A background in HR analytics is increasingly important for a career in human resources, given the ability of this data-driven approach to improve day-to-day operations as well as long-term strategic HR decision-making. An understanding of this field is particularly indispensable in large corporations or tech sector companies where it is increasingly expected that all major business decisions should be based on hard data whenever possible.

With a median annual pay of $113,300 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resources manager is a highly desirable job, making this skill-set quite valuable. These jobs are also expected to grow faster than the national average over the next 10 years, as companies continue to learn the importance of recruiting and retaining talent

Beyond HR management roles, a basic familiarity with HR analytics is also increasingly important for CEOs and other C-suite positions. As with the rise of business analytics in other areas, it is no longer necessary - or, in some companies, acceptable - to make important decisions based solely on “gut feelings,” and hiring and firing employees is no exception.

Certainly. Whether you’re just starting a career or are a seasoned HR professional wanting to keep up with trends in your field, Coursera has a wide range of courses and Specializations to meet your needs. In addition to courses in HR analytics and people analytics, you can also find opportunities to hone your skills in related fields like data science and human resources more broadly.

With the opportunity to learn remotely at top-ranked schools like the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Minnesota, you won’t have to settle for a lower quality education to learn online through Coursera. These online courses are also available at significantly lower tuition than on-campus students, making this a great investment in your future regardless of the current stage of your career.