Roadmap

May 25, 2024

How to become HR Analyst in 2024

Not only are HR (Human Resources) careers no longer linear, but now you are also expected to have more diversity in your career. These days, professionals switch between roles and companies more often than in the past decades. 

According to a research report by Deloitte, 84% of workers consider the shift from careers as a hierarchy to careers as experiences very important, reason being that in today’s disruptive business environment, you need a diverse set of skills and competencies that cannot be achieved by simply following the traditional hierarchical career progression.

If you are someone that has joined the HR domain and are curious about interacting with data to generate actionable insights, we will help propel your career in this ever-changing work environment with the help of our Roadmap.

Let’s get started; with the help of our blog, you will not only understand what an HR Analyst’s job entails, but also a step-by-step guidance on how you can progress into becoming one yourself.

Explore this blog to get a better understanding of becoming an HR Analyst in today’s data-driven world.

What is an HR Analyst?

A Human Resources (HR) analyst collects, manages, and analyzes HR information to help streamline processes and make data decisions. A Human Resource analyst also helps create effective organizational policies based on their findings. This can include employee satisfaction, ratings, training results, departmental productivity, numbers, and other information relevant to the functioning of a company. 

If you enjoy data analysis and would like to help an organization understand the effect of HR policies and strategies, this might be a career you would enjoy.

Job Prospect in HR Analytics

According to Global Market Insights, the HR analytics market was valued at USD 3.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to register at a CAGR of over 13% between 2024 and 2032. This industry is driven by the increasing demand for talent, retention and succession planning across organizations.

In India, the estimated average salary can start from 7 Lakhs per year, and can reach up to more than 25 Lakhs per year, for more senior-level roles, according to data from Glassdoor.

Roadmap to become an HR Analyst

1. Educational Requirement

Clear, there is no set way of becoming an HR analyst. A degree in psychology, business administration, and HRM will help you to become a good HR analyst. Many HR analysts hold at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, like business administration or human resources management. In some cases they also have a master’s degree in an HR related area. 

Also, a good knowledge of applied mathematics/statistics assists non-programming candidates in building a rising career in HR analytics, to help develop data analysis skills, an HR analyst may also take courses in areas like statistics or business data.

2. Skills required for the role

1. Generic Requirements

  • Firstly, you must have an analytical mindset in order to manipulate and translate a large volume of data into meaningful solutions. 
  • Secondly, you need to be able to quickly understand how databases, systems and processes work. Moreover, you should always seek to improve efficiencies as well as making the most of the information available. 
  • Lastly, being an analyst, it is extremely essential that you not only assess high-level trends, but also identify the smaller issues which can potentially make a large commercial impact on the business.

2. Technical Attributes

1. Advanced Excel

An HR analyst must learn excel functions and applications for managing unstructured datasets. HR analysts need to format the data sets before studying them and learning advanced excel functions to carry out HR duties.

Learning Resources :

2. Basic DI & AI

HR analysts need to learn tools like R programming, coding, and Python to build a strong career in this field. If you learn ML techniques and applications, deriving insights becomes easier. Also learning NLP techniques helps in trading and viewing complex employee data patterns. 

Learning Resources :

3. Tableau

Imaging and viewing complex data trends are possible with the rightful application of Tableau. Knowledge of Tableau helps to predict the labor market trends, future demands, and skills gap. As a result, HR analysts can plan their recruitment processes per market trends, and generate employee performance reports with real insights. By every means, Tableau helps managers and leaders visualize the facts and update the skills development scope in the firm. 

4. Power BI

HR professionals use Power BI to view unstructured data sets, clean them and explore vital insights. Real insights are essential for businesses, since they save time and effort. The interactive features led by Power BI support generating reports on recruitment trends in the labor market.

  • Learning Resources-some text
    • Advanced Microsoft Power BI by EDUREKA 
    • Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst by MIcrosoft

3. Work Experience

If you’re looking for an HR analyst role, you may want to begin by seeking an entry-level position in the HR field. Certain organizations may also require you to have data analysis experience before beginning an HR analyst position. You can gain this experience through an internship or entry-level position as a data analyst for various organizations.

Many analysts also enter this occupation with several years of work experience in various organizations. Standard work backgrounds involve experience in management, HR, and information technology.

4. Certifications

While most employers don’t require HR analysts to have a specific certification, you can earn some optional designations to develop your skills and show your dedication to the field. Some certifications you can pursue to showcase your talents include a certified professional or Senior Certified Professional designation from the Society for human resources management (SHRM). While organizations like SHRM and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) can offer HR certificates, you may also consider seeking certifications in data analysis. Obtaining certifications like PHR(professional in human resources) or SPHR(senior professional in human resources) can bolster your expertise and credibility in the field.

Top HR Certification Bodies

There are various certification providers for HR Analytics, some of which includes

1. Vskills- India’s Largest Certification Body

Vskills is India’s Largest Assessment Body which works on the principle to improve the scope of professional certification and academic testing mechanism. Moreover, Vskills Certification helps enrich your profile-

  • Improving relevance and applicability
  • Helps to build confidence and self accomplishment
  • Improve marketability 
  • Hike in salary
  • Further improved academic recognition

2. AHLC

Aon Hewitt Learning Center is a certification body, which envisages real learning to help HR impact business outcomes

3. Nulearn

Nulearn is an innovative and educational platform that curates up-skilling and training solutions.

4. Udemy

Udemy is an online learning and teaching marketplace. Moreover, it turns your current online courses into certification courses.

Different HR Analytics Career Tracks

The role of an HR analyst has evolved, and now it’s not just about data and policies. Depending on the organization, size, industry, and goals, the HR analyst role can have various no answers. Here are some specialized career tracks within the HR analyst domain

1. Operational HR Analyst

This HR analyst is deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the company, ensuring HR policies are streamlined and supporting functional heads in achieving operational efficiency.

2. Strategic HR Analyst

Their main focus is on long-term HR planning, growth strategies, employing engagement, and talent acquisition. They are visionaries, plotting the company's future HR landscape.

3. Risk Management HR Analyst

This track emphasizes identifying, assessing, and planning for any HR risks to the company. In sectors like banking or insurance, this role is especially critical. 

4. Transformation HR Analyst

They focus on change management and oversee the HR aspects of business transformation, whether it’s adopting new technologies, restructuring, or pivoting to new business models.

5. Startup HR Analyst

In the dynamic world of start-ups, this HR analyst not only manages HR but often plays roles in operations, fundraising, and sometimes even marketing, adapting to the start-ups, rapid growth and evolving needs.

6. Compliance-focused HR Analyst

Especially in highly regulated industries, this HR analyst ensures that the company's HR practices adhere to local, national, and international regulations and standards.

Similar Career Options for HR Analyst

  • Data Scientist- For HR professionals, transitioning to data science can be a rewarding move, as their skills in understanding human behavior and organizational needs can be valuable in interpreting data trends and patterns.

  • Business Analyst- For HR professionals, this field offers natural transition, leveraging their skills in data, interpretation, and understanding organizational needs to drive strategic decisions.

  • Digital Marketing Specialist- For HR professionals, this is a great fit as it requires an understanding of people's behaviors and preferences, skills that HR professionals typically possess.

  • Benefits/ Payroll Specialist- For HR professionals, this is a great fit as it leverages their understanding of employee, benefits, compensation, structures, and regulatory compliance.

  • Corporate Trainer- This role is particularly suitable for HR professionals, as it utilizes their expertise in employee development and organizational learning, improving employee skills and knowledge.

  • Project Manager- This is a well suited role for HR professionals due to their skills in business communication, and team management, which are crucial for successful project delivery.

Conclusion

From growing skill gaps to looming automation of various jobs, we are living in a world enslaved by uncertainty and disruptions. As an HR professional, you need to have a well-rounded set of skills to ensure that you are able to turn existing and future challenges into opportunities for yourself. But what is important is understanding which skills and behavior you would need as your first step in your journey to becoming a future-proof HR professional.

Ready to get started?

Join Data Analysts who use Super AI to build world‑class real‑time data experiences.

Request Early Access