UC Davis Program Meets Region’s Demand for HR Training

Human resource professionals are an essential part of any company and play a key role in an organization's success. If you're considering a career in HR, now is a good time to get started with HR management jobs in the Sacramento region in high demad.  

The HR Job Market in Sacramento is HOT

In the last year, growth in HR manager jobs in Sacramento County has been huge. Per Emsi, a labor market analytics firm, HR managers saw the second highest growth rate among the top management occupations, at 9.1%. Earnings for HR managers have also grown. Advertised salaries in the past six months increased by 9.8% for HR managers versus 1.9% for all other occupations. According to the 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics report, an HR specialist in California can expect to earn a median annual salary of $81,360. For those considering a career path in HR, these numbers are encouraging.

“Earning a certificate in human resource management is a valuable way to develop credibility and gain job-ready skills.” Joanna Siebert

HR professionals typically handle every aspect of employee relations, so there are many different roles and career paths to take. For those just starting out in the field, entry-level positions, such as HR assistant/associate, may be broad and involve a variety of administrative duties, including maintaining records, benefits and payroll, and answering employee questions. But there are opportunities to follow specialized paths within the field even early on, including HR analyst, staffing coordinator or specialist, and recruiting assistant.

Training for HR Professionals

Because HR professionals can take a variety of career paths, having a background or foundational training in HR can set you up for success and give those looking for a job the advantage they need to stand out. “Earning a certificate in human resource management is a valuable way to develop credibility and gain job-ready skills,” said Joanna Siebert, associate director for UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s (CPE) Business Programs. “Our Human Resource Management Certificate Program is a great opportunity for professionals to train for the evolving demands of the HR field, build a network of peers in the industry and quickly get the training necessary to meet the region’s hiring needs. In the past year, we’ve seen an exponential increase in enrollments, which we’ve attributed to the program’s short timeframe to completion and our online accessibility, as well as growth in the job market.”

Designed for early career professionals and career changers, CPE’s Human Resource Management Certificate Program provides foundational skills and knowledge to enter the industry or enhance your skill set. Students gain hands-on practice in key areas of HR management, as well as networking opportunities with instructors who are professionals currently working in the field. The program features four classes that can be completed in six months via remote learning. In addition to providing academic credits, these courses can be used for SPHR and PHR re-certification through HRCI. Summer courses begin in July. 

• Related article: Career Outlook: Human Resources