Human Resources Responsibility
Human resource departments' tasks used to be confined to administrative functions: answering employee benefits questions and recruiting and interviewing new employees. Human resources continue to complete these administrative tasks. But recently, they have grown in their impact on the institutions they work for, and have become leading forces in policy change. At the head of these forces are human resource managers, who often work directly with top executives to incorporate needed change.

Human Resource Management Career Preparation
Human resource management colleges can train you to become a leading force in an organization. Whether you earn a bachelor's or master's in human resource management, your training should include courses in recruiting, compensation, training, and performance appraisal, as well as business and technology. While a bachelor's degree might qualify you for entry-level positions, most higher-level positions require a master's degree.

In addition to earning your degree, there are additional ways to increase your desirability to employers. Internship programs offer hands-on experience as well as opportunities to meet potential employers. Also, the completion of a certification program in the field can make your resume stand out. Certification is offered through such programs as the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and The American Society for Training and Development.

Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 17 percent job growth for human resource managers, equaling 147,000 new jobs, is anticipated between 2006 and 2016.