The human resources (HR) industry in
Australia has grown significantly over
the past decades as organisations
across all sectors increasingly
recognise how critical human
resource management (HRM) is
to achieving business objectives.
Working in HRM includes planning,
administering and reviewing activities
concerned with staff selection,
training and development, conditions
of employment and other staffing
issues within an organisation ensuring
operational objectives are met. HRM
is concerned with the strategic issues
associated with people management.
It provides a motivated, well trained
workforce which understands what
the business is about, where it fits
within the organisation and how it can
contribute.
HRM offers a diverse range of roles that
provides individuals with the opportunity
to apply and develop a broad skill base,
including strong interpersonal skills,
planning, organisational, administration
and analytical skills. It will be as interesting
and dynamic as you make it.
Careers and Employment Centre
Engage in your career before
you graduate
Actively adding value to your degree will
enhance your employability prospects.
Below are some ideas to consider how you
might further develop your skills before
you graduate:
1. Be actively involved in your student
club or society, assisting with
promotions or industry events
2. Engage with the Careers and
Employment Centre and accessing
the Murdoch Careers Portal – Career
Connect (www.careerconnect.
murdoch.edu.au) to explore resources
and insights about the Marketing
industry, view relevant job posts
and book into career fairs, industry
events, careers workshops etc.
3. Find out about Work Integrated
Learning Opportunities (industry
placements) through Murdoch
University and/or applying for
Internships/Vacation Work etc.
4. Be a strategic volunteer and link
with The Murdoch Volunteering Hub
(situated next to the Guild Shop
on Bush Court) – a useful resource
for ideas on where to gain relevant
experience. NOTE: you can also
graduate with a “Community and
Career Skills Development Transcript”.
Email The Volunteering Hub
volunteering@the-guild.com.au or
telephone: 08 9360 6307
5. Explore the possibility of being an
Australian Human Resource Institute
member www.ahri.com.au or a
Murdoch Student Ambassador
Careers and Employment Centre
Careers in Human Resources:
Pathways, Challenges and Success
Careers in Human Resources:
Pathways, Challenges and Success
HR practitioners work in an office
environment for a wide range of
organisations. They may also be required
on-site to inspect operations and manage
staff. They can expect to perform a wide
range of tasks including; advertising staff
vacancies, assessing applications and
developing staff induction and training
programs. A HR officer may also maintain
personnel records and deal with matters
such as wages, superannuation, leave
and training; manage payrolls, organise
employee welfare services including
health and wellbeing programmes, first
aid; deal with industrial issues, take part
in enterprise bargaining talks, discuss and
negotiate specific work arrangements and
conditions and much more.
You will find opportunities to work across
all industry sectors such as: Agriculture,
Mining, Manufacturing, Electricity (and
other utilities), Construction, Wholesale
Trade, Retail Trade, Tourism and
Accommodation, Transport, Information
Media and Telecommunications, Financial
and Insurance Services, Rental and Real
Estate, Professional, Scientific, Technical
Services, Administrative and support
services, Public Administration and Safety,
Education and Training, Health Care and
Social Assistance, Arts and Recreation
Services. Larger industries such as Health
Care, Education, Retail, Financial Services
and Mining are most likely to have highly
defined HR roles; and in other smaller
industries such as Arts and Real Estate,
you are more likely to have combined
generalist roles such as scheduling work
rosters and running payrolls.
HRM graduates have secured work or
progressed onto roles with the following
titles:
• Operations Manager
A degree in HR can open many different
doors. Remember that careers are
dynamic – you have to pave your own
journey through your experiences. Be
flexible, thoughtful and adaptable. You
have the ability to continuously develop
your career by actively engaging in
university life, networking initiatives
and stepping up to opportunity.
Choosing HR is just the beginning.
• Personnel Manager/Officer
Useful Links:
• Recruitment Consultant
Australian Human Resource Institute
www.ahri.com.au
• Development Manager
• Employee Services Assistant
• HR Executive
• Human Resource Manager
• Human Resource Operations Assistant
• Human Resources Analyst
• Staffing Consultant
Many graduating students start out
in Assistant roles, where they can gain
experience performing many
different tasks.
Adaptability of your Human
Resources degree and
alternative careers:
Using your communication, analytical, problem solving and research skills developed
in HRM studies can be readily applied to other careers that you might not even have
thought about. Here are some more suggestions that utilise some of the major skill
components you will have acquired:
• Business Manager
• Occupational Health and Safety Officer
• Training and Development Officer
• Workplace Relations Officer
Considering a second major or an additional minor can further diversify your
career options.
HRM graduates have also been successful in securing multi-discipline Graduate Program
roles. Graduate Programs are structured professional development programs specifically
designed for new graduates. Final year students apply for these positions from March for
the following year. Murdoch graduates have previously secured Graduate Officer positions
with both Government Departments as well as larger organisations within the Retail,
Hospitality, Consulting and the Resources sector, just to name a few.
Extend your network, get advice, join the
Murdoch e-Mentoring Network on LinkedIn
Careers and Employment Centre
Careers and Employment Centre
Job Guide
www.jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au
Telephone: +61 9360 2596
Email: careers@murdoch.edu.au
careers.murdoch.edu.au
DW413_06/15 Printed on environmentally friendly paper
Careers and
industries
in Human
Resources