Careers in Human Resources

The HR track is ideal for students who would like to work in human resource management, but also for those who are interested in owning their own business, employment law or organizational leadership and management. Graduates of this program have taken positions in public and private organizations, start-ups, and non-profits as human resource management generalists, who provide advice and expertise in all HR processes within an organization or as human resource management specialists in a variety of areas including recruitment, training and development, and compensation.

Human Resources Pathways

There are many pathways to take in Human Resources.

Talent acquisition and recruitment involve identifying, attracting, and hiring the right candidates to meet an organization’s staffing needs. This function includes workforce planning, job postings, sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and onboarding. The goal is to build a strong talent pipeline that supports both immediate hiring needs and long-term organizational growth.

Compensation and benefits focus on designing and managing employee reward systems, including salaries, bonuses, health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks. This function ensures pay equity, market competitiveness, and alignment with organizational goals to attract and retain top talent while maintaining financial sustainability.

Training and development aim to enhance employee skills, knowledge, and performance through structured learning programs. This includes onboarding, professional development, leadership training, and continuing education. It supports employee growth, improves job performance, and helps prepare the workforce for future organizational needs.

Performance management is the continuous process of setting expectations, evaluating employee progress, and providing feedback to drive individual and organizational success. It includes goal setting, performance appraisals, coaching, and development plans to ensure alignment with business objectives and promote accountability.

Employee relations involves managing the employer-employee relationship to maintain a productive, fair, and respectful workplace. This includes addressing conflicts, handling grievances, supporting workplace culture, and ensuring clear communication. The goal is to foster a positive environment that promotes employee engagement and retention.

Compliance and regulations ensure that HR practices align with labor laws, industry standards, and internal policies. This includes managing legal requirements related to hiring, wages, workplace safety, discrimination, and data protection. Staying compliant minimizes legal risks and supports ethical, responsible business operations.

Build Human Resources Career Skills

  1. Talent Management System (TMS)
  2. Human Resource Information System (HRIS)
  3. Data Analytics Tools
  4. Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

  1. Internships
  2. Micro-Internships
  3. Case Competitions
  4. Study Abroad

CBA Student Organizations:

National/Regional Organizations:

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Career Resources

Career Development is excited to offer students the opportunity to connect with employers through Cat Tracks: Corporate Visits for the …

Contact & Location

Phone
785-532-3982
Address

Career Development
Student Success Center
1001 Business Building
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506

Success Center Hours

Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Appointments recommended