What do employees in human resource management do?

    Human Resource managers play critical roles not only in the selection, training, and evaluation of employees, but also in the establishment of organizational structures (for example, through the development of managerial hierarchies). They may develop compensation packages or handle questions about workforce laws and regulations.

    HR managers can manage employees in private and public sectors. They can also work within a company or as private contractors to advise corporations on anticipated organizational change.

What degree options are available in this area?

    Undergraduates can earn a Bachelor’s in HR Management. Graduate students can earn a Master’s Degree in HR Management or an MBA with a concentration in HR Management

What is the difference between a Master’s Degree in HR Management and an MBA with a concentration in HR Management?

    The basic difference between these two options is that the master’s degree is highly specialized and will allow you to focus almost exclusively on human resource management. In contrast, an MBA program will permit you to develop a general set of management skills in other areas while you learn about human resource practices. There are advantages to each: a master’s program will enable you to delve into human resource issues in greater depth; an MBA program will allow you to spend your first year developing a set of skills that can be transferred to other areas.

    While both a master’s degree and an MBA concentration will prepare you to hold management positions, master’s programs are designed to help you become a leader in human resources. In contrast, an MBA degree may also qualify you to hold management positions in other fields, should you become interested in a different career.

What subjects will I study?

    MBA programs in human resource management focus on the skills that are required to be effective organizational managers. Traditionally, students learned about managing human resources; now, however, emphasis is also placed upon organizational behavior and information systems management.

    As an HR MBA, you might study human resource development, the legal aspects of management, and strategic human resource management. You will also become familiar with the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence employee relations. Furthermore, you will learn how to assess and improve essential components of company operations, including compensation, benefits, salary negotiations and safety standards.

What skills will I need?

    In addition to an overall comprehension of business administration, HR MBAs should have:

    Legal knowledge: HR managers have to deal with complex aspects of company business, including layoffs, salary adjustments and labor disputes. All HR managers need to understand laws and regulations, like the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, that affect the workforce. Companies cannot risk violating these laws and rely on HR departments to keep up-to-date with any regulatory changes.

    People skills: Tact is an essential HR trait: you must be able to have forthright discussions with employees about earnings, job performance, and future opportunities. If you are involved with labor or salary negotiations, you must be a strong mediator who can find common ground between diverse points of view. Understanding employee needs is crucial to your success, as is the ability to make difficult, well-planned decisions.

    Communication skills: Since you may oversee the development of human resource policies, you should be a proficient speaker and writer. Clarity is fundamental in the HR field.

What careers do HR MBAs pursue?

    HR MBAs have many career choices. According to the GMAC, graduates with significant business experience fill management positions in strategic operations, while most MBAs accept roles in diverse HR fields. The GMAC notes that some popular careers include:

    Recruiters: Recruiters are an essential part of a company’s human resource team. As a recruiter, you may research prospective candidate pools, conduct interviews, and evaluate potential employees.

    Compensation managers: A position as a compensation manager may appeal to you if you enjoy accounting and finance. You will manage the company’s compensation plan, researching industry trends and regulations to be sure that your salaries remain competitive.

    International HR managers: An international HR position enables you to work with company personnel in a multinational corporation. You may start out in a domestic position before moving to a higher level job in another country. Some international managers oversee employee relations in several branch offices worldwide, each of which has its own HR manager on site.

What kinds of firms employ HR MBAs?

    It is difficult to find a company that does not have at least one human resource position. Above all, large corporations need HR managers to maintain relationships between executives and entry-level workers and to prevent fallouts during labor disputes. Smaller corporations also need individuals with advanced HR degrees to manage salary and hiring processes.

What’s the overall career outlook for this field?

    HR is a highly competitive field comprised of individuals from a variety of educational and occupational backgrounds. The GMAC estimates that employment will grow in the upcoming years as the workplace becomes increasingly diverse. Employers will have to respond to new regulations or to stricter versions of existing labor, health, and safety laws, which will open up new positions for HR MBAs. The salaries vary based upon the job position and size of the company; other important factors include your previous experience and level of education.

7.  International Business

What do employees in international business fields do?

    International business graduates may work in domestic or international positions with private companies, governments or other organizations. As a international business major, you will be prepared to work in international finance, marketing, management, importing/exporting or sales.

    Global professions are the future of business. Unlimited career opportunities await individuals who can bring international perspectives to business firms.

What degree options are available in this area?

    Undergraduates can earn a Bachelor’s in International Business, but most upper-level international management positions require an MBA or Master’s Degree. MBA students can specialize in international business/management.

    Find Schools with International Business Programs

What is the difference between a Master’s Degree in International Business and an MBA with a concentration in international business?

    The basic difference between these two options is that the master’s degree is highly specialized and will allow you to focus almost exclusively on issues related to international business. In contrast, an MBA program will permit you to develop a general set of management skills in addition to specific multinational knowledge. There are advantages to each: a master’s program will enable you to delve into international issues in greater depth; an MBA program is will allow you to spend your first year developing a set of skills that can be transferred to other areas. While both a master’s degree and an MBA concentration will prepare you to hold management positions within the field of international business, an MBA degree may also qualify you to hold management positions in other fields, should you become interested in a different career.

What subjects will I study?

    MBA programs in international business can be general or specialized programs, but most cover basic aspects of business administration like accounting, finance, management and marketing. The main focus is on topics like international governmental policies, international financial services, cross-cultural management, unique customs and attitudes, and other factors that affect multinational operations management.

    You will study the major laws and organizations that affect global business and trade (the European Union, NAFTA, the Latin American Common Markets, etc). Students also study international strategy: a successful product in Thailand may flounder in Laos. Foreign language proficiency is generally required in order to make you an efficient communicator. Furthermore, study abroad programs are highly recommended, as are internships with multinational corporations.

What skills will I need?

    In addition to an overall comprehension of business administration, international business students should have:

    Cultural Sensitivity: Even well-known corporate giants have erred unintentionally when they fail to research cultural beliefs and traditions in new markets. You must be able to speak more than one language and should be well versed in the practices of the country where you work; a simple blunder, like an improper business card exchange, can offend potential clients.
Patience and flexibility: Do not expect to start work in Paris or Hong Kong. Most international business women and men begin their careers in domestic operations and advance to positions abroad after demonstrating prowess at home. When new markets open to your company, opportunities may arise in countries that you never considered. If you long to be an international executive, be willing to accept a position in Eastern Europe. Your achievements there might help you secure the job of your dreams in Latin America.

    People skills: Whether you pitch products to upper-level executives or assist customers during sales, you need to know how to work with diverse groups of individuals who come from very different cultural backgrounds. Understanding the needs of clients is crucial to your success, as is the ability to perform as part of a multinational team.

    Communication skills: To excel in business, you must be able to convey your ideas effectively and efficiently. You should be a proficient speaker and writer. Take time to research which languages are most important in your field. For finance careers, Asian and Latin American languages are useful. If you are interested in information systems management, consider Russian or the languages of developing nations.

    Creativity: Turn your ideas into marketing tools and you will become a valued employee. Creativity is vital to multinational corporations, which must sell their products to a variety of customers. If your concept successfully redesigns a popular American product for sales in New Zealand, it may propel you into a management position.

    The ability to work under pressure: The launch of a new ad campaign or product is extremely intense; unforeseen cultural issues and trade barriers can arise at the last minute. You will be at a competitive advantage if you can meet impending deadlines quickly.

What kinds of firms employ international business students?

    The list is extensive, but frequent employers include banks, import/export corporations, multinational manufacturers, consulting firms, international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), electronics companies and transportation industries like shipping and airlines.

What careers do international business students pursue?

    The international business profession is expanding rapidly as an increasing number of companies conduct multinational transactions. Your specific field may be in accounting, finance, marketing, management, purchasing or production, but you will focus on global and cultural business issues. Common job titles include Import/Export Agent, Foreign Currency Investment Advisor, Foreign Sales Representative and International Management Consultant.

What’s the overall career outlook for this field?

    International business is influenced by numerous socio-cultural, political and legal factors, but overall employment is expected to rise as young organizations like the European Union expand and recruit new economic partners.
Salaries depend upon the size and location of the company, as well as your own related experience, level of education and cultural skills. Entry-level earnings can range from $24,000 to $40,000, and these numbers will&nbs

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