Getting into HR
 

So I'd just like any advice anyone has. I am looking to get into HR but my degree is just a general Arts BA. At my current job I do lots of HR duties (hire, train, & payroll) but if I want to move on in HR specifically is there anything I should be doing? How much experience do I need before I could move on without a certificate in HR? How far could I get before I would need one? What would be a good next step to take?

I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks.

My husband is the head of HR for his company and has been working in the field for almost 20 years. He has no special certificates or anything like that. Quite frankly, many of those designations are gained by paying money to an organization for membership which inludes training/conferences. I'm not saying the training isn't valuable! Just that the certificates/designations are not a pre-req for getting into the field or moving up in the field.

It also depends on what you want to do in HR. If you are in a small company, you may have to do all sorts of things. If you are looking at being part of a bigger company you will most likely have more of a "specialty" - Benefits, Compensation, Recruiting, Training, or being a "generalist" - which is usually the liason between a specific business unit (or units) and the rest of the HR functions.

All that said, a good way to get in the door is through being an admin. asst. in HR. I am the asst. to the Global Head of Benefits for MasterCard and I have huge exposure to all of our benefits planning/execution. I personally am content in my postion, but others in it before me have gone on to benefit specialists positions and generalist positions here. I don't know where you live and how admins are paid there - I'm in metro NYC so we get paid well - but it's always a good way in the door. If recruiting is your thing, then look into openings for junior recruiters.

I agree with XO Kathy. Certs are not necessary to have a successful HR career, however joining an HR org is a good networking tool if you are looking to move to another company. Most of the HR orgs have monthly meetings with a speaker and social time and sometimes the speaker counts towards obtaining an HR cert. Your company might even be willing to pay the dues as part of your professional enhancement. (doesn't hurt to ask).

Most of the job postings that I see for a "generalist"- and from what you describe, you do a little of everything and would qualify as one, most potential employers would like a college degree (the area of study doesn't matter as much as long it is a BS or BA) and 2 years experience for a basic position. Obviously HR managers would need more experience.