources management at Murdoch?

When you decide to study a HRM degree at Murdoch, you can customise your course to suit your interests. You can add a second major which will enhance your career prospects in selected industries and enable you to be specific on what you would like to study. Popular combinations include:

• Management
• Marketing
• Business Law
• Finance
• Accounting

Murdoch was also the first university in Australia to offer SimLabTM technology, an immersive platform that gives HR students the opportunity to experience, practice and improve their techniques in a safe learning environment.