Human resources professionals play a crucial role in shaping a favourable company culture and providing employee support. While it seems like all HR professionals do the same thing, there are actually different career paths to explore in this field. If you are thinking about a career in HR, you can choose to be an HR generalist or a specialist. But before deciding, you need to understand what each role entails, as well as their differences. In this blog, we will look into both roles and share how you can enhance your HR understanding, making it easier to kickstart your journey in this field.
Top HR Specialisations
Before you decide which path is for you, you should know the top HR specialisations available in the job market.
- Recruitment and Onboarding: This role focuses on the full recruitment cycle, from sourcing and interviewing candidates to onboarding and offboarding.
- Compensation and Benefits: HR professionals will design compensation and benefits structures that will attract and retain talent while supporting the organisation’s budget and goals.
- Training and Development: Training and development HR specialists will design training opportunities for employees to improve their skills and advance in their careers.
- Performance Management: HR professionals in this specialisation will focus on assessing and enhancing employee performance through feedback and appraisals.
- HR Analytics: HR professionals will utilise data analysis and tech tools such as HRMS software to shape strategies that improve workforce planning.
The Role of an HR Generalist
HR generalists handle a wide range of responsibilities in a company. They manage everything from onboarding new employees to overseeing compensation and benefits. By working in different areas of human resources, HR professionals can thoroughly understand how each part contributes to the company’s success. These variations in their roles not only add to their experience but also open many career opportunities in the future.
The Role of an HR Specialist
In contrast, HR specialists will master specific areas in HR. For instance, if you are interested in recruitment, you will have to develop strategies to attract suitable candidates while aligning with the business’s objectives. Having focused skills like this will make you stand out to employers looking for HR professionals with targeted talents.
Choosing Between Being a Generalist or a Specialist
Consider the following factors when you are deciding on which HR role is suitable for you:
- Market Demand: Analyse the job market to determine which HR roles are in demand and offer the best job opportunities in Singapore.
- Personal Interests: Think about which career path will be more enjoyable for you. Do you want to focus on a specific area of HR, or do you want to experience the variety of tasks that come with being a generalist?
- Salary: HR Specialists often earn higher because they have specific skill sets, but generalists can experience a broader range of job options across different industries.
- Career Opportunities: HR specialists often get faster promotions within a company, while being a generalist allows you to explore various tasks, industries, and companies.
Explore Basics Human Resources Management with Infotech Academy WSQ Course Training
If you are considering a career in HR but are still deciding between being a generalist or specialist, Infotech Academy‘s Basic Human Resource Course may be what you need.
In this course, you will explore essential HR topics such as employment regulations, leave management, and payroll processing. You will also learn about crucial HR processes like hiring, terminations, resignations, and retirements. Additionally, you will gain hands-on experience with HR management software, making your learning practical and engaging. The best part is that the course lasts only 16 hours, and you can take part at a subsidised price of up to 70%.
This course will help you identify which HR career path suits you best, whether you are interested in recruitment, payroll, or other specialisations. Contact us at +65 6668 7222 or email us at courses@infotech.edu.sg now to learn more about our course.
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