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Human Resources

Human Resources is a business function responsible for managing the employee experience from the time someone applies for a job until they leave the organization.

HR professionals help organizations:

HR exists in virtually every industry, including healthcare, technology, finance, manufacturing, government, education, and nonprofit organizations.

Talent Acquisition (Recruiting)

Talent Acquisition focuses on finding and hiring the right people for an organization. Professionals in this area create job postings, review applications, coordinate interviews, and help candidates move through the hiring process. Their goal is to attract talented individuals whose skills, experiences, and interests align with the organization's needs.

Learning & Development (Training)

Learning and Development professionals help employees build knowledge and skills throughout their careers. They design training programs, coordinate workshops, and support leadership development initiatives. This area of HR is focused on helping employees grow professionally while ensuring the organization has a skilled and prepared workforce.

Compensation & Benefits 

Compensation and Benefits specialists manage how employees are rewarded for their work. They help determine salaries, oversee health insurance and retirement plans, and develop programs that attract and retain employees. Their work helps organizations remain competitive while ensuring employees receive fair and valuable compensation packages.

Employee Relations

Employee Relations focuses on creating a positive and productive work environment. Professionals in this area help address workplace concerns, resolve conflicts, investigate complaints, and ensure policies are followed consistently. They act as a resource for both employees and managers, helping maintain strong workplace relationships and employee satisfaction.

HR Operations & HRIS 

HRIS stands for Human Resources Information System. HR Operations and HRIS professionals manage the systems, processes, and data that keep HR functions running smoothly. They oversee employee records, support payroll and benefits administration, and maintain HR technology platforms such as Workday or Oracle. Their work ensures accurate information, efficient processes, and reliable reporting across the organization.

This area is becoming increasingly important because organizations rely heavily on data and technology.

Skills to develop for success in this field

One of the benefits of pursuing a career in Human Resources is that many of the skills you develop are highly transferable across industries and job functions. The following skills are especially valuable for students interested in HR:

  • Adaptability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication
  • Data Analysis and Technology Skills
  • Leadership and Teamwork
  • Organization
  • Problem Solving
  • Professionalism and Confidentiality
  • Relationship Building

Online resources specific to the industry

  • Vault is a career engagement platform that empowers career seekers by providing powerful insights, unique resources, and impactful relationships so that you can discover your best next step.  Find invaluable resources, such as, premier employer profiles, rankings and reviews, field of study/occupational insights and guides,and career preparedness training and materials.

Job posting and career information sites relevant to the field: 

  • SHRM Career Center: The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the largest professional association for HR professionals. Its Career Center features internships and full-time opportunities across HR specialties, including recruiting, compensation, employee relations, and talent development.
  • HR Jobs: A niche job board focused exclusively on Human Resources opportunities across industries.
  • HRCI Career Center: The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) maintains a career center featuring HR positions and professional development resources.
  • Talent Acquisition & Recruiting Jobs: For students interested specifically in recruiting and talent acquisition, LinkedIn and Indeed often have dedicated recruiting internship postings and are widely used by employers.

Key information or knowledge for this field

There is no specific major or majors required for HR, instead a general interest. For students exploring Human Resources, it's helpful to understand that HR is both a people-focused and business-focused profession. While many students are drawn to HR because they enjoy helping others, successful HR professionals also need to understand organizational goals, workplace policies, and business strategy.

Gain Experience Early: Many HR internships seek students who have experience working with people, even if they have not held an HR-specific role. Customer service jobs, student leadership positions, peer mentoring, resident assistant roles, and involvement in student organizations can help students develop relevant skills such as communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, and organization.

Internships May Have Different Titles: Not all HR internships are labeled "Human Resources Intern." Students should also search for opportunities using titles such as:

  • Talent Acquisition Intern
  • Recruiting Intern
  • People Operations Intern
  • Talent Management Intern
  • Learning & Development Intern
  • Employee Experience Intern
  • Compensation & Benefits Intern

Using a variety of search terms can help uncover additional opportunities.

Networking Matters: Like many business fields, networking can be an important part of finding opportunities in HR. Students can connect with HR professionals through LinkedIn, professional associations such as SHRM, career fairs, employer information sessions, and alumni networks. Informational interviews are also a great way to learn about different HR career paths.

Technology Is Becoming Increasingly Important: Today's HR professionals use a variety of technology platforms to manage recruiting, employee data, payroll, benefits, and performance management. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, HR information systems (HRIS), and data analysis can help students stand out as candidates.

There Are Many Career Paths Within HR: Students often think HR is only recruiting, but the field offers many specialties. Individuals can focus on talent acquisition, training and development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, HR analytics, DEIB initiatives, or strategic HR leadership. Exploring these areas through coursework, internships, and conversations with professionals can help students identify the best fit.

HR Exists in Every Industry: One advantage of pursuing a career in HR is that every organization needs people-focused professionals. HR careers can be found in industries such as healthcare, technology, finance, manufacturing, sports, education, government, and nonprofit organizations. This flexibility gives students many options to align HR with their personal interests.

Relevant student groups and professional organizations

Northwestern Student Groups: 

External Professional Organizations:  

  • Association for Talent Development (ATD): Ideal for students interested in training, leadership development, and employee learning.
  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): SHRM is one of the best resources for students interested in HR. Many colleges have SHRM student chapters that provide networking opportunities, career exploration events, guest speakers, and professional development activities.
  • WorldatWork: A leading association for students interested in compensation, benefits, and total rewards careers.