Management
Human Resources
Profession/Career Options
The Human Resource Management major prepares students for careers in business, nonprofit organizations, government, unions or graduate studies in human resources, industrial relations or law. There are numerous opportunities in compensation and benefits administration, recruitment and selection, Human Resource Information Systems, and employee training and development in all types of organizations. Qualified professionals may also be employed by businesses or the government to administer laws and programs. Unions also actively seek trained professionals in their organizing, education, and research.While some undergraduate majors obtain positions in various HRM areas, employment prospects in Human Resource Management are best for those who have some work experience, a graduate degree, or a professional certification.
The Human Resource Management major focuses on tested techniques essential for a successful career in human resources and industrial relations. This includes human resource planning, managing a diverse workforce, staffing, compensation, employee relations, and organizational development and change. The Department of Management, in consultation with the Advisory Board and the local chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), makes efforts to continuously improve the Human Resource major. We also benchmark our program against other quality programs in the Midwest.
The Department of Management is also a major sponsor of the Society for Excellence in Human Resources, the student chapter of SHRM at Western Michigan University. In summary, the Human Resource Management major provides students a broad exposure to various human resource issues and processes. In addition, it gives students opportunities to develop knowledge and skills to critically examine human resource issues. Finally, it provides various opportunities to prepare for an entry-level human resource positions, graduate education, or for future management positions.