How to Become a Human Resource Manager

Thinking of becoming a human resource manager in Ghana? We’ll provide you with all the necessary information and requirements needed to become a certified human resource manager in Ghana.

However, before we go over to the procedures of becoming a certified human resource manager in Ghana, it’s important to know what being an HR managers entails.

Who is a Human Resource Manager?

Human resource managers are trained professionals who oversee the human resource department insurers of the functions and tasks being carried out by the HR team.

They are often seen as the link between an organization’s management and its employees, as their work ranges from providing consultation on strategic planning with top executives to recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new staff.

HR managers must stay up-to-date with policies that govern employee rights. These professionals work full-time in an office setting, although travel might be required for meetings or recruiting events.

Duties of Human Resources Managers

Human resources managers typically do the following:

• Plan and coordinate an organization’s workforce to best use employees’ talents
• Link an organization’s management with its employees
• Plan and oversee employee benefit programs
• Serve as a consultant with other managers advising them on human resources issues, such as equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment
• Coordinate and supervise the work of specialists and support staff
• Oversee an organization’s recruitment, interview, selection, and hiring processes
• Handle staffing issues, such as mediating disputes and directing disciplinary procedures

Qualities of a Good Human Resource Manager

Human resources managers are generally required to possess the following skills.

• Decision-Making Skills: Human resources managers must be able to balance the strengths and weaknesses of different options and decide the best course of action. Many of their decisions have a significant impact on operations or workers, such as deciding whether to hire an employee.
• Interpersonal Skills: Human resources managers need strong interpersonal skills because they interact regularly with people. They often collaborate on teams and must develop positive working relationships with their colleagues.
• Leadership Skills: Human resources managers must be able to direct staff and oversee the operations of their department. They must coordinate work activities and ensure that workers in the department complete their duties and fulfil their responsibilities.
• Organizational Skills: Organizational skills are essential for human resources managers, who must be able to prioritize tasks and manage several projects at once.
• Speaking Skills: Human resources managers rely on strong speaking skills to give presentations and direct their staff. They must clearly communicate information and instructions to their staff and other employees.

How to Become a Human Resource Manager in Ghana

There is a lot of career prospects for HR management in Ghana. However, before pursuing a career in human resource management, you need to understand what its really about. Once that is done, you need to follow these steps below.

Education

Before becoming a certified human resource manager, you need to obtain a degree. You can check the list of universities offering human resource management in Ghana to apply.

Aside from obtaining a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, you can also obtain a degree in other fields such as finance, business management, law, education or information technology. Courses in subjects such as conflict management or industrial psychology may be helpful.

Some higher-level jobs require a master’s degree in human resources, labour relations, or business administration (MBA).

Get Working Experience

You need to get related work experience to demonstrate your abilities in organizing, directing and leading others.

Fresh graduates are generally employed into entry-level positions such as HR assistant or HR specialist.

Responsibilities and tasks might include assisting with keeping records of employee benefits, work performance and compensation. Entry-level human resource workers also might assist in employee orientation, training and development.

Apply for a Manager Position

Getting a manager position often requires 4 years of work experience as an HR assistant or HR specialist. You must possess excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal relation skills.

Get Certification

With your years of experience, you can now apply for certification by the Institute of Human Resource Management Practitioners (IHRMP), Ghana.

University graduates are expected to enrol in a four-level programme designed to provide professional training to practice human resource management.

However, individuals who hold university degrees and/or postgraduate qualifications in human resource management enter the programme at Level Three (Professional Level).

The Certification Exams are conducted twice a year (January and July). Students who successfully pass the exams at Level Three are admitted into the Institute as Associate Members.

Associate Members are deemed Certified HR Practitioners after completion of project work at Level four and achieve a minimum of three years of practical work experience.

Conclusion

The journey of becoming a professional human resource manager in Ghana can be tedious and demanding, however, the career path is a very promising one. On the whole, it takes a minimum of 6 years to become a certified HR professional in Ghana. This might be long but the benefits are enormous.