Human Resources (HR) is one of the most dynamic and rewarding career paths available today. It’s a profession that combines people skills with business strategy, law, psychology, and communication. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys helping others, solving problems, and making a genuine difference in the workplace, then a career in HR might be the perfect fit.
But before diving in, it’s important to understand what the role involves—and what steps you can take to succeed in it. One of the first and most valuable steps is gaining a CIPD qualification, which provides a formal foundation in all areas of HR and is widely recognised by employers across the UK and beyond.
What Does a Career in HR Involve?
HR professionals work across the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to training, conflict resolution, pay and benefits, and exits. In small companies, one person may handle it all, while larger organisations have entire HR departments with specialist roles.
A few of the core responsibilities include:
- Managing job adverts and interview processes
- Creating policies around conduct, equality, and wellbeing
- Dealing with disciplinary or grievance issues
- Supporting staff development and career progression
- Ensuring legal compliance and data protection
