HR Degree 101: 7 Things They Don't Tell You (But a Ugandan Grad Will)

Hey there! If you're if you’re reading this you’ve just started or considering pursuing a
Bachelors degree in Human Resource Management and are probably feeling a mix of
excitement and maybe a little bit of uncertainty. As someone who is about to graduate with
their degree in HR, I wanted to share a few things that I wish I knew when I first started out.
Here are seven things they don't tell you as you begin your journey in HR:
1. HR is about more than just hiring and firing employees.
I know, I know, when you tell people you're studying HR, the first thing they say is
"Oh, so you're going to be the one who hires and fires people?" But that's just a small
part of it. HR is far much more than that. HR professionals in Uganda and around the
world are responsible for a wide range of functions, including employee benefits,
training and development, performance management, and labor relations. There's so
much more to it than just the hiring and firing!
2. Communication skills are key.
As an HR professional, you will be the intermediary between management and
employees so it's important to be able to listen actively, speak clearly and concisely,
and convey information in a way that is easy to understand. And let's be real, with all
the different languages spoken in Uganda, being a good communicator is even more
important.
3. You may have to deal with difficult people.
HR professionals often have to handle difficult situations and personalities, whether
it's an employee who is consistently underperforming or a manager who is difficult
and tricky to work with. Developing strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to
remain “cool and professional under pressure” will be key in these situations. And
trust me, you'll definitely encounter some difficult personalities along the way. Just
remember to stay calm and keep your professional hat on.
4. The HR field is constantly evolving.
Much like everything else in the world, the world of HR is constantly shifting. New
laws, regulations, and best practices are constantly emerging, and it will be important
to stay up-to-date on these developments. This may require devotion to constant
learning and professional development, such as attending conferences or earning
certifications. The HR world is always changing, so it's important to stay on top of
things.
5. Long hours may be a part of the job.
Depending on the organization and the specific HR role, you may be required to work
long hours, including evenings and weekends. I had to go through this as an Intern
and man did, I have to pull some long ones. It's important to be prepared for this and
to have a good work-life balance. Just make sure to pace yourself and remember to
take breaks when you need them, can’t afford to have you burn out.
6. Don't underestimate the value of internships.
While they may not always be talked about as much in universities in Uganda,
internships are crucial for your professional growth. They can be a great way to gain
practical experience and build your professional network so make sure to do as many
 of them as you can get your hands onto. Doesn’t matter if they are paid or unpaid. The
experience and connections you gain will be invaluable in your HR career moving
forward. Never know one of them might even retain you upon if you show
exceptional talent.
7. Start thinking about your thesis early on.
Your dissertation will be a significant part of your degree program, and it's important
to start thinking about what you want to write about as early as possible. Often time
students reach their final years of university and panic as they have no idea on what
they want their thesis is going to be on. Thinking about your thesis early on will give
you plenty of time to sort through the available topic, research and gather information,
and it will make the writing process a lot smoother in the long run. Trust me, you
don't want to leave it until the last minute.
Ultimately, starting a degree in human resources can be a rewarding and exciting journey, but
it's important to go in with your eyes open and be prepared for the challenges and demands
that come with the role. With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, you can build
a successful career in HR. Good luck on your HR journey!

Alphonse Dixon Odwongo