Top 15 Career Options After MBA In HR

MBA in Human Resource Management scope is exceeding with each passing day, and the industry is seeing a spike. The skillful HR professionals take the organization to a higher level, bring a good talent pool, and eventually exceed the business growth.

Why?

Human Resources (HR) plays a critical role in every company, focused on managing the workforce, promoting a positive work environment, and aligning talent with business goals. 

The HR department handles hiring, training, performance management, employee relations, and strategic planning, all essential functions for an organization’s growth and success.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 6% growth in HR managers by 2033. HR roles have consistently reported low unemployment rates. For instance, in the 2nd quarter of 2024, training and development specialists had an unemployment rate of just 1.4%, reflecting a strong demand for skilled HR personnel.

But, why should you consider HR as a Career?

Let us make you understand in a better way!

Choosing a career in HR offers numerous advantages, particularly for MBA graduates, who bring strategic thinking and business insights essential for senior HR roles.

Here are some benefits of a career in HR:

• Diverse Roles:

  HR professionals can specialize in various areas like recruitment, talent management, and employee relations.

• Career Stability:

  With steady demand for HR roles, unemployment rates for these professionals are below national averages.

• High Growth Potential:

  As organizations recognize the importance of HR, opportunities for career advancement are rising.

• Impact on Workplace Culture:

  HR professionals play an important role in shaping a positive and productive work environment.

Related Article: How to Become an HR Professional in India?

What are the Top Career Options after an MBA in Human Resources?

Human Resource roles are essential across various sectors, including corporate, consulting, technology, healthcare, finance, and non-profits. These industries rely on skilled HR professionals to manage recruitment, employee engagement, training, and organizational development.

Common job titles for MBA graduates in HR include:

1. Human Resource Manager
2. Human Resource Generalist
3. Staffing Director
4. Technical Recruiter
5. Compensation Manager
6. Employee Relations Manager
7. Employment Manager
8. HR Director
9. Learning and Development Manager
10. Human Resource Consultant
11. Human Resource Specialist 
12. HR Business Partner
13. Human Resource Executive
14. Human Resource Entrepreneur
15. Talent Acquisition Manager

Let's get in-depth into these job titles for MBA graduates in HR and find out their main responsibilities, top skills required, and average annual salaries.

Also Read: Scope of MBA in HR

1. Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers get the opportunity to help the employees by person-to-person interaction they undertake the management of a company’s recruitment process. They also maintain department records, review performances, and wages, and ensure workplace health and safety compliance.

Here are the main duties of an HR Manager:

• HR Policy Development:

  Create and implement HR policies and procedures to support organizational goals.

• Employee Relations Management:

  Address employee concerns and encourage a positive workplace culture.

• Performance Management:

  Manage employee performance evaluations and development programs to enhance productivity.

The top skills which are required for HR Managers are:

• Leadership
• Communication
• Conflict resolution

Here is the average annual salary of HR Manager in different cities of India:

Sourced By: Glassdoor

2. Human Resource Generalist

It is an entry-level job offered to MBA graduates in HR, and they have to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. They receive job applications from the candidates, analyze their resumes, select documents, and organize recruitment projects. 

Their job profile involves duties like:

• Recruitment
• Handling Payroll
• Attendance Tracking
• Employee Engagement Activities
• Induction Programs
• Performance Appraisals

Some of the skillsets required for this job are:

• Conflict Resolution
• Interpersonal skills
• Employment-related laws and regulations

The average annual salary of an HR Resource Generalist is mentioned below:

Sourced By: Indeed

You can also check out the complete guide to becoming an awesome HR Generalist in India.

3. Staffing Manager

The staffing Manager makes all the necessary decisions and plays an important role in a company. They oversee recruitment processes and manage a team of recruiters, ensuring that the organization attracts and retains its best employees.

Staffing Managers are generally responsible for:

• Workforce Planning:

  Consider staffing needs and develop strategies to meet company hiring goals.

• Recruitment Oversight:

  Manage the recruitment process, including sourcing, interviewing, and selecting candidates.

• Vendor Management:

  Collaborate with staffing agencies and external partners to enhance recruitment efforts.

The top skills required for a Staffing Manager are:

• Strategic thinking
• Negotiation
• Team management

Here is the average annual salary of a Staffing Manager in India:

Sourced By: Indeed

4. Technical Recruiter

Technical recruiters’ job profile involves testing the candidates’ technical skills and choosing the ones with well-versed technical skills. They have a high scope in IT sectors and banking. They work closely with hiring managers to understand job requirements and utilize various sourcing methods to hire qualified candidates.

Here are the main responsibilities of a Technical Recruiter:

• Candidate Sourcing:

  Identify and engage qualified candidates for technical positions.

• Technical Assessments:

  Evaluate candidates' technical skills through assessments and interviews to ensure job fit.

• Collaboration with Hiring Managers:

  Work closely with hiring managers to understand technical requirements and simplify the recruitment process.

Key Skills Required:

• Understanding of technical roles
• Networking
• Interviewing

The average annual salary of a Technical Recruiter is mentioned below:

Sourced By: Indeed

5. Compensation Manager

They have an important role in determining the salary of the employees. Thus they take care of the financial matters of the company. Companies offered to employees must adhere to the laws. They decide the bonus for the employees. 

Compensation Manager's prime duties include:

• Salary Structure Design:

  Develop and maintain salary structures aligned with industry standards.

• Benefits Administration:

  Supervise employee benefits programs to ensure they are comprehensive and cost-effective.

• Compensation Analysis:

  Conduct regular market analysis to ensure pay scales remain competitive and equitable.

Some of the key responsibilities of a Compensation Manager are:

• Compensation Strategy
• Benefits Administration
• Market Analysis

Here is the average annual salary of a Compensation Manager in India:

Sourced By: Indeed

6. Employee Relations Manager

They listen to the employees’ complaints and grievances and thus, act as a correspondence between them and the employers. To resolve the disputes between employers and employees, employee relations managers arrange talks and discussions between them.

Their main duties are:

• Conflict Resolution:

  Address workplace conflicts and facilitate resolutions to maintain a positive work environment.

• Policy Implementation:

  Ensure consistent application of HR policies, maintaining compliance and fairness.

• Employee Engagement:

  Develop initiatives to boost morale, engagement, and retention within the workforce.

Skills required for this job are:

• HR Policies and procedures
• Employment Legislations
• Employee and Organizational relations

Here is the average annual salary of Employee Relation Manager in different cities of India:

Sourced By: Indeed

7. Employment Manager

Employment Managers oversee recruitment strategies and ensure a smooth hiring process. They manage job postings, coordinate interviews, and work closely with various departments to meet staffing needs effectively.

Key Skills Required:

• Recruitment expertise
• Organizational skills
• Communication

The average annual salary of an Employment Manager is mentioned below:

Sourced By: Glassdoor

8. HR Director

The HR Director oversees the HR department to ensure its goals align with the organization’s objectives. They create policies for hiring, employee growth, and performance management, while also handling employee relations and ensuring compliance with labor laws.

Here are the top responsibilities of an HR Director:

• Strategic Leadership:

  Develop and execute HR strategies that align with overall business goals and drive organizational growth.

• Policy Development:

  Establish and oversee HR policies, practices, and compliance to ensure a fair and equitable workplace.

• Talent Management:

  Lead talent acquisition, development, and succession planning efforts to build a high-performing workforce.

Key Skills Required:

• Program development
• Coaching
• Leadership

Here is the average annual salary of HR Director in India:

Sourced By: Glassdoor

9. Learning and Development Manager

The Learning and Development Manager in Human Resources focuses on creating and delivering training programs that improve employee skills and support the growth of the company. 

Here are the key responsibilities of a Learning and Development Manager in HR:

• Training Development:

  Design and implement training programs aligned with organizational goals.

• Needs Assessment:

  Identify training needs and evaluate the effectiveness of learning initiatives.

• Career Planning:

  Collaborate on career development paths and succession plans.

Skills required for Learning and Development Manager are:

• Instructional Design
• Communication Skills
• Analytical Skills

The average annual salary of a Learning and Development Manager is mentioned below:

Sourced By: Glassdoor

10. HR Consultant

An HR Consultant is a professional who provides expert advice and solutions to companies on human resources-related issues. They work with companies to optimize their HR processes, enhance employee engagement, and align HR practices with business goals.

The prime duties of an HR Consultant are:

• Strategic Planning:

  Collaborate with management to develop HR strategies that align with business objectives and improve workforce productivity.

• Employee Development Programs:

  Design and implement training and development initiatives to enhance employees' skills and performance.

• Policy Development and Compliance:

  Create HR policies that comply with labor laws and ensure that all HR practices meet regulatory standards.

Want to know about the skills they require?

Here’s the details:

• Communication Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Problem-Solving Abilities

The average annual salary of an HR Consultant is mentioned below:

Sourced By: Glassdoor

11. Human Resource Specialist

They focus on specific areas of HR, such as recruiting, employee relations, benefits administration, or training and development. Working within an organization, they are responsible for managing specialized HR functions and supporting the overall goals of the HR department. 

The Main Responsibilities of a Human Resource Specialist are:

• Talent Acquisition:

  Supervise recruitment processes, from sourcing candidates to conducting interviews and onboarding new hires.

• Employee Relations:

  Address employee concerns, manage conflict resolution, and maintain positive workplace dynamics.

• Benefits Administration:

  Manage employee benefits, including health plans, retirement plans, and other perks, ensuring smooth and timely administration.

Skills required for this position are:

• Detail-Oriented
• Interpersonal Skills
• Organizational Skills

Here is the average annual salary of Human Resource Specialist in India:

Sourced By: Glassdoor

12. Human Resource Executive

A Human Resource Executive in an organization responsible for supervising various HR functions, including recruitment, employee engagement, policy implementation, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. They generally manage a team of HR staff and collaborate closely with senior management.

Prime duties of an HR Executive include:

• Developing HR Policies:

  Formulate, implement, and regularly update HR policies to ensure compliance with legal standards and best practices.

• Employee Engagement Initiatives:

  Plan and execute programs to enhance employee morale, engagement, and retention.

• Performance Management:

  Oversee employee evaluations, provide feedback, and support continuous professional development.

Key skills required for an HR Executive are:

• Leadership Skills
• Strategic Thinking
• Conflict Resolution

Here is the average annual salary of HR Executive in different cities in India:

Sourced By: Glassdoor

13. HR Business Partner

An HR Business Partner (HRBP) is a senior HR professional who works closely with specific business units to align HR strategies with business goals. They focus on strategic planning, offering insights on workforce planning, talent management, and organizational development.

The main responsibilities of an HR Business Partner are:

• Strategic Workforce Planning:

  Analyze business needs and collaborate with department leaders to plan and execute strategies for workforce development.

• Change Management Support:

  Guide teams through organizational changes, ensuring smooth transitions.

• Performance and Talent Management:

  Develop and implement frameworks for employee performance, identifying high-potential employees and supporting career growth.

If you want to become an HR Business Partner, there are certain skills mentioned below that you need to learn.

• Business Acumen
• Analytical Thinking
• Relationship-Building

The table below highlights the  average annual salary of an HR business partner in India:

Sourced By: Glassdoor

14. Talent Acquisition Manager

A Talent Acquisition Manager is responsible for the recruitment process to attract, assess, and hire top talent for the company. They work closely with hiring managers and HR teams to understand company needs and create strategies that align with business goals. 

Talent Acquisition Managers are responsible for:

• Developing Recruitment Strategies:

  Create and implement strategies to source, attract, and retain high-caliber candidates.

• Employer Branding:

  Promote a positive employer brand by enhancing the candidate experience and representing the company at job fairs and events.

• Simplifying the Hiring Process:

  Optimize recruitment processes to improve efficiency, reduce hiring time, and enhance candidate selection.

The top skills required to become a successful Talent Acquisition Manager are:

• Networking Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Communication Skills

The table mentioned below showcases the average annual salary of a Talent Acquisition Manager in India:

Sourced by: Glassdoor

15. Vice President of HR

The Vice President of HR is a senior executive responsible for supervising an organization’s entire HR functions they align HR strategies with corporate goals, and promote a strong, positive workplace culture.

Some of the responsibilities of a VP of Human Resources are:

• Strategic HR Leadership:

  Drive the overall HR strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and creating a high-performance culture.

• Policy and Compliance Oversight:

  Establish and enforce HR policies and practices, ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations.

• Executive Collaboration:

  Partner with senior leadership to address workforce planning, talent management, and organizational development needs.

As this is the senior position of the HR department, acquiring certain skills are essential which are mentioned below:

Sourced by: Glassdoor

What is the Responsibility of Human Resources?

Human Resources (HR) is essential to any organization, responsible for managing and supporting the company’s most valuable asset which is its employees. Human Resource management involves recruiting, training, orienting, and appraising the employees of a company.

HR professionals ensure that employees are engaged, motivated, and aligned with the organization's goals, contributing to overall productivity and growth.

Here are the key responsibilities of an HR in the office:

• Recruitment and Hiring:

  Identifying, interviewing, and selecting qualified candidates to meet the company’s staffing needs.

• Employee Relations:

  Managing workplace relationships, addressing employee grievances, and resolving conflicts to maintain a harmonious work environment.

• Performance Management:

  Setting performance standards, conducting evaluations, and implementing improvement plans to help employees reach their potential.

• Compensation and Benefits:

  Developing competitive pay structures and benefits packages to attract and retain top talent.

• Workplace Safety:

  Creating a safe work environment by implementing safety policies and conducting regular risk assessments.

• Employee Engagement:

  Developing initiatives to improve employee morale, motivation, and satisfaction within the workplace.

Click here to learn more about the objectives of an HR

What are the Skills Required by a Successful Human Resource?

In Human Resources, having the right skills is essential for adapting to an organization’s needs and effectively managing its employees. Successful HR professionals use a mix of interpersonal, analytical, and strategic skills to ensure a productive and positive work environment.

Since Human Resources needs to develop good business relations with others, recruit employees, and contribute to the success of the organization, they must have the following skills:

1. Communication Skills:

   Strong verbal and written communication is essential for clear interactions with employees, resolving conflicts, and sharing important information.

2. Problem-Solving Ability:

   HR professionals often address workplace challenges and employee issues; being a quick and fair problem solver is key to maintaining a harmonious work environment.

3. Interpersonal Skills:

   Understanding employees' needs, listening actively, and showing empathy build trust and support a positive workplace culture.

4. Organizational Skills:

   Handling multiple responsibilities, from recruitment to compliance, requires excellent organizational skills to keep processes smooth and efficient.

5. Strategic Thinking:

   HR roles are increasingly strategic, involving long-term planning for workforce development, retention, and aligning HR initiatives with company goals.

Enroll in our Human Resource (HR) Free Online Course with Certification to boost your skills in this growing industry.

Conclusion

Pursuing a career in HR after an MBA offers diverse roles and strong growth potential. With the demand for skilled HR professionals across various industries, you can build a rewarding career by specializing in areas like recruitment, employee relations, or training.

By mastering essential HR skills and gaining experience, MBA graduates can make their career in this growing field.

And if you’re looking to explore new domains and acquire essential skills for today’s job market, sign up for upGrad’s Free Courses today!

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