|
Featured Author/Written By: Professor Veronica Barber
Imagine being able to design an organization from the people’s perspective. Who do you have, who do you need, how do you coordinate the work in a way that allows each person to work to their fullest potential, and how do you achieve organizational results? This is what Human Resources has become. Whether you see this as the architect role, an exciting game of chess, or the head coach position, this is what Human Resources People strategists are doing for companies. The HR role has shifted quite substantially over the last decade to become the most prominent player in organizational strategy and effectiveness. Organizations can’t exist without the people they employ, retain, and develop. HR is the area of expertise that helps businesses achieve their goals by navigating the people part of the business.
Human Resource experts fall into a variety of categories: talent acquisition, job design, people analytics, talent management, organizational culture, employee engagement and experience, employee relations, DEI, employee communications, learning and development, organizational development and effectiveness, and total rewards (i.e., compensation, benefits, rewards and recognition, wellbeing, etc.). This is an ever-growing area of expertise that has become even more important given the pandemic and our societal desire to create more humane and inclusive work environments.
Bentley is pleased to offer the HR concentration, where students are exposed to the people issues facing organizations and to strategies for creating high-performing organizations that honor, support and grow employees. Students who elect the HR concentration begin by taking a general people management course to understand each of the HR functional areas. Afterward, they can dive deeper into four key areas: talent management, workforce strategies (i.e., learning and development), motivating through total rewards, and HR and the Law. These core/elective courses provide a strong foundation for anyone interested in pursuing a career in management or HR. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Veronica Barber, the HR concentration/minor coordinator, at vbarber@bentley.edu.
