Welcome to the human resources page!

Whether you are just beginning to explore a career in human resources or looking to deepen your understanding of the field, you are in the right place. On this page you will find the tools and resources to explore human resources deeply, reflect on your interests, and connect your strengths to real-world career possibilities.

Your journey starts here—let’s explore what’s possible!

What is human resources?

Human resources (HR) is the business function responsible for managing people and workplace culture. Within HR, professionals focus on recruitment and staffing, employee relations, compensation and benefits, talent development, diversity and inclusion, and organizational effectiveness. HR plays a strategic role in supporting business goals by aligning people strategies with organizational needs.

Take a look at the human resources career map to explore this function visually. After you have explored the human resources function, we encourage you to visit other function pages within the W. P. Carey career website to compare and gain a clearer picture of where you might thrive professionally.

Core skills needed for human resources careers

A successful career in human resources requires a blend of empathy, strategic thinking, and operational expertise. Core competencies include:

• Relationship building and communication: Foster trust and transparency through clear, respectful communication with employees, leadership, and external partners.
• Emotional intelligence: Navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with empathy, self-awareness, and discretion.
• Conflict resolution: Address workplace issues constructively and diplomatically to maintain a positive and productive environment.
• Legal and ethical knowledge: Apply employment law, compliance standards, and ethical best practices to ensure fair and lawful HR operations.
• Analytical skills: Use data to inform decisions in areas such as compensation, workforce planning, performance metrics, and talent management.
• Change management and organizational development: Support company-wide initiatives by guiding teams through transitions, improving structures, and cultivating a resilient culture.

Whether you are focused on talent acquisition, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, or HR strategy, the field offers meaningful ways to shape workplace culture and support organizational success.

Related clubs and organizations

Society of Human Resources Management

Explore all student organizations at ASU here

Learn more about networking via professional chapters here

10-Year demand forecast

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in human resources is projected to grow steadily over the next decade. Key roles such as Human Resources Specialists and Training and Development Managers are expected to grow by 6–8% through 2032, in line with the average for all occupations. As businesses prioritize employee well-being, DEI, and workforce retention, demand for HR professionals will remain strong.

Source: U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

How you can expect to engage in your job search

There are three primary ways business school students find jobs. Understanding which of these is part of your job search will help you build an efficient plan. Although each of these types of job searches requires a different plan, they all require the same core capabilities for success: Personal narrative, market research, networking, applications, and interviewing. Let us help you figure it out!

• On-campus/Global Job Search
  The majority of on-campus recruiting happens in the fall semester with a smaller set of firms doing campus recruiting in the spring. This requires you to be prepped and ready to interview soon after school starts. If the firms you are focused on do not visit ASU’s campus, then you will need to supplement your On-campus strategy with a Networked or Just-in-time job search.
• Networked Job Search
  All job searches require networking skills. If you are targeting firms that do not recruit on-campus at ASU then a Networked job search is your avenue. This requires a proactive approach to research, as well as developing relationships with the goal of building advocates within a firm. You’ll need to ensure your personal narrative and job search skills are well developed to convince these firms to consider you.
• Just-in-time Job Search
  A majority of firms, whether they participate in on-campus recruiting or not, will have a need for immediate hires throughout the year. Although applications are submitted at the time of need, your preparation and networking should be ongoing in order to be ready when these opportunities arise. These opportunities can be limited and are not predictable, so you’ll want to view this as a back-up strategy, rather than an excuse to delay your job search.