Human Resources

What can I do with a major in Human Resources

Management education is about developing skills to adapt and succeed in today’s every-changing workplace as well as learning how to utilize technology to advance a business or organization.

Human Resource Management and Labour Relations is the study of people at work and the activities associated with recruitment and selection, training and development, retention, and occupational health and safety. A key component is Organizational Behaviour, which examines things like leadership, motivation, employee attitudes, and productivity. Labour Relations is the study of how employers and employees work together to create a fair workplace.

As an Human Resource Management/Labour Relations major, students choose from a broad array of courses, customizing their studies to fit their interests and career goals. Students will develop a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills, learning from experts in small, interactive classroom environments.

Students interested in Human Resource Management and Labour Relations can complete:

Bachelor of Management (HRM/LR)

Bachelor of Management (HRM/LR)/Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Management (HRM/LR)/Bachelor of Science

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Ability to Assess Personnel Needs
  • Analyze Issues from Multiple Perspectives
  • Critical, Creative & Analytical Thinking
  • Computer Literacy
  • Decision Making
  • Interviewing
  • Leadership
  • Logistical Thinking
  • Mediation & Negotiation
  • Motivate & Direct Others
  • Oral & Written Communication
  • Organizational Skills
  • Planning & Budgeting
  • Present Ideas & Data Clearly & Effectively
  • Problem Solving
  • Recruiting & Training
  • Stretegic Leadership
  • Time Management

Work Environment

Human Resource Management/Labour Relations specialists work in businesses, non-profit organizations, governments, labour unions, and consulting firms. HRM/LR graduates will choose from a wide range of careers in areas such as public relations, commerce, management, administration, economics or marketing. Graduates may find employment with insurance agencies, research and academic institutions, communication companies, banks and financial institutions or professional services.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Recruitment & Selection
  • Labour Relations
  • Training & Development
  • Benefits
  • Systems
  • Occupational Health & Safety
  • Risk Assessment

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

  • Communications Lead/ Specialist
  • Employee Relations Consultant
  • Human Resources Assistant
  • Human Resources Contact Centre Specialist
  • Human Resources Officer/ Specialist
  • Human Resources Services Coordinator
  • Information & Public Relations Officer
  • Labour Relations Generalist
  • Labour Relations Officer/ Consultant
  • Labour Relations Research Coordinator
  • Management Trainee
  • Personnel Officer

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Benefits Coordinator/ Manager
  • Certified Human Resources Specialist
  • Claims Adjudicator
  • College Instructor
  • Compensation & Benefits Analyst
  • Corporate Recruiter
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Diversity Manager
  • Employee Relations Manager
  • Employment Development Specialist
  • Executive Recruiter
  • Executive Search Consultant
  • General Manager
  • Government Administrator
  • Grievance Officer
  • Head Hunter
  • Human Resource Manager/Director
  • Human Resources Development Trainer
  • Human Resources Systems Analyst
  • Industrial Relations Specialist/Manager
  • Job Analyst
  • Labour Negotiator
  • Labour Policy Analyst
  • Labour Relations Consultant
  • Management Consultant
  • Mediator
  • Negotiator/Advisor
  • Non-Profit Administrator
  • Occupational Health & Safety Officer/Specialist
  • Office Manager
  • Officer Placement Consultant
  • Operations Researcher/ Manager
  • Organizational Development Specialist
  • Outplacement Specialist
  • Payroll Administrator
  • Personnel Recruiter
  • Policy Advisor
  • Project Manager
  • Recruiting Specialist
  • Staffing Specialist
  • Training Specialist
  • University Professor

On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

  • Account Executive
  • Advertising Representative
  • Author
  • Business Analyst
  • Buyer
  • Career Development Counsellor
  • Editor/Publisher
  • Entrepreneur
  • Event Coordinator
  • Exhibit Planner
  • Facilities Coordinator
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Learning & Development Coordinator
  • Logistics Specialist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Media Correspondent
  • Media Planner
  • Portfolio Manager
  • Promotions Manager
  • Purchasing Agent
  • Research Analyst
  • Sales Analyst
  • Speech Writer
  • Transportation Director

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.