Look Three Ways for Career Development — Part 2

This article is Part 2 of a series. Part 1 appeared in the Q2 spring issue of HR Pulse.

BY ELIZABETH BRUNO, MSN, RN

When I first considered writing this article for ASHHRA, I thought about titling it "I’m Certified…Now What?" That’s a phrase I’ve heard from many HR colleagues when chatting about their careers. As I explored the topic and met with new and old friends, people spoke about careers, confusion, and a desire to move forward. Hence, the article.

In my article titled Look in The Mirror, I asked you, the reader, several questions designed to help you clarify your focus, look closely at your performance and habits, and consider ways to increase both your self-awareness and your value in your organization.

In Looking Around You, I asked questions designed to help you look deeper at your organization’s priorities, competitive position, and challenges. Additionally, I focused on the importance of developing and maintaining relationships. Finally, I encouraged you to raise your profile within your organization.

Look to the Future

"Bottom line: you’re in charge of your career. There are things you can control and things you can’t."

It’s a fact that roles primarily associated with process-driven repetitive tasks are at risk for automation. These administrative roles are easily augmented by technology and, depending on the tasks, can be shifted to AI solutions. This is where supervisors and managers can support employees by counseling and coaching them in these roles to take advantage of opportunities to reskill or upskill.

On the other side of this transformation lie the opportunities for more strategic work with leaders and teams. Those roles will require empathy and emotional intelligence that AI cannot replicate.

Credentialing, Upskilling, and Reskilling

Depending on who you ask or what sources of information you consider, the advice on preparing for the future of HR is quite varied. A new manager recently asked me, "Should I go for more formal credentials or just focus on acquiring additional knowledge and skills? Or, should I go for both and give up sleep for the next three years?" While it’s not helpful, I’ll say it: it depends on your current situation, your aspirations, your responsibilities at home and work, and your energy. Here are some general thoughts on credentials and degrees.

Certifications and Digital Badges

HR certifications have proliferated over the past 8–10 years. While SHRM and HRCI have been the major organizations offering certifications, as the field has evolved and become more specialized, other well-respected organizations and academic centers have entered the picture. Many more targeted certifications, micro-certifications and badges have been developed.

In healthcare, many disciplines offer a variety of certifications. In discussions with healthcare recruitment professionals and CHROs, it seems to be conventional wisdom that HR certifications do hold weight when considering individuals for hire and, to some extent, promotions. Employers often view certifications as evidence of a level of mastery in a body of knowledge. Additionally, certified individuals are often viewed as more credible and more dedicated to their profession.

Digital badges are verifiable representations of completed micro lessons focusing on specific skills or a "chunk" of information. These microlearnings and the badges they represent are offered through HR certification and training companies, various colleges and universities, as well as some general professional development platforms. A simple search on your topic and "digital badge" should yield results. (Note: It’s always in your best interest to investigate the validity of the provider.)

Given this, it’s important to consider how certifications and badges will fit best into your career plan. A certification that is core to HR or your specific specialty can be augmented by microlearning badges that reflect additional areas of interest and expertise. Whatever you select, the goal is to paint a picture of your knowledge and skills that will put your professional profile in the best light. (Note: There are certifications beyond those listed below. Find what works best for you and feel free to "layer-on" badges that suit your aspirations.")

Embrace technology and learn all you can about AI, but always advocate for decisions that are data informed rather than simply data driven.

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

• SHRM Certified Professional
• SHRM Senior Certified Professional
• HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
• Associate Professional in Human Resources
• Professional in Human Resources
• Senior Professional in Human Resources
• Global Professional in Human Resources

American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA)

• Certified in Healthcare Human Resources

World at Work

• Certified Compensation Professional
• Certified Benefits Professional
• Certified Executive Compensation Professional

Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR)

• Artificial Intelligence for HR
• People Analytics
• HR Generalist
• HR Business Partner 2.0
• Learning & Development
• Talent Management
• Digital HR/HR Technology

Advanced Degrees

The decision to pursue an advanced degree is not one to be taken lightly.

Degrees are expensive and require a great deal of time. Only you can weigh the variables associated with the decision. Should you pursue an MHA, an MBA, or a master’s in HR? How reputable are the schools? What is the school’s graduation/completion rate? How good is the faculty? Are any of them practitioners in HR? How long will it take? What’s the cost? Are you eligible for tuition reimbursement? Are the roles to which you aspire best served by obtaining that degree?

Only you can decide. Do not pursue a degree simply because others are getting one. Your situation is unique.

In Closing

This two-part article asked many questions and raised a few provocative points. Bottom line: you’re in charge of your career. There are things you can control and things you can’t. Here are a few thoughts:

Reflect on what you really want and control what you can. Seek a mentor. Be selective about which certifications, badges, and advanced degrees you pursue. Have the courage to look in the mirror regularly. Keep your radar active regarding what’s happening in your workplace. Be visible and network responsibly. Embrace technology and learn all you can about AI and its uses in healthcare. Become data literate, but when possible, advocate for decisions that are data informed rather than simply data driven. We are, after all, human resources. Finally, take every opportunity to be mindful of the good you do each day.

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Author bio:

Liz Bruno is an accomplished Educator and Human Performance Improvement professional with more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her work has included learning and development, performance consulting, organizational development and leadership, and a variety of clinical roles. She’s a skilled coach, facilitator, team builder, and communicator across diverse groups and a frequent speaker on podcasts and at national and regional events.

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