Global HR Professional
Job Description
With business and the economy becoming globally focused, many companies are sending their employees overseas. This global workforce has created new career opportunities for job seekers interested in the human resources field. A global human resources professional does a little bit of everything. Individuals being sent abroad by their companies have many questions and need a variety of services coordinated, from getting the correct visas and figuring out salary and tax status to obtaining settling-in services, housing assistance and cross-cultural training. HR professionals are responsible for pulling all of this information together and making sure that all of the necessary hurdles (like visas, for example) are taken care of so that ex pats have a smooth transition into their new work and living environments.
Some organizations use their internal human resources staff to provide such services, but many contract these services out to global relocation firms, which are usually based in the US. But whether you are working for a specific company that provides information and support to its own employees or an organization that specializes in global relocation, you need a certain core skill set that is slightly different from that of a human resources generalist.
If you are considering a position as a global HR professional, ask yourself the following questions:
• Are you detail oriented?
• Are you patient with people?
• Do you have strong interpersonal skills?
• Do you have good time management skills?
Median Salary
The median salary varies from country to country, but the average salary is similar to that of an HR manager (57 K).
Education Requirements
The educational backgrounds of global HR professionals vary considerably, reflecting the diversity of duties and levels of responsibility. In filling entry-level jobs, many employers seek college graduates who have majored in human resources, human resources administration, or industrial and labor relations. Other employers look for college graduates with a technical or business background or a well-rounded liberal arts education.
Job Outlook
Employment of global HR professionals is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. College graduates who have earned certification should have the best job opportunities. Overall employment is projected to grow by 19 percent between 2006 and 2016, faster than the average for all occupations.