International Human Resources Manager

International Human Resources Managers work strategically to cultivate a corporate environment that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. They build out programs, resources, and initiatives that create a positive employee experience as well as meet compliance requirements. This work requires an understanding of employment law, human resources principles, and international business strategy. Here is a career guide to help you break into the industry:

Skills for International Human Resources

Many of the skills required for working in human resources are the same for an International HR Manager, but the emphasis on international business makes a deep understanding of employment policies around the world, social and cultural awareness, and multicultural fluency of prime importance.

Beyond these skills, an International Human Resources Manager should expect to be competent in the following areas:

• Cross-cultural communication and conflict resolution
• Employee relocation and expatriate management
• Global mobility
• International employment law and compliance
• Organizational change management
• Talent acquisition and retention
• Benefits administration
• Performance management
• Staffing and recruitment
• Strategic human resources planning

Education and Training

As with most management roles, a bachelor’s degree is the preferred qualification for an International Human Resources Manager. Any major is suitable as long as the learning included significant elements of business, management, human resources, or a related field. For those with an unrelated bachelor’s degree, an MBA will significantly increase your competitive edge.

Some companies may be willing to hire without an MBA if you have significant work experience, though work experience in human resources is not as critical for an International Human Resources Manager as it is in other fields.

Certifications

Certifications are not always a requirement for International Human Resources Managers but can be helpful for getting a foot in the door, especially if you have little experience. The Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification from the HR Certification Institute is an excellent place to begin. Another great option is the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification.

Networking

Conferences and meet-ups organized by professional human resources organizations like SHRM are a great way to network with other professionals in this field. You can also connect with potential employers and uncover a wealth of job resources.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for HR managers is expected to grow 9% in the next 10 years according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is faster than the average for all occupations across all industries.

Online Courses and Career Preparation

Online courses are an effective tool to supplement your learning in this field. There are many courses available, whether you’re looking to make a career change, prepare for graduate-level studies, or further your management career.

Online courses offer learning options for all stages of the career lifecycle. They can bridge the gap between what you learn in the classroom and the experience employers expect when making hiring decisions. Courses offer opportunities to interact with faculty and other students, participate in lecture videos, complete assignments and projects, and take quizzes and exams. These online platforms can offer a rich and immersive learning experience that’s the next best thing to a traditional learning environment.

Some online courses are self-paced, while others follow a specific schedule. They can be a great option for working professionals who want to continue learning without quitting their jobs. With such flexibility, online courses are an excellent way to prepare for an International HR career and gain a head start on your path to success.