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First, some facts. Of the Human Resources graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 60 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 65%, Human Resources graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-2%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 22% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Human Resources graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 96% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from Marian University Indianapolis with a Bachelors in Human Resources. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONImplementation Specialist RCM Technologies Aug 2015 - Mar 2016 Payroll Benefits Manager  ADP Mar 2016 - Aug 2018 Human Resources Generalist Mingledorff's Aug 2018 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Business Administration (MBA)Anderson University 2013 - 2017 ABOUTHR Professional with 10+ years of experience managing and coordinating human resource functions while facilitating the planning and execution of policies and procedures. Skilled in all aspects of human resource management, including talent management, organizational development, performance management, employee relations, benefit management, wellness initiatives, training, HRIS, employee engagement and diversity initiatives. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the jobs held by individuals with degrees in Human Resources, a few trends emerge that highlight the types of roles commonly pursued and the relevance of these positions to their educational backgrounds. Many of the graduates have taken on roles that are directly linked to HR functions such as recruitment, training, and employee relations. Positions such as Human Resources Director, HR Consultant, and Recruitment Specialist are prevalent, indicating that a significant portion of these degree holders have successfully transitioned into roles that align closely with their academic training.
However, not all jobs held by these graduates are directly relevant to the field of Human Resources. For instance, many have held positions in customer service, sales, or technical roles that do not utilize HR-specific knowledge on a daily basis. Roles like Customer Service Representative or Sales Associate, while they may require interpersonal skills developed from an HR education, do not engage the core principles taught in HR programs. This disconnect suggests that while a degree in Human Resources can qualify graduates for HR-specific roles, it does not always restrict them to these positions, leading them to diverse career paths that may stray from traditional HR functions.
Overall, the jobs held by these individuals often reflect a mix of HR-related and unrelated roles. While many have indeed secured relevant HR positions, a notable number have transitioned into areas where their HR expertise may not be fully utilized, demonstrating the flexibility of a Human Resources degree in the job market. In essence, the landscape shows a blend of strong connections to the HR field alongside various pathways that reflect the diverse opportunities available to graduates across different sectors.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Human Resources graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of recent Human Resources graduates, it’s clear that there’s a variety of paths people have taken. For many of these graduates, their first jobs after college tend to be in roles that are quite relevant to Human Resources, such as HR assistants or coordinators. It’s common to see individuals starting off in entry-level positions where they can gain practical experience in HR functions, whether that's recruitment, employee relations, or training. Some have even landed positions like HR technician or analyst which provides a solid foundation for their careers. However, there's also a noticeable trend of graduates pivoting to unrelated fields, especially in cases where they didn't secure HR roles immediately after graduation.
Fast forward five or ten years from these entry-level positions, and we can see a mix of outcomes. Some graduates have indeed progressed to higher-level HR roles such as HR managers or consultants, indicating a successful climb up the professional ladder. For example, one graduate from the University at Buffalo transitioned from entry-level roles at Verizon to becoming a consultant in Learning & Development, showcasing a promising advance in their career. On the other hand, certain individuals end up in jobs that, while stable, don't exactly align with their HR education. There are cases where people have stayed in customer service or sales roles, which, while they can offer transferable skills, tend to drift away from the HR focus that many of these graduates aimed for. This indicates that, while a degree in Human Resources can set a strong foundation, the trajectory isn’t always linear and depends heavily on seizing the right opportunities post-graduation.
Overall, graduates in Human Resources are often seeing initial success in relevant HR jobs; however, it’s a mixed bag when you look at their long-term career paths. Some really thrive, moving into meaningful HR positions, while others find themselves in unrelated fields over time. This underscores the importance of actively seeking HR-related roles and being open to networking and further education opportunities to maintain relevance in the field. For high school students considering a degree in Human Resources, it's essential to think about these trajectories and understand the balance between gaining necessary experience and staying connected to their career goals.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources is generally considered to be pretty manageable compared to some other majors out there. It involves a fair amount of reading, writing, and understanding of people, organizations, and laws, but it usually doesn't dive super deep into complex theories or crazy heavy math like some fields do. If you enjoy working with people and can stay organized, you might find it relatively easy to handle. A lot of students appreciate the practical approach and hands-on projects, which can make the learning experience more enjoyable and relatable. So, if you’re thinking about it, just know it’s not an uphill battle, but you still have to put in the effort to do well!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Human Resources.
Looking at the career paths of these HR graduates, it’s pretty clear that some of them have been able to climb the ladder and potentially make decent money, especially those in managerial or specialized positions. For example, graduates from places like The Ohio State University and Boston University seem to have transitioned into roles that carry a lot of responsibility, which often comes with a better paycheck. On the other hand, some have held positions that don't seem to offer the same earning potential, like technicians and administrative roles, which are generally lower-paying jobs in the HR field.
Overall, while some individuals definitely appear to be on a solid path to higher earnings, others might find themselves stuck in positions that don’t pay particularly well. It's a bit of a mixed bag, and the level of success and income really varies across different schools and job titles. For anyone thinking about a career in HR, it might be worth aiming for roles that not only provide good experience but also offer attractive salaries as you build your career!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Human Resources. This may or may not be useful:
