NWR: Certification Programs

demarcosjd

I'm considering taking a certification class in HR. Either SHRM, PHR, or SPHR. I would love to go back to school and get my Masters but I need a company that will help with tuition reimbursement and my current employer does not offer that. I feel the HR field is very competitive and even when we post a job in HR we are flooded with resumes. If anyone is in the HR field and has a certification did you find that it helped you advance within your career?

AnnPH424

I have the SHRM PHR certification. As far as furthering my career, I feel like since I am the only person in my office that has the PHR, I am given an opportunity to work on different projects before others are asked to which looks great on my resume as well as my boss knowing I am capable etc.  I have not been promoted because of my PHR but there isn't much room for growth in my current company right now either. I am currently looking for a new job as well and I feel like a lot of companies do want someone with their PHR.

I am not sure if I am going to go back for my Master's or not, it's a toss up. In some companies HR is critical, in my company I feel like we can be outsourced any day.

I agree that the HR career is competitive, the VP of HR told me the best thing I could do for myself was get my PHR and get an MBA, he was kind of an education snob and told me not to bother getting and MBA if it wasn't from NYU or Columbia. Not too sure about that advice. I am thinking of getting the CEBS certification as well since my job has become more of a concentration on benefits.

Geri510

I'm currently studying for my SHRM PHR & am thinking of getting my masters in HR once I'm married. I do know that Penn State has an online masters in HR & ti's about $750 per credit - need 33 (I think) for the degree. I've already inquired & the degree says Penn State & nothing about online - so that may be one way to go.

demarcosjd

Thank you for the info! AnnPh that's how it is with my company. It's also very small only 15 people, and I wear a lot of hats within my position. I know that I will need something else to help me to stand out.