Is it difficult to become an HRD?

Do you dream of becoming an HRD, of being an indispensable pillar of a company and of recruiting the best talents? Be aware that higher education is required to achieve your dream. If this is the professional career you want, check out our article. We will explain how to become a HRD, what training is required to become one and what is the possible evolution.

How to become an HRD?

If you are inspired by the HRD profession, you should know that you need to have a higher education, with a 5-year degree at the end. Preferably, you should specialize in human resources or labor law.

After your baccalaureate, you can follow a university education, i.e. a general or professional degree, and then opt for a specialization in human resources.

Business schools also offer training in Human Resources with a specialization in the first year. Institutions, such as INSEEC, provide students with different tracks to obtain a degree in human resources.

To become an HRD, you have the choice between a multitude of masters. Among the most popular in the field, opt for a master :

• in human resources ;
• in management sciences ;
• in labour law ;
• in employment law ;

Note that the HRD profession is also based on professional experience. Master’s degree courses in HR management are recommended because they allow you to build up your CV.

What training is required to become an HRD?

Access to the profession of human resources director requires a 5-year degree. Once you have your bachelor’s degree, there are many paths that lead to this position.

If you choose to go to university, you must obtain a general or professional license. For a university degree, there are many different courses of study:

• the law ;
• management sciences ;
• psychology;
• Economics;
• economy;
• sociology;
• information and communication.

Then, a master’s degree in Human Resources will introduce you to the profession of HRD within a company. Business and management schools offer a 2, 3 or 5 year program to become an HRD. You will find in these specialized establishments training from the^1st year in human resources management. INSEEC offers a Bachelor’s degree in Management & Financial Management in Human Resources, for high school graduates and above. If you have a Bac +2 or Bac +3, the MSc Human Resources or Master Grande Ecole, Management and Human Resources programs will lead you to the HRD profession.

How many years of experience does it take to become an HRD?

Once you have completed your Master’s degree in human resources management, experience in a company is an essential phase in the management of personnel in a company.

Nevertheless, as soon as you obtain your Bac + 5, especiallyif you follow a work-study program, you will be able to work as a Human Resources Assistant or Manager for a small company. After a course of study in HR or labour law, an apprenticeship allows the student to quickly take up a position in a company.

If you work in a large, international company, knowledge of the internal environment is essential. In this case, a few years of experience is necessary to become familiar with the company’s policy, gain skills and experience and become a Director.

How old do you have to be to become an HRD?

After 5 years of higher education, preferably in a work-study program, and an average of 15 years of experience, an employee can assume the position of HRD. The larger the company and the more complex the issues (industry, redundancy plans, turnover, takeovers, etc.), the more years of experience will be required.

What are the qualities required to be an HRD?

Managing a company’s entire staff requires a variety of skills. To achieve this, the HRD must be demanding and versatile.

In addition to his or her knowledge of social law, finance and administrative management, the HR Director must have a good sense of communication, as he or she will be accompanying the employees and managing all the company’s services. In addition, an interest in technology allows one to update digital tools to manage all of their staff. Knowing how to analyze and negotiate is an asset that an HRD learns over time.

In addition, an interest in technology allows one to update digital tools to manage all of their staff. Knowing how to analyze and negotiate is an asset that an HRD learns over time.

How do I progress in the hierarchy to become an HRD?

Once you have your master’s degree, joining the human resources department is one thing. But to become an HRD, there are 3 possible options:

• choose a work-study program from the start. This allows you to become familiar with the company. Once you have your master’s degree in human resources, it is easier to secure the position of HRD;
• create his own business. One can then assume the de facto function of HRD as soon as one obtains the master’s degree;
• Start with a position as a payroll or recruitment manager. Then become a social relations manager. Once you are familiar with the company’s internal policy, becoming an HRD is less perilous.

Read more articles on our HR FAQ.

Updated 16 October 2023