Career Planning & Development (HR Edition)

Career Development

Career development is the sustenance an organization offers to employees' professional growth, particularly employees' progress to a new position or project within the company. This support often comprises skills development, coaching, mentoring, & networking.

Two Prospects for Career Planning & Development

·        Organization: Skills & information required to reach the company's business goals.

·        Employee: Knowledge & proficiencies an employee thinks are crucial for his current and future career plans.

In the recent era, career development has established a shift in the way it is managed. Conventionally, it was up to an organization to ensure its employees had the expertise to meet the company's long-term objectives. But, conversely, employees commend that they are—and should be—liable for their personal career development.

This shift has altered the way that organizations manage career development. Career development is currently considered a kind of partnership with employees. It is also a significant component of a company's attraction and retention policy. Many applicants will only consider employment with a company if it proposes career development as a fundamental component. According to a statistics report by HRCI.org, 11,917 HR practitioners tested for one out of 8 certificates, the PHR, PHRi, PHRca, GPHR, SPHR, SPHRi, aPHR, and aPHRi. 

Human Resource Career Path

HR professionals are frequently so engaged in helping their employees with their careers that they need to take the time to prioritize their career development. But whether you're just commencing in HR or are an experienced professional in the company, career planning is essential for having a successful career that accomplishes your personal and professional goals.

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics mentioned by HR University, the number of HR professionals is predicted to grow by 7% by 2026, and the number of HR managers is expected to grow by 9% over the same period.  

Career Upgrade with HR certification

If you are searching for a way to advance your career, consider obtaining a human resources certification. The advantages of becoming HR certified include enhanced job security, increased salary, and more progression opportunities.

If anyone makes a career shift, the human resources career path always begins with some HR certification. The most popular among these certifications are from:

·        Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)

·        Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)

HRCI certification is a qualification for HR professionals by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). The HRCI recommends a range of competency-based certifications for professionals in HR and those in non-HR roles who would benefit from knowing human resources basics.

HRCI certification articulates present & future employers that employees are devoted to professional brilliance & creating a positive impact on the current organization.

HRCI Classes

HRCI certification consists of the following:

·        PHR: Professional in Human Resources

·        aPHR: Associate Professional in Human Resources

·        aPHRi: Associate Professional Human Resources International

·        SPHR: Senior Professional in Human Resources

·        SPHRi: Senior Professional Human Resources International

·        GPHR: Global Professional in Human Resources

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is a Human Resources membership association with a more constrained but notable offering of HR certifications. HRCI used to govern their certifications through SHRM, but in 2014 SHRM formed its certification program. According to the SHRM website, more than 5,000 candidates search for SHRM certifications every month—so they are certainly going great. SHRM offers the following list of competency-based Human Resources certifications:

1.     SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

This certification is proposed for HR professionals engaged in policy and strategy execution who consign and perform operational HR functions.

2.     SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

SHRM-SCPs promote HR professionals who focus on developing policies, heading a Human Resources department, and influencing to attain organizational objectives.

The variances between these descriptions are the extent of relevant work experience and level of training. For example, the SHRM-CP & PHR are primitive certifications and on a comparable level of experience, whereas the SHRM-SCP & SPHR are higher-level certifications. Aspirants must meet particular requirements for each type of certification. 

Benefits of HR Certifications

In today's extremely competitive business world, there are various reasons why an HR certification is significant. According to the Human Resources Certification Institute's 2008 Value of Certification Survey, one out of every two recruitment managers selects applicants with certification. Moreover, the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) estimated the demand for human resources professionals to increase by 10% by 2030. As the contest for this job expands, HR professionals with worthy certifications may be more likely to be prominent among the other applicants.

In 2018, Payscale testified that 33 percent of every Human Resources professional has at least one HR certification. And it has a logical reason that HR employees with certifications are stated to get more promotions and attain career success more rapidly.

Human resource certifications are beneficial for a career in different ways:

1.     Greater Chances of Getting Hired

Most of the time it is required by employers say that candidates must have an HR certification to qualify for a job. Even in posts where certification isn't a prerequisite, your certifications can provide you an advantage over the competitors. Your certification validates to the potential employers that you're devoted to your profession.

2.     Increased Earning Potential

Certification in any field, including HR, can substantially influence your salary potential. For example, having a Human Resources certification can assist professionals in earning up to 90% more each year compared to those who still need a Human Resources certification.

3.     Rapid Promotions

Accomplishing a Human Resources certification makes you a top candidate for promotions or new positions in the HR field. An HR certification can help qualify you instantly for additional responsibilities and better opportunities in a company.

4.     Improved Skills

As an HR professional, improving your learning and skills is essential to increase your performance. Human resource certifications will undoubtedly help you to achieve that.

5.     Display Your Dedication

Certified HR professionals stated appreciably higher levels of career achievement, admiration from colleagues, and gratification and commitment to the HR profession.

Time & preparation required to complete HR certification

Your timeline for preparation will majorly rely on which certification you're aiming to get, how much time you have to devote to studying, and when the certification test is offered in your region. Both HRCI and SHRM have study resources accessible for purchase on their websites. Also, you can find both classroom and online courses to help you train for the certification exam.

HRCI exams are accessible at Pearson Vue testing centers; you can reserve exam appointments online or over the mobile phone through the website. For SHRM, after applying during a specific window, you will receive an Authorization to Test email from SHRM; after that, you can program your test via Prometric. 

Concluding Remarks,

An HR certification can boost your knowledge & career to a higher level. But, before doing a certification, wisely consider your career path. Please make sure you take the time to opt for the proper certification and once you've put your capital into a certification, stay certified by concluding the essential recertification credits. It's not a requisite for achievement in an HR career, but there are indications that it will be a smart move for your career.

Remone Robinson, MBA curated this resource for HR Certified - 🏆 Best In America Small Business Award Winner in his role as Success Coach for aspirants and early HR professionals. Remone Robinson is a high-achieving Human Resources professional with extensive experience and success in talent management, strategic communication, and regulatory compliance across several industries. He is a motivated self-starter who draws on strategic planning and change management skills to enhance HR policies and operations. In addition, he has an extensive background in performance management, training & development, and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging. Remone earned a Master of Science (MS) degree in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. His passion and vision for HR led him to become an SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) from SHRM and a Certified Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) from HRCI.