Investing in People: The Long-Term Benefits of a Master’s in HR and Industrial Relations
Friday, December 20, 2024
In today's dynamic business environment, the role of human resources (HR) and industrial relations is constantly evolving. For professionals who want to make a significant impact in this changing field, a Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations (MHRIR) degree can be an excellent way to enhance career prospects while contributing to organizational success.
Understanding the connection between human resources and industrial relations, along with the long-term advantages of a master’s degree in HR and industrial relations, can help you decide if this path aligns with your interests and career goals.
Understanding Human Resources and Industrial Relations
One of the most common questions prospective students have about this type of degree program is, "What's industrial relations, anyway?" While the field of human resources is relatively well understood, industrial relations is a novel concept for some.
What Is Industrial Relations?
Industrial relations involves the study and management of employee relationships. Most often, this refers to relationships between employers, employees, and unions.
Industrial Relations within Human Resources
Now that you have a better understanding of what industrial relations entails, you may be wondering, "What is industrial relations in HR, specifically?"
There are many ways in which industrial relations and human resources work together to effectively manage workforce dynamics. For example, both of these fields are centered around the management of people within an organization. In fact, there is a great deal of overlap between HR and IR, particularly as it relates to roles in policy development, compensation, training, organizational structure, leadership, employee relations, compliance, and more.
HR focuses on the employee life cycle, such as recruitment, benefits, training, and development, and IR centers on maintaining positive relationships between employers and employees.
What Is a Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations?
An MHRIR degree is a graduate-level degree program that provides students with an opportunity to study all aspects of the human resources and industrial relations field. At the University of Minnesota, this 40-credit human resources and industrial relations program normally takes 16–20 months full-time and 3–5 years part-time, and it provides students with a multidisciplinary foundation in critical topics such as:
- Economics
- Psychology
- Business
- Culture
- Ethics
- Law
Meanwhile, students will learn about every aspect of the employment relationship, ranging from HR management to labor relations and beyond.
Core Competencies Developed in the Industrial Relations and HR Master’s Degree Program
Those who pursue an HRIR master’s degree from UMN will have the chance to develop a number of core competencies that can be directly applicable to future work in the field.
Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills
As in all areas of business, strong critical thinking and analytical skills are crucial in the field of human resources and industrial relations, especially when it comes to collecting and processing information to resolve workplace conflicts while maintaining compliance with the organization's values and goals. HR and IR professionals also need to have an awareness of their own biases in their work, which requires a strong sense of analytical thinking and self-reflection.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Because HR and IR professionals are often viewed as the face of the organization, it is imperative that those working in these roles have strong communication and interpersonal skills. In a master’s in HR, students can develop such essential skills as active listening, presentation, verbal/written communication, and empathy for others to sharpen these competencies and prepare for real-world conflict resolution.
Ethical and Legal Understanding
HR and IR professionals must also be well-versed in both ethical and legal issues surrounding their work to make the right decisions. For instance, HR and IR workers need to be familiar with employment law, anti-discrimination laws, and other regulations to maintain compliance within their organizations. Meanwhile, HR and IR professionals must be prepared to navigate ethical dilemmas to promote fairness and prevent conflict in the workplace.
5 Long-Term Benefits of Earning an MHRIR Degree
Still not sure whether an industrial relations and HR master’s degree is right for you? Consider some of the long-term benefits of earning this type of degree as an HR or IR professional.
1. Enhanced Career Opportunities
Having a master's degree in human relations and industrial relations can be a great way to open up new opportunities for more advanced roles.
Diverse Career Paths
Those with a master's degree in human resources and industrial relations may qualify for such roles as:
- Human Resources Manager
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Compensation and Benefits Manager
- Organizational Development Consultant
Additionally, with an advanced degree, you may be able to explore HR and IR positions across a wider range of sectors to suit your interests. From opportunities in corporate and nonprofit roles to government and even international organizations, you can find your niche.
Competitive Advantage in the Job Market
Compared to an undergraduate degree in human resources or industrial relations, a graduate-level degree can provide you with the advanced knowledge and skills that you need to gain a deeper understanding of complex HR/IR issues. This could prepare you for more strategic roles that directly influence organizational policy and culture.
2. Development of Specialized Skills
Students in an MHRIR degree program will have the opportunity to develop and practice specialized skills that can come in handy in their future careers, including skills in such areas as strategic HR management, staffing, training and development, compensation and benefits, and industrial relations.
Strategic HR Management
HR professionals with the strategic management skills gained in a master's degree program may be better prepared to utilize talent management, succession planning, and other strategies to better align an organization's HR practices with long-term goals.
Expertise in Industrial Relations
Meanwhile, a master’s in HR and industrial relations can provide in-depth knowledge in such areas as employment legislation and regulations. This can prepare graduates to better manage collective bargaining and resolve conflict in the workplace.
3. Networking and Professional Growth
Being part of a master's degree program in HR and industrial relations can also be a great way to expand your professional network and grow as a respected thought figure within the industry.
Alumni Network
Students in UMN's MHRIR program will have access to a global community of professionals and leaders in the field of human resources and industrial relations. This can provide students with unique opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and career advancement.
Professional Associations
Students in UMN's MHRIR program are also encouraged to join reputable industry organizations (such as the Society for Human Resource Management) during their time in graduate school. Membership in these kinds of professional associations allows students to take advantage of unique opportunities for continuous learning and staying on top of the latest industry trends.
4. Contribution to Organizational Success
If you work in HR or IR and want to make a bigger impact in your role, earning an MHRIR degree can help. It enables you to drive employee engagement, improve retention, and navigate global and cultural challenges more effectively.
Driving Employee Engagement and Retention
By implementing effective HR practices learned in an MHRIR degree program, HR and IR professionals can boost morale and productivity within their organizations. This could reduce turnover rates and lead to higher levels of employee engagement.
Navigating Global and Cultural Challenges
With the knowledge and skill gained in an MHRIR degree program, HR and IR professionals can better manage a diverse workforce while fostering inclusive work environments. This can improve cultural competence among employees while fostering a better understanding of international labor markets and ethical employment practices.
5. Personal Fulfillment and Impact
Finally, earning your master’s in HR from UMN can lead to a sense of fulfillment in your personal and professional life as you learn how to make a real difference in your field.
Making a Difference
Applying the skills and knowledge you acquire from your degree program can create happier and more harmonious workplaces for all. This is especially true when it comes to advocating for employees, promoting fair workplace practices, and encouraging greater corporate social responsibility.
Lifelong Learning and Adaptability
Finally, completing your master's degree can open up a new understanding of the importance of life-long learning and adaptability, especially as the field of human resources and industrial relations continues to evolve and change. With the skills you gain from your HR master’s degree, you can be prepared to stay on top of industry trends and innovations while remaining relevant and competitive in your field.
Get Started With the Carlson School Master’s in HR and Industrial Relations
From enhancing your career prospects and developing specialized skills to building your professional network and making a real difference in your field, there are many practical reasons to consider a master's degree in HR and industrial relations as your next big move.
Looking for the right human resources and industrial relations program to suit your needs? The University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management offers a Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations degree that's designed to be completed in as little as 16 months.
Learn more about UMN's Master’s in HR and Industrial Relations degree by getting in touch today. Ready to apply? You can get started with your online application for admission anytime. Still unsure? Schedule an advising appointment with our HRIR recruiter, Alex Baker.