Human Resource Generalist Certificate

Human Resource Generalist Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Human Resource Generalist?

A human resource (HR) generalist manages daily operations in an organization’s HR office. These responsibilities typically relate to staff training, benefits, recruiting and hiring, and other areas of employee relations. HR generalists are also responsible for carrying out HR policies and procedures and administering HR programs.

HR generalists deal with all aspects of their company’s human resources department. They play an important role in ensuring that a company’s HR department runs as smoothly as possible. HR generalists usually work under the supervision of an HR manager or director.

What Does a Human Resource Generalist Do?

An HR generalist has a wide range of tasks and duties to perform on a day-to-day basis, including:

• staff orientation and training
• employee recruitment
• administration, benefits, and compensation
• regulatory compliance at the federal, state, and local levels

HR generalists also handle tasks related to ensuring workplace safety, such as posting signs or holding training or information sessions on safety issues. These HR professionals have other responsibilities as well, like developing company policies and handling conflicts or disputes between employees or between employees and employers. In some cases, HR generalists assist with other duties, such as processing payroll, or doing strategic planning for an organization or company’s development.

What Is the Human Resource Generalist’s Career Path?

Many organizations require their HR professionals to have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field. However, it's possible to become an HR generalist without an HR or related degree. The U’s Human Resource Generalist Certificate is a path for those who have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field to get foundational education in essential HR topics like on-boarding, compensation, and employee benefits.

How Can I Become a Human Resource Manager or Director?

HR generalists can advance their careers with additional education and training. For example, they may earn an advanced degree or complete certification programs to become HR managers or directors. HR generalists typically do not need certification, although some employers prefer to hire those who have it. Certification for HR generalists is offered through professional organizations, e.g. the Human Resource Certification Institute.

What Is the Difference Between an HR Certificate and HR Certification?

HR certification involves passing an exam and meeting other requirements set by professional organizations. Having certification indicates that HR generalists have successfully met the standards set by these organizations.

Earning an HR certificate involves completing a certificate program that includes courses that cover HR skills and other aspects of this career. The U offers online and in-person human resources training classes as part of the Human Resource Generalist Certificate program. People who are building an HR career or experienced HR professionals who want to brush up on their skills can benefit from this program.

What Skills Can I Expect to Gain in the U’s Human Resource Generalist Certificate Program?

In the U’s HR Certificate program, you learn to:

• design recruitment, selection, and staffing strategies.
• understand benefit practices and trends.
• use practical skills to lead organization development interventions.
• build positive employee and labor relations.

Sources

• HR Generalist (Academy to Innovate HR)
• What Does a Human Resources Generalist Do? (Live About)