Requirements for a Career in HR
Courses Reflect the Nine Components of the SHRM Competency Model
Have you wondered how Excelsior faculty decide what content, assignments, and discussion questions to include in our courses on human resource management? Or, how we select the textbooks and articles for you to read for courses?
Part of the explanation is that we listen to you and read your course evaluations. Your comments are helpful in assisting our HR faculty with improving courses to better suit your career goals. Thank you for that!
The other part of the explanation is that we adhere to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Competency Model. This model, shown below, is a set of competencies that define what is required for a career in human resource management. We want to ensure you have the expertise and opportunities needed for an HR job—both as a generalist and a specialist.
SHRM has identified two types of competencies: behavioral and technical. Technical competencies reflect the HR knowledge, including laws, that are required to be an effective HR practitioner. We have built technical competencies into our HR courses (such as BUS 504 Human Resource Management), and we offer technical competencies in stand-alone courses such as BUS 517 Employee Staffing and Development, BUS 518 Leading Teams, and BUS 554 Change Management.
Behavioral competencies refer to the ways HR professionals apply the knowledge they gain from studying and practicing HR. Discussion questions and case studies in our courses ask you to apply the theories and research you have read to resolve real-world HR challenges.
| Leadership & Navigation | The ability to direct and contribute to initiatives and processes within the organization. |
| Ethical Practice | The ability to integrate core values, integrity, and accountability throughout all organizational and business practices. |
| Business Acumen | The ability to understand and apply information with which to contribute to the organization’s strategic plan. |
| Relationship Management | The ability to manage interactions to provide service and to support the organization. |
| Consultation | The ability to provide guidance to organizational stakeholders. |
| Critical Evaluation | The ability to interpret information with which to make business decisions and recommendations. |
| Global & Cultural Effectiveness | The ability to value and consider the perspectives and backgrounds of all parties. |
| Communication | The ability to effectively exchange information with stakeholders. |
|
HR Expertise (HR Knowledge) |
The knowledge of principles, practices, and functions of effective human resource management. |
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of HR managers is projected to grow 9 percent by 2026. The Bureau projects strong competition for these positions in both public and private sectors. At Excelsior College, we are committed to ensuring you are ready for a new job or promotion at your current place of employment. Our business degree programs will help you gain knowledge and skills you can use in the workplace.
