Careers in human resource management have become a promising field for talented individuals with all kinds of training and background. Human resource management careers are highly diversified in their responsibilities, compensation, and outlook. Almost every company, from the small star tup to the multinational corporation, requires the assistance of an HR department. The size and culture of the company, however, will have a great deal to do with the nature of the human resources jobs to be found there.

In a smaller company, it is typical to find what are commonly referred to as "human resource generalists." A generalist approaches the human resource problem as a whole, assuming a wide array of responsibilities that at a larger company may have been further delegated. The generalist must possess a variety of skills, including hiring and placement, as well as training and evaluation.

At a larger company, it is typical to find an HR department that delegates a number of responsibilities to its employees. Some HR personnel may be responsible for recruitment, others for compensation and benefits, while still others manage the company training and evaluation program. A recruiter can expect to travel frequently, often to college job fairs and community events. Working and talking with other people effectively is a crucial job skill for a recruiter.

In a larger firm, it is common to find positions such as the occupational analyst. An occupational analyst is responsible for creating job descriptions and researching the efficiency of the company job structure. A compensation manager works to create an equitable pay rate for all employees, and will frequently survey pay rates found outside the company for comparison.

The training and development arm of human resource departments has also become increasingly important to firms. Businesses have come to recognize the importance of training to employee effectiveness. As such, corporations are placing an increased focus on developing training programs that work effectively with their employees. In some companies, training personnel may work as instructors on a full time basis, managing classrooms.

This is a great time to consider a career in human resource management. With an overall projected job growth rate of 17%, the human resource field is growing at a faster than average rate for the economy. Many universities offer programs in human or labor relations, as well as business administration. Although applicants with a bachelor's degree will have more opportunity overall, those with relevant experience may find it possible to attain entry level positions in the human resources field without a degree.