Is Human Resources the Right Career Choice for You?

Let us answer all your HR career questions, with a step-by-step guide on how you can start a career in HR .  

Is HR a good fit for me? 

First, ask yourself if the areas within HR would interest you . 

Working in HR means understanding employment law. You must keep up to date with legislation around equality, employment, health, and safety and more.  

HR professionals deal with people., Employee wellbeing, sickness and flexible working will be dealt with by you and your HR colleagues. Supporting colleagues with disabilities, liaising with Trade Unions and company recruitment may all be part of a day’s work  .  

Weighing up the pros and cons of HR can be beneficial if you’re wondering if the role is suitable for you. Although it can be great to have a role where you’re interacting with people every day, the role requires good record keeping and the ability to pay attention to detail is a definite asset.  

How to get into HR without a degree 

It might surprise you to hear that you don’t need a university degree to start a career in HR. CIPD qualifications are a fantastic alternative and can help you land your first HR role. 

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice is perfect for beginners and gives you the skills and knowledge needed to secure an entry-level HR role. You can also gain experience through apprenticeships, which allow you to work while you learn. 

As you progress in your career, you can move on to CIPD Level 5 and CIPD Level 7, which help you qualify for more senior HR positions. Many professionals build successful HR careers without a degree by gaining CIPD qualifications and hands-on experience. 

If you're unsure whether HR is right for you, consider volunteering in an HR department or networking with HR professionals to learn more about the role. 

What’s the average HR salary? 

A salary in human resources typically starts at around £28,000, with a more experienced HR role attracting a salary of £50,000+, although this can vary depending on where you are in the UK.  

An apprenticeship role may pay less,  however you’ll gain valuable experience, and this is a great way to kick start your HR career.    

HR career progression 

Progression in a HR role is great. You can become a HR specialist and work in a certain area, such as staff training. There are many different HR sectors to choose from.  

You can start in an entry level position such as a HR assistant, and then work your way up to HR Administrator, Organisational Development Oofficer or Learning Administrator.  

By completing our CIPD Level 3 course, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of each area of HR so you can decide which is most suited to you.  

Try researching the different HR sectors you could specialise in. Perhaps a Training and Development is something you’d be interested in, or even a Talent Manager role? Either way, there are many different interesting specialist sectors to explore in HR.    

HR work environment 

Due to the wide range of responsibilities of HR professionals, every day HR will be different. One day you could be dealing with a case of workplace misconduct, and the next you could be conducting recruitment interviews or training staff.  

For anyone who enjoys variety in their role the dynamic environment of HR is something to consider.   

HR FAQs 

Is HR a stressful job? 

A HR role can be quite demanding when considering the level of responsibility involved . However, just like any other job, there can be periods of high or low stress-intensity, and if you enjoy what you do, you’ll enjoy your HR role! 

How long does it take to  get into an HR role?  

Depending on the route you take, the answer to this can vary.  

CIPD Level 3 course: 6-12 months 

Apprenticeships: 1-2 years 

Bachelor’s degree: 3 years 

Master’s degree (CIPD Level 7): Additional 1-2 years 

Can you be a part-time HR employee?  

Yes, there are many opportunities for part-time HR roles including job sharing and flexible working. 

Start your career with an HR CIPD course from MOL 

If a career in the HR world sounds like it’s for you, now is the time to take action! 

Explore MOL’s CIPD Level 3 HR course and get enrolled today to start building your future in HR. Whether you're looking for an entry-level role or want to develop your skills further, CIPD qualifications offer the perfect foundation. 

Join thousands of HR professionals who have taken the next step – get enrolled with us today!