What can you do with a Human Resources Development degree?

First, some facts. Of the Human Resources Development 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 114 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 68%, Human Resources Development graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+1%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 68%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 19% 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 Development graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Human Resources Development graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 50%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2020 from University of Nevada-Las Vegas with a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Development. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Business Development Specialist
Purple Rose Supply
Jan 2021 - Present
The role of a Business Development Specialist may involve some transferable skills applicable to human resources, such as understanding organizational needs, but it does not require specific HR knowledge or skills on a daily basis.

ABOUT

Criminal justice major, Human Resources minor at University of Nevada Las Vegas. Business development team at Purple Rose Supply.

What jobs can you get with a Human Resources Development degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After analyzing the jobs held by individuals with degrees in Human Resources Development from various universities, it’s clear that there are some common trends in the positions they have pursued. Many of these jobs are directly tied to human resources functions, particularly in areas like recruitment, talent acquisition, and HR management. Positions such as Human Resources Generalist, Recruiter, and Talent Acquisition Specialist appear frequently, indicating a strong alignment between their academic backgrounds and their career paths. Furthermore, roles directly associated with human resources, like HR Coordinator or Human Resources Manager, also illustrate the practical application of their degree in the workforce.

However, not all positions these graduates have taken are equally relevant to their field of study. Many individuals ended up in jobs that primarily focused on operational tasks, administrative roles, or entirely different sectors that don’t utilize HR principles. For instance, positions like Administrative Assistant, Customer Service Representative, or even specialized roles in technical fields (like Marine Technician) tend to stray far from the core competencies gained in Human Resources Development. This shows that while a degree in HR can lead to specific career opportunities, it does not guarantee that every job undertaken will be directly relevant to their field of expertise.

The general conclusion is that the most common job types among Human Resources Development graduates include roles centered on recruitment, talent acquisition, and complete HR management. While many individuals succeeded in finding positions that utilize their HR skills and knowledge, others may have taken on broader roles that don’t fully exploit their academic training. Overall, the relevance of their jobs to their degree varies significantly, with many working in positions that make good use of their education, while others find themselves in roles with little to no connection to the human resources field.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Human Resources Development graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Human Resources Development graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career trajectories of graduates from Human Resources Development programs, it's pretty clear that there's a mixed bag of outcomes. Many of these individuals begin their post-college careers in internships or entry-level positions related to HR or administrative roles, which is a solid starting point. For example, the graduates from Oakland University typically kicked off their careers with HR internships or assistant positions, allowing them to gain valuable experience right out of the gate. This aligns well with the nature of the HR field, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience in understanding workforce dynamics and talent management.

However, as we look further down the line—five or ten years after graduation—the picture becomes a bit less consistent. While some alumni advance to solid roles like HR Generalist, Talent Acquisition Specialist, or even HR Managers, others find themselves stuck in positions that seem tangentially related or completely detached from HR, like sales or operations roles. For instance, the graduate from Texas A&M University who started as a recruiter eventually became a Vice President at a major corporation, showcasing that it’s possible to climb the ladder if you stay committed to HR-related roles. On the other hand, it’s disheartening to see graduates veering off into unrelated fields or struggling to find their footing in HR, which can happen due to market conditions or individual choices.

Overall, while many students with Human Resources Development degrees find relevant jobs post-graduation, there’s a significant variance in long-term career success. Some graduates enjoy upward mobility and rewarding careers in HR, while others end up feeling a bit lost, navigating jobs that don't align with their initial aspirations. It’s a field that can offer stability and growth, but it also requires a fair amount of determination and sometimes luck to land in positions that truly align with one’s degree and interests.

How hard is a Human Resources Development degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development is generally on the easier side compared to some other majors, but that doesn’t mean it's a walk in the park. You’ll cover subjects like organizational behavior, training and development, and maybe even some psychology, which can be interesting but also require a fair bit of reading and understanding of concepts. If you’re good at connecting with people and organizing info, you might find it pretty manageable. Just keep in mind that like any degree, it can get intense during exams or major projects, so it’s all about staying organized and on top of your work!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Human Resources Development.

Do Human Resources Development graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the career paths of these Human Resources Development graduates, it seems like they have had various roles, but the financial success they've achieved varies widely. For example, graduates from major universities like Texas A&M have taken on positions that often lead to higher salaries, such as senior roles in talent acquisition and HR management. On the other hand, some recent grads took on positions like payroll specialists or administrative assistants right out of college, which may not offer the best pay initially. Overall, while some individuals are climbing up the ladder into more lucrative positions, others might still be in jobs that don't bring in great salaries.

In general, if you look at the list of jobs, it appears that many graduates are starting to secure higher-paying and more specialized positions over time. However, a significant number are still in entry-level roles or positions that don't show much salary growth potential. The journey seems to be filled with ups and downs, so while some are likely making decent money now, others might still be working their way up. It's a mixed bag, and it really depends on the specific path and timing each person had in the job market.

What buzzwords do Human Resources Development graduates use to describe themselves?

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 Development. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Human Resources Development?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Human Resources Development (ordered by the average relevance score of their Human Resources Development graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Oakland University 85 17
Texas A&M University 76 17
University of Houston 69 10