Careers after HR: Moving to a New Business Field

If you've been thinking about potentially leaving HR, then good news! You have the right skills already. HR professionals often already have the professional experience necessary to ease their transition to other business specializations such as marketing, accounting, and management. Read on for a closer look at how the common qualities and skills of HR professionals can also apply to lucrative and in-demand business roles.  

HR Skills 

Human resources professionals play a crucial role in the success of an organization by ensuring that the right people are hired, retained, and trained. Here are some common skills you probably have as an HR professional that will also work well in any business role:

• Communication skills: Because HR professionals are often required to visit job fairs to identify new candidates, conduct virtual and face-to-face interviews, oversee the orientation process for new hires, and address employee issues in the office, HR professionals need strong written and verbal communication skills.  
• Training skills: HR professionals are responsible for training and development. They teach employees about the various benefits of the organization, develop training manuals about employee policies, and hold formal training on subjects like workplace harassment.  
• Financial knowledge: Some HR departments within smaller organizations share payroll duties. For instance, HR professionals may calculate staff salaries, raises, and bonuses. They may even handle record keeping, payroll deposits, and tax payments. 
• Leadership skills: HR managers oversee their department's staff, ensuring that everyone performs their duties promptly. It's ultimately the HR manager's responsibility if mistakes are made or projects are not completed by the deadline.  

 Why Consider a Career Transition from HR?  

Job roles and responsibilities within HR are becoming more specialized, requiring professionals to update their skill sets constantly. Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a staple in many industries, and HR is no exception. From managing résumés and applications to conducting employee evaluations, AI streamlines tasks and provides insights in half the time. With this rise of AI comes a shift in the landscape of HR, and it's more important than ever for HR professionals to diversify their skills. While AI can handle many of the routine tasks of HR, it cannot replace the empathy and critical thinking skills that humans bring to the table. By expanding their skill sets, HR professionals can stay ahead of the game and thrive in a world where AI is a necessary tool in the workplace. 

Careers after HR 

 Here are a few in-demand business roles in which a former HR professional is likely to find great success:

 Executive Recruiter 

Executive recruiters fill senior-level positions in businesses and organizations with highly qualified candidates. Strong communication skills are necessary for executive recruiters to find and interview candidates, as they are responsible for clearly articulating the organization's mission and vision to determine if a candidate is a good fit. They must also have the technical knowledge to conduct online job postings and virtual interviews. Executive recruiters must be comfortable with special software for conducting background checks and writing recommendation reports. Executive recruiters make around $88,175 annually, according to PayScale.  

 Career Counselor 

Whether they are working with high school and college graduates new to the job market or unemployed workers with experience, career counselors help people identify potential career paths. Career counselors must be able to listen to clients' needs and empathize with their situation. Career counselors perform online assessments to determine their clients' strengths and interests, which also require technical skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), career counselors earn an average annual salary of $60,140.  

Social Media Manager 

Social media managers develop and manage content and the online presence of organizations; they manage websites and social accounts and frequently communicate with consumers to help build customer loyalty. To succeed in an online position like this one, social media managers must have extensive technical and strong communication skills, as they regularly share information online and interact with account visitors. According to Glassdoor, social media managers make an average annual salary of around $62,727. 

Training and Development Specialist 

By administering and evaluating training programs for businesses and organizations, training and development specialists ensure employees receive the knowledge and information to do their jobs well and be satisfied doing them. These specialists need technical skills to develop online training materials and work with technology during presentations. They also have to be strong communicators because they serve as educators and presenters for organizations, communicating concepts about the workplace to groups of employees. These experts can make an average annual salary of around $63,080, according to the BLS.  

Payroll Specialist 

A payroll specialist is responsible for managing and processing employee payments within a company. This may include calculating wages, withholding taxes, and ensuring accurate deductions. A payroll specialist may also handle administrative tasks, such as maintaining employee records and answering staff inquiries related to payroll. In addition to their primary duties, these professionals may collaborate with other departments, such as HR and accounting, to ensure seamless operations across the company. The BLS notes that payroll specialists earn an average annual salary of around $49,630. 

Project Manager

Project managers are responsible for coordinating the work of different teams, ensuring that project objectives are met within the set timeline and budget. A successful manager must have excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills. As the person in charge of the project, they must be able to identify potential problems and offer solutions before they become an issue. Salaries for project managers are highly dependent on the industry, experience, and location. The median salary for a project manager in the U.S. is around $95,370 per year, according to the BLS, with some earning closer to six figures if they have significant experience. 

Sales and Business Developer

A sales and business developer plays an essential role in identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities for their company. They are responsible for identifying customer needs, creating marketing strategies, building strong client relationships, and driving revenue growth. Salary expectations vary depending on experience, location, and the industry they are working in. Generally, a developer can earn an average salary of $142,000 with the potential to earn commission and bonuses based on their sales performance. 

Customer Relationship Manager (CRM)   

A customer relationship manager is a key player in ensuring that customers have exceptional experiences and are satisfied with the services or products they receive. Typically, a CRM serves as the bridge between the customer and the business, ensuring that communication remains open and that the business is aware of the needs and concerns of the customer. The median annual wage for a CRM in the United States is $52,821. However, this can vary depending on the industry, the size of the organization, and the level of experience a person has. For example, a CRM in a large corporation may earn a higher salary than someone working in a smaller business. 

Compliance Officer  

The role of a compliance officer is to develop and oversee compliance programs that align with organizational goals. They are responsible for identifying potential risks and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to mitigate them. Additionally, they train employees on compliance policies and procedures and ensure they are followed. The salary for a compliance officer varies depending on experience and industry, but most can expect to earn around $76,980 per year.  

Operations Manager  

Operations managers manage the day-to-day functioning of a company's departments, ensuring that they're working efficiently and effectively. They are tasked with identifying inefficiencies, implementing new operating processes, and handling any issues. The operations manager is responsible for coordinating with various stakeholders and departments, so strong communication and interpersonal skills are a must. The median annual salary for an operations manager is $98,100, depending on the industry and size of the company. 

Consultant 

Consultants are hired by organizations or individuals to help solve problems, improve performance, and provide insights. They may specialize in a certain area, such as finance, marketing, or human resources, and may work independently or for a consulting firm. Their duties can vary depending on the project and client but typically involve analyzing data, conducting research, and developing recommendations for their clients to implement. In terms of salary, it can vary greatly depending on the consultant's experience level and the industry they work in. According to the BLS, consultants can earn around $95,290 annually.