As an HR professional, you’ll constantly have to look for engaging new ways to provide your workforce with extra value. Whether through coaching, new learning opportunities, or reward and recognition, doing everything you can to retain your workforce is an ongoing challenge.

According to 99 Firms, highly engaged employees are 41% less likely to be absent from work and 24% less likely to leave the company in search of new opportunities. For you, the best way to stay in touch with the latest HR trends and employee expectations is to resort to lifelong learning (LLL). Here’s how you can benefit from it:

  • Continuously grow and improve your skillset
  • Learn whenever and wherever you are
  • Keep yourself professionally fulfilled
  • Expand your resume with new expertise
  • Find new ways to provide value to your workforce

With the web at your fingertips, you can engage in a variety of online courses, seminars, and training modules from the comfort of your home or your workplace. Let’s discuss some of the best educational resources you should keep in mind when looking for career development opportunities in HR.

educational resources
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1. Human Capital Institute

As an institute dedicated to HR learning, the Human Capital Institute is a great educational resource to help you learn more about various HR roles and specializations. This is an online learning tool which means that you’ll be able to use it as you see fit, no strict schedules or deadlines are used. Each of their courses is centered on different practical skills and their application in real-world HR scenarios. The Human Capital Institute courses are available to both beginner and senior HR specialists and will provide you with valuable certification and know-how to do your job better.

2. Coursera

Online learning platforms with dedicated HR courses can significantly improve your skillset and resume as an HR professional. Coursera is one of the best platforms to keep at the back of your mind whenever you want to pick up new skills and know-how. It features courses by Google and various universities, all of which are curated and delivered by HR experts. This will enable you to learn from people with real-world experience and then apply what you’ve learned to your workplace in a matter of weeks.

3. SHRM Certification

The Society for Human Resource Management features a dedicated online course for HR professionals looking for ways to further their careers. The course comes in two forms, for Certified Professional and Senior Certified Professional HR specialists depending on their experience and plans. SHRM will provide you with quality learning materials and access to webinars which will help prepare you for the certification exam. It’s flexible, engaging, and worthwhile no matter what kind of HR professional you are given SHRM’s renown. 

4. EdApp

EdApp is a great educational resource for HR professionals on a tight schedule or those who are just getting started on their careers. EdApp embraces the principle of microlearning to provide its users with easy, engaging ways to learn new skills without devoting endless hours to multimedia content. When you need to hand in an essay or a paper about HR or other fields, let a professional college paper writer help you. Using a reliable writing service to write or rewrite your papers is a great way to get them right on the first try. Combined with EdApp, you won’t have to worry about kick-starting your career and providing real value to your employer.

5. HR Management Certificate – eCornell

As part of Cornell University, the Human Resource Management Certificate program is an amazing way for you to enhance your abilities as an HR professional. The course lasts for 4,5 months and is completely online. It consists of nine separate courses, of which each takes about two weeks before you’ll move on to the next one. The course is not only suitable for existing professionals but also for entry-level HR graduates who are just starting their careers. Topics like performance management, L&D, and employee relations are covered in great detail, enabling you to truly master the craft and apply your knowledge practically.

6. HR Certification Institute (HRCI)

HRCI is a great learning tool for HR specialists worldwide. Their courses are separated into US-centric and worldwide courses which enables anyone from around the globe to work on their HR skills. While their courses don’t require you to be an HR professional per se, you’ll need to submit proof of HR-centric formal education to be eligible. HRCI will provide you with all the resources you’ll need to prepare for their certification exams and you’ll have plenty of time to do so. Most importantly, however, HRCI is both reputable and very affordable compared to some other HR educational resources on the list. This makes it even more approachable and risk-free comparatively.

Tackling Career Development in HR

The sheer number of options available to you as an HR professional can be overwhelming. However, keep in mind that you should systematically tackle these educational resources and prioritize them based on your needs. 

Look for opportunities to apply new skills and HR methodologies in your workplace and then choose the right courses to help you achieve that. You’ll not only improve your workforce’s employment satisfaction but also demonstrate your ability to address personal skill gaps through online learning and come out on top as a reliable HR professional.