HR professionals who do not pay attention to their own goals and ambitions can be so preoccupied with managing and developing other people that they forget about themselves and their future. HR professionals must be aware of their own goals, skills, and ambitions to be recognized and effective. They should also keep up with the latest trends in the field and ensure that their career is moving forward.
There are many resources available today, including tools, certifications, online courses and classroom training, all designed to help you advance your HR career. How can you identify the best resource for the job at the right moment to maximize your impact?
Florence Carter explains how she felt alone as a Head of HR at the beginning of her career. This was combated by engaging actively with the HR community. She says, “I attend HR conferences regularly and continue to do so. I also join online HR groups in order to learn from my peers about different approaches and best practice.” There’s no need for HR professionals to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they should use open-source resources and templates to improve efficiency.
Learn Continuously and Always Connect
Carter says that, in the end, continual learning and connecting with others is key to a successful HR career.
“HR is a career where first-hand experience allows for career advancement,”
says Nebel Crowhurst, Chief People Officer at Reward Gateway. HR leaders need to be able to support people with their gut instinct and intuition. It isn’t always possible to have a guide or process for how people should react in complex situations .”
Crowhurst explains that skills are needed to address this. These include business knowledge, strategic focus, financial and legal knowledge. All of these can be learned, she says, because they all have a process or blueprint.
She says, “I have been able to combine my first-hand experience of people at work with mentorship that was supportive earlier in my career. This, combined with a professional qualification gave me the foundation I needed.” If you don’t feel that you have access to mentorship in your own organisation, programs like the Aspiring HRD mentoring scheme run by the CIPD can be a great option.
The Mentoring Advantage
Claire Williams is Chief People and Operation Officer of HR software provider Ciphr. She highlights mentoring as one the most important investments in a successful career. She says that a mentor can offer guidance, perspective and support, whether it is through a formal programme or a casual professional relationship. Mentorship can accelerate career development by providing real-world insight, problem-solving techniques, and a sounding-board for complex workplace issues.
As HR requires so many different skills, knowledge and expertise areas, it is necessary to draw on many resources to create a cohesive professional career. It is not easy to achieve high-flying HR.
Career guidance professionals can play a pivotal role in helping you navigate a successful career within HR.
says Sue Alder, Training Manager, Career Development Institute. They provide HR practitioners with the tailored insight they need to map clear career paths and make informed development decisions. It is not only about mastering tools or earning qualifications – but rather, it is about a holistic approach which builds resilience, adaptability and ‘bounce back ability’ in order to thrive in a constantly changing business environment.
Diverse skills to power the professional
Continuous learning is a key component of a successful HR career. Learning about new business areas, and new skills will add value to an HR professional.
My top advice to HR professionals who want to advance their careers is to invest in continual learning.
Sejal Daswani is the Chief People Officer of Deputy. There are many different programmes and resources available to HR professionals, especially today.
Daswani highlights professional networks, as another great investment: “Today, there are many ways to find them, whether through LinkedIn or attending a conference for HR professionals. By having an open discussion about HR strategies and challenges with your peers, you will gain valuable insights that formal training might not cover.
You must be qualified to succeed
The qualifications of a HR professional can be important. Nebel Crowhurts credits her Masters in Human Resources as being a major catalyst in her career. She became Chief People Officer after completing her degree. According to Emily van Eyssen Founder of Remote Recruitment, certifications such as SHRM, HRCI, or CIPD help validate expertise. She also says that HR shouldn’t stay in their lane.
She says that HR managers who want to be in senior leadership positions must focus on strategic development. Learn about digital transformation. Knowing tools like LinkedIn Talent Insights and AI-driven apps can help you to stay competitive. It is important to align HR strategies with business goals.
Emily highlights the importance of the global perspective for HR professionals that truly wish to lead an organisation – a facet that was highlighted in the latest report by HR World/Wilson on HR’s Path to the C-Suite.
“Global talent Management marks a benchmark for leadership in HR.”
she says.”CIPD qualifications are still the gold standard in the UK,” says Lauren Chiren, CEO of WomenofaCertainStage.com and former HR transformation executive, “but additional training in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), menopause awareness, and mental health first aid can make a real difference. These skills will help HR professionals to stay on top of the ever-changing people landscape .”
Chiren highlights executive coaching, leadership programs, and ILM or EMCC accredited courses as helpful for HR professionals to move from operational roles to more strategic leadership positions.
She adds that “HR technology, analytics, and workforce analytics tools such as Personio BambooHR and Culture Amp streamline the HR operation, while AI-driven workforce analysis provides valuable insights into employee well-being and organisational trends.” Data-driven decision-making has a big impact.
Open to All
Emily van Eyssen advises HR to keep an open-minded approach when it comes to its own needs for development. HR is a constantly evolving field, and there are opportunities at every turn. If you are committed to proactive professional development, it can be an exciting journey.
Our weekly resources help HR professionals to advance their careers. Our research, webinars, and in-person events are devoted to advancing the HR function as well as the professionals who have dedicated their professional lives to understanding how people work.
View our upcoming webinars or read up on the most recent discussions.
Download the latest report from HR World/Wilson. The next issue will be out in April and give insights into how professional qualifications can advance the HR career.
