Business schools offer a number of different programs, which is why many students look at the benefits of an MBA in human resources and compare those benefits against those associated with similar concentrations. Human resources is a portion of the business industry that deals with the management of individual employees. While you can earn a standard or general MBA, after looking at the benefits of a human resources MBA, you may decide that this is the best type of program for you.
Emphasis on Current Trends
A clear benefit of an MBA human resources program is that this program will place an emphasis on current trends in the field. This is especially important when you go in for an interview at a leading company. The interviewer may ask you questions about telecommuting and other programs that let employees work from home and how you feel about those programs. Through your courses, you’ll learn how those programs can benefit both employees and employers.
Better Job Opportunities
While some colleges offer undergrad human resources degree programs, those programs give you a basic understanding of HR topics. You may know how to put together a good benefits package but not know how to customize those packages for different types of employees. That is why a bachelor’s degree will only qualify you to work in entry-level positions. With an MBA in human resources, you’ll find many more opportunities open to you, including jobs with smaller companies and positions in Fortune 500 or even Fortune 100 companies.
More Stability
Job stability is on the minds of many employees in today’s world. They still remember the high unemployment rate that occurred during the recession and how long it took workers to find jobs. If you have a bachelor’s degree and your company needs to make cuts, you might be one of the first employees let go, even if you have more experience than others. Those with an MBA in human resources or another subject have more job stability than others and have a better chance of retaining their positions during a future recession or market downturn.
Stronger Leadership Skills
As an HR director or manager, you must have strong leadership skills. Your employer will call upon you to introduce new packages, plans and policies in a way that will make employees feel satisfied with those changes. An effective leader can put a positive spin on even the worst situation and make employees head home feeling like the company is in good shape. Strong leadership skills will also help you lead both smaller and larger teams and any employees working under you. MBA programs teach you those leadership skills, whether you take classes online or on a business school campus.
Higher Pay Range
The biggest benefit to earning an MBA with a concentration in human resources is that you can increase your pay rate. You’ll earn more money when you first leave school and will have the chance to earn more than your peers over the course of your career. Forbes found that those with an undergrad degree earn an average salary of around $55,000 a year and that MBA holders earn an average salary of $100,000 a year. The amount that MBA holders earn rose by $5,000 in a single year.
MBA degree programs let you select from various concentrations, but a human resource concentration is among the more popular. With a degree in this field, you can work for some of the world’s top companies. The top benefits of an MBA in human resources include helping you develop strong leadership skills and helping you earn more money.
