Explore your potential HR careers as a specialist or generalist.
HR professionals typically either specialize (e.g., recruiting, compensation, training, employee relations) or rotate through the various positions on the way to becoming a generalist.
What is an HR Specialist?
Specialists develop deep expertise in a particular area of HRM and are often found in consulting where their expertise is used by a variety of companies. A typical career path for a specialist is to move up within the area of specialization (i.e., from individual contributor to manager, to principal).
What is an HR Generalist?
A generalist background is usually expected of those becoming the Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) of a company. A typical career path for a generalist is to rotate between jobs at a level (e.g., occupy 1-3 individual contributor jobs) before advancing to the next level (e.g., HR Manager).
Student Experiences
How Business Students Network With Professionals
I joined the BS in Human Resource Management program at UTD because I wanted to make a difference in organizations, people’s lives and my career. Events like DallasHR’s HRStars Gala allow HR professionals to get together and celebrate their accomplishments and the impact they have had within the industry.
Do Conferences Help Your Career?
The first time I attended the HR Southwest Conference, I made a point to attend as many educational sessions as possible. Some were very beneficial in giving real-world information about certain subjects such as upcoming laws related to employment and relevant changes in legislation.
More Prepared Than I Realized
In April 2019, I had the amazing opportunity to represent the Society for Human Resource Management chapter at UT Dallas and the Jindal School’s BS in Human Resource Management program, along with Shriya Bahri, Yen Dang, and Nickole Selensky, at the 2019 TXSHRM Student Games, hosted by Baylor University.
Student Testimonials
Lindsey Triplett, BS’18
HR and Accounting Administrator, R. Triplett Construction
I would highly recommend this program to anyone wanting to expand their knowledge in human resource management.
Quinn Love, BS’19
HR Project Analyst, Baylor Scott & White Health
During my time at UTD in the BS in Human Resource Management program I made great connections and was provided with relevant information.
Paige Tellez, BS’20
BS in Human Resource Management Student
The BS in Human Resource Management program provided me with a wide variety of classes taught by professors who are experienced in the field
Haylee Keisler, BS’20
Employment Screening Coordinator Intern, Southwest Airlines Human Resources – Compliance Intern, Southwest Airlines
The UT Dallas BS in Human Resource Management degree program has provided me with a foundation to start my dream career in human resources.
Nickole Selensky, BS’19
Human Resources Assistant, Dentsply Sirona
Summer Scholar – Human Capital Business Analyst Intern, Deloitte
The HRM program at UTD played a key role in setting me up for success post-graduation. The instructors are highly qualified and have vast experience in field.
Shriya Bahri, BS’20
Senior HR Assistant, Amazon
During my time here, there has been no dearth of opportunities to network, learn and participate in the Dallas HR space.
Alayna Thomas, BS’19
Senior Coordinator, HR, H-E-B
Management Intern, H-E-B
The BS in Human Resource Management (HRM) program at UT Dallas introduced me to a field of passionate professionals who want to make the workplace better.
Nelson Mavares, BS’18
Cloud Analyst, Oracle
The HRM program was an excellent catapult for my career. The comprehensive curriculum accompanied by exceptional professors and mentors prepared me for my career in consulting.
Chat with the JSOM Question Desk
Our Question Desk service is available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. to address any general questions you might have about JSOM, for example:
- Who to contact to get information about degree plan and course registration?
- Where to find information about academic policies?
- How to sign up for an internship?
- How to contact the program, a director or a faculty member?
Ready to start your undergraduate application?
Before you apply, get familiar with the application process for Jindal School undergraduate programs at UT Dallas.
How to Apply