At #SHRM13, Free Online Human Resources Classes – Ask @HRBartender
Today’s note from a reader focuses on something we all should be doing – keeping our skills up-to-date.
Hey Sharlyn. I didn’t attend college to study Human Resources. Actually, I went to beauty school. I’m currently an administrative assistant in the HR department of a fabulous software company. I love my job – love, Love, LOVE IT! I just want to be able to do it better.
Aside from your great blog, I haven’t found much out there to help me further my education. Do you have any suggestions for online classes someone could take to better their knowledge of the HR world? Any that are state specific? My company will reimburse me for the classes, but I know some companies don’t. Are there any good free classes out there?
Thank you so much for the kind words about HR Bartender. I really do appreciate it.
I didn’t get a degree in human resources either. I took a certificate program in human resources from a local college. This might be an option if your company reimburses you or your company has a tuition reimbursement program if they consider it a qualifying program. These programs are typically offered online, in person, as well as a blended format.
Another option is the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) Essentials of HR Management course. You can find details about the program here, including a free demo.
Affiliate human resources associations often can provide specifics about any local, state or county laws. I find much of this information at local chapter meetings. SHRM provides a listing of all their affiliated chapters on their website. Many local employment law firms will host a day of education for the human resources community. If your company has a relationship with a law firm, be sure to ask.
If you’re looking for free programs, one place I always recommend is iTunesU. There are complete human resources management classes you can subscribe to – all FREE! If you don’t have iTunes, you can check out the MOOCs (massive open online courses) being offered by universities. For example, there’s a strategic HR management course being offered by MIT Sloan School of Management.
Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of more informal methods of learning via social media. I learn a lot by reading blogs and participating in Tweetchats. I also hear about webinars on timely topics like the Affordable Care Act.
When you’re looking for HR professional development, where do you turn? Leave your suggestion in the comments.
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