To work as a human resources manager, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• have five years or more of work experience in human resources.

Education after high school

Human resources managers often have a bachelor's degree or higher. Many colleges and universities offer programs in personnel or human resources management. Others have programs in labor relations. Additional programs of study that are good preparation are business administration and management. Regardless of your major, you should take courses in compensation, recruitment, performance appraisal, and training and development. If you want to specialize in labor relations, you should take courses in labor law and collective bargaining. As in other fields, knowledge of computers is important.

An advanced degree is necessary in some jobs. Many labor relations jobs require an advanced degree in labor relations. A background in law is desirable for labor relations or employee benefits managers. Some labor relations managers have law degrees.

Work experience

This is not an entry-level occupation. You must prove yourself as a human resources specialist before you can enter this occupation. Most human resources managers work for several years as interviewers, compensation specialists, or trainers before becoming managers.

On-the-job training

You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

Some employers provide on-the-job training for managers to learn the company's specific policies and benefits plans. Training may last up to a year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be personnel or recruiting managers. You need a bachelor's degree to enter either of these military occupations. Training lasts for five to 16 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.