The Term “Human Resources” (HR) can mean a lot of different things. Entry-level positions often include HR assistants, recruiters, HR specialists or coordinators. These roles handle administrative tasks and support functions for the department as a whole. As professionals gain experience, they may move into roles such as HR generalist, talent acquisition specialist, employee relations manager, training and development manager, or compensation and benefits specialist. In this article, we’ll be focusing on the benefits specialist position.
What Benefits Specialists Do (And Why It Matters)
Good benefits and compensation packages are a necessity for businesses to attract the best candidates and to fill their open positions. Making choices about employer-provided benefits and understanding how to use benefits is a major source of anxiety for many workers. This means that HR benefits specialists have an important role to play in helping businesses hire and keep good employees.
Benefits specialists focus on building competitive compensation packages that are attractive to the most qualified candidates. People in this role also guide employees through the process of using the benefits to which they are entitled. Figuring out how to request emergency leave is the last thing anyone wants to deal with during an already-stressful situation. That’s where the benefits specialist comes in. These HR team members strive to make using employee benefits streamlined and stress-free.
Preparing for a Career in HR
Most HR jobs require foundational training in human resources principles and practices. Earning an HR degree — such as the one offered at Interactive College of Technology (ICT) — can be a significant first step. ICT’s human resources management program provides students with real-world knowledge of employment law, employee relations, compensation structures, and HR software systems, helping new entrants find their footing.
More Than Just Conflict Resolution
A common misconception is that working in HR means spending most working hours mediating disputes and personality conflicts between employees. While anyone in a general HR role might be called on to handle conflict resolution, the role that the HR department plays in modern businesses is much more varied.
Ensuring regulatory compliance is at least as much a part of the job as any mediation. Helping employees make benefits claims is also a large part of HR. From putting in vacation requests to handling paperwork for family medical leave or disability claims, it is all part of the job.
Why Choose HR as a Career?
Working in HR allows you to be at the center of an organization’s growth and success. Whether you’re managing employee benefits, fostering a positive workplace culture, or supporting professional development, HR professionals create environments where people and businesses thrive.
If you’re looking for a people-first career that blends communication, analysis, and organizational leadership, HR might be the right path for you.
Take the first step toward a rewarding HR career — enroll in the human resources management program at ICT.