If you’re looking to enter the Human Resources field but don’t know where to start, a qualification is the best place to begin. You’ll learn about the fundamentals of Human Resources and can even choose to double up your diploma, learning more specific skills to help you get into your chosen industry faster.
Who is suited to a career in Human Resources?
Human Resources is a dynamic and challenging career, suited to people from all walks of life. If you like interacting with people, helping implement policies and procedures that make work-life more enjoyable, fair and efficient – chances are you’ll enjoy working in a Human Resources role.
Those who have previously worked in industries such as customer service, retail, sales, recruitment, administration, management or legal are well suited to a career in human resources.
Opportunities in Human Resources
For those looking at a career in Human Resources, the good news is that both job opportunities and earning potential are growing at a higher than average rate.
The median salary for a human resource manager was reported to be $86,254, with those working in more specialised roles, often commanding more.
The majority of roles are full time, offering both job and income security. The majority of roles operate within corporate environments, where working hours are typically 9-5 on business days.
Human Resource Qualification Options
If you’re serious about entering into a career in Human Resources, a great study option is a double diploma. You can save time and money by coupling complementary qualifications, giving you the edge over other applicants during the competitive recruitment process.
A Diploma of Human Resources Management offered by the College for Adult Learning is certified by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI). CAL is the only registered training organisation to offer a diploma with this certification. This means that the skills taught are in line with Australian industry standards and benchmarks. AHRI also offers memberships and networking opportunities at various events held throughout the year.
As a student member, you'll have access to valuable resources to support your studies, be able to join programs and events to help you become job-ready, and attend free member-only networking forums to build your professional network and learn about specialist HR topics. (Terms and Conditions apply)
Diploma of Human Resources Management (BSB50618) + Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB51918)
Coupling a Diploma of Human Resources Management with a Diploma of Leadership and Management is a great choice, particularly if you plan on working in senior roles within your organisation.
You’ll spend less time studying thanks to the overlap in units/skills taught during the degree. You’ll study areas such as:
- Leading and managing effective workplace relationships
- Developing and using emotional intelligence
- Ensuring a safe workplace for a work area
- Managing personal work priorities and professional development
Along with being able to work in generalised Human Resources roles, you’re also well equipped to succeed in other areas such as leadership or management. You will be confident to expand your role to include training new or potential managers, running leadership workshops in your organisation or managing a team, thanks to the skills learnt during your double diploma.
Certificate IV in Human Resources (BSB41015) + Diploma of Business Administration (BSB50415)
A combination that offers similar career pathways as a double diploma, the certificate IV alternative is great for those who want to dip their toe into the industry or are still considering their longer-term career options. A Certificate IV in HR is often undertaken by individuals who do not have any experience in the HR industry. It’s well suited to those aiming for entry-level roles who are looking to stand out from other applicants, or even those looking for part-time work in the industry, perhaps after returning to work after having children.
The certificate option has less study time, helping you to graduate sooner. You will learn all of the key requirements to be successful in human resource management or business administration/management role,
After completing the Certificate IV in Human Resources, there is the option of further study to complete the diploma. Because of the previous units completed, the study time and cost of the diploma will be less.
Completing the Diploma of Business Administration alongside the Certificate IV in HR is a great option due to the broad nature of the qualification, opening you up to a variety of roles in a wide number of industries.
A career with room to move
No matter what qualification option you decide on, working in human resources is a great career choice with plenty of room to move into more senior roles, or sideways into other areas of business, thanks to the transferable skills learnt in your qualification.
Whether you choose a double or single diploma, or even a Certificate IV, studying at the College for Adult Learning means you can study flexibly, at your own pace, but still with plenty of one-on-one support from your tutors. If you have relevant experience from previous work, you may even find that you can shorten the length of your degree through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).