Most career paths in human resource management (HRM) include attaining in-depth competency in one or two HR areas, such as compensation, benefits, recruitment, selection, training, human resource information systems, or management development. An HR professional may manage one of the HR functional areas or a general HR unit. A career as a general manager of a business unit also is common. Successful careers often include international experience and involvement in organizational change processes, such as mergers and acquisitions, downsizing, and reengineering.

With organizations facing stiffer competition in the global marketplace, the role of HRM has undergone a parallel transformation. As organizations recognize the importance of integrating HRM strategies with overall business strategy, vice presidents of HR increasingly have become members of corporate executive committees and boards of directors. Much of the "administrivia" either has been engineered out of the job or has been automated, and some traditional HR functions have been given to general line managers. As a consequence, line managers need to broaden their knowledge about how to add value to the organization through effective HR strategies.

Most graduates of the program begin their careers in specialized HR functions. Typical entry-level jobs in larger organizations include compensation analyst, recruiter, benefits counselor, Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) analyst, human resource information systems (HRIS) coordinator, and training administrator. Many larger companies have professional development programs that offer rotations in various HR functions. These are fast-track positions that after 18 to 24 months can lead to an HR manager or other management position. In smaller organizations, typical entry-level jobs include staffing administrator, compensation administrator, or HR generalist supporting an organizational unit, such as a plant or a line of business. Those students without prior experience who complete internships have a greater market value and frequently are offered jobs at organizations where they intern.