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On August 4, 2026, American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (the System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.

 

09/08/2026

 

Strong workplaces rarely happen by accident. Behind hiring strategies, employee development programs, workplace policies, and talent management initiatives, there is often a team of HR professionals helping organizations support their workforce and maintain daily operations.

For students and working professionals interested in leadership, communication, employee relations, and organizational planning, learning how to become a human resources manager may help individuals prepare to explore a variety of HR-related career paths.

Human resources managers typically help organizations recruit employees, support workplace culture, oversee HR policies, and guide administrative functions tied to employee management. Some HR managers may focus on staffing and compliance, while others might work closely with executive leadership on strategic planning and organizational goals.

Although career paths can vary by industry and company size, many human resources managers typically build their experience through a combination of education, workplace experience, and professional development.

 

What Does a Human Resources Manager Do?

A human resources manager typically oversees many of the people-focused operations within an organization. These professionals tend to act as a bridge between company employees and an organization’s management team.

Common HR manager responsibilities may include:

  • Supporting employee relations and conflict resolution
  • Coordinating hiring and onboarding efforts
  • Managing benefits and compensation programs
  • Developing HR policies and workplace procedures
  • Assisting with talent management and employee development
  • Working alongside leadership and legal/compliance teams on employment-related policies
  • Supporting performance evaluations and training initiatives

In larger organizations, HR managers may supervise an entire organization's human resources department, while smaller businesses may rely on one resources manager to oversee multiple HR functions at once.

Many HR manager roles typically also involve balancing strategic planning with operational responsibilities. While some tasks focus on daily operations and administrative functions, others might center on long-term workforce planning and employee engagement strategies.

 

Understanding Human Resource Management

Before pursuing leadership positions in the HR field, it helps to understand the broader purpose of human resource management.

Human resource management typically focuses on helping organizations manage employees effectively while supporting organizational goals and workplace culture. HR professionals might work in areas such as:

  • Recruitment and staffing
  • Employee management
  • Labor relations
  • Benefits administration
  • Conflict management
  • Training and development
  • Compliance and policy management

Although career paths can vary, human resources managers may build their backgrounds through a combination of education, workplace experience, and professional development. Understanding the common steps involved may help students and working professionals prepare for potential opportunities in the HR field.

 

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management

For many professionals, the first step toward becoming an HR manager may be earning a bachelor's degree in human resource management.

Employers typically look for candidates with education in fields such as:

  • Human resource management
  • Business administration
  • Psychology
  • Communications
  • Management
  • Related business degree programs

A degree typically introduces students to foundational HR knowledge tied to employment law, organizational behavior, labor laws, employee relations, and business management practices.

Common Courses in HR Degree Programs

Students pursuing HR education may complete coursework related to:

  • Human resource management
  • Interviewing and recruitment
  • Organizational communication
  • Labor relations
  • Training programs and employee development
  • Business administration and leadership
  • Workplace ethics and compliance

Degree programs in human resource management often cover topics related to employment law, organizational behavior, employee relations, labor laws, and business management. Students may also explore areas such as talent acquisition, workforce planning, employee development, workplace policies, performance evaluations, and organizational strategy.

 

Step 2: Build Relevant Experience in the HR Field

Education alone is typically not enough to qualify for management positions in HR. Human resources managers may develop practical experience through entry-level and mid-level HR roles before moving into leadership positions.

Common starting points might include:

  • HR assistant
  • Human resources specialist
  • Recruiter
  • Staffing coordinator
  • Payroll or benefits administrator

These positions may help professionals gain experience handling employee relations, supporting the hiring process, managing HR tasks, and working alongside other managers and HR departments.

Many employers prefer candidates with several years of relevant HR experience or business experience.

How to Gain Early HR Experience

Students and early-career professionals may strengthen their background by:

  • Completing internships during degree programs
  • Assisting with employee onboarding or training initiatives
  • Participating in project management opportunities
  • Supporting workplace communication efforts
  • Learning HR software and online platforms commonly used in the field

Hands-on exposure to daily HR operations may help professionals develop skills needed for leadership-focused HR careers later on.

 

Step 3: Develop Skills Needed for HR Management

HR managers often rely on a combination of technical HR knowledge and communication skills.

Key Skills for HR Managers

Key skills commonly associated with HR management might include:

  • Conflict resolution and mediating disputes
  • Listening and communication skills
  • Strategic thinking and decision making
  • Knowledge of labor laws and employment law
  • Employee engagement and workplace culture development
  • Organizational and project management skills
  • Technical skills related to HR information systems

Because HR managers regularly work with employees, executives, and department leaders, organizations typically value professionals who can navigate workplace conflicts while maintaining positive working relationships.

 

Step 4: Earning a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management

Some professionals later pursue a master's degree to deepen their understanding of leadership, workforce strategy, or organizational development.

Graduate degree options may include:

  • Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
  • MBA programs with HR concentrations
  • Organizational leadership degrees
  • Human capital leadership certificate programs

Working professionals might choose to pursue graduate degree programs while continuing to build experience in the HR field.

If you are considering graduate-level HR education, you may also want to explore whether an advanced degree aligns with your professional and educational goals. Learn more in “Is a Master’s in Human Resource Management Worth It?”.

 

Step 5: Consider Professional Certifications

Although certifications are not always required, some HR professionals pursue credentials to demonstrate knowledge of HR practices and regulations.

Common certifications might include:

  • SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
  • SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
  • Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
  • Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

These professional certifications typically require a combination of education and relevant experience. Some employers may view certifications as evidence of continued professional development and specialized HR knowledge.

 

Step 6: Explore Different HR Career Paths

One reason professionals might choose HR careers is the variety of industries and organizational settings available.

HR managers may work in:

  • Healthcare organizations
  • Government agencies
  • Social assistance organizations
  • Technology companies
  • Manufacturing businesses
  • Educational institutions
  • Nonprofit organizations

Some HR professionals focus heavily on employee relations and workplace conflicts, while others may specialize in staffing issues, labor relations, or strategic planning initiatives.

Because HR typically supports both employees and business operations, professionals in this field often contribute to both organizational culture and operational effectiveness.

 

Preparing for a Future in HR Management

Building a career in human resource management typically takes time, experience, and continued learning. Professionals might begin with foundational HR roles, develop technical and interpersonal skills, and gradually take on leadership responsibilities within an HR department.

For students interested in employee development, organizational strategy, and workplace leadership, learning how to become a human resources manager may provide a starting point toward a career that combines communication and business administration in meaningful ways.