Training and development specialists help businesses reach their goals by enhancing workers’ experiences, which improves morale and productivity and may decrease turnover. Proper training and development of employees’ skills and talents help move companies toward success and profitability. Human resources professionals can gain the expertise to succeed as training and development specialists through in-depth coursework in the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Human Resources Management program from Florida Institute of Technology.
Training and Development Specialist Job Description: What Do They Do?
Training and development specialists implement training initiatives, plans, programs, strategies and processes that help an organization reach its goals through building employee skills and knowledge. These professionals survey employees, managers and organizational leaders to determine needs and desired outcomes regarding development. They will then propose the appropriate solutions and training programs.
Training and development specialists generally work in the human resources (HR) department. These HR professionals also may partner with other department heads to develop performance improvement plans, conduct new hire orientation sessions, and plan, organize and direct new employee training. They may work with employees to strengthen their skills and prepare them for advanced positions or develop individualized training programs for the organization’s future leaders.
Potential Salary for Training and Development Specialists
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that opportunities for training and development specialists will grow by 12% between 2023 and 2033. As of 2023, the median annual wage for these professionals was $64,340, with a typical salary range of $47,510 to $87,890, according to BLS data.
Salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as the industry, employer, region and the applicant’s education level. Further, training and development specialist roles can pave the path toward promotion to training and development management positions. BLS reports that management-level professionals in this field earned a median annual salary of $125,040, with the top 10% of earners making in excess of $220,060 per year.
With education and experience, training and development specialists can also advance to other areas of HR management, be it a generalized HR management job, a specialized position or an executive leadership role. Job seekers are encouraged to do their own research on salary for any positions they are seeking.
How to Become a Training and Development Specialist: Education and Training
According to occupational information from BLS, most training and development specialist positions require a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business or a related field. In some situations, candidates with a high school diploma may qualify for interviews, though employers usually require many years of work experience as a substitute for education or demonstrated progress toward attaining a relevant degree.
For managerial or leadership positions, employers may prefer a master’s degree, usually with a concentration in organizational leadership, training and development, human resources management or business administration. Managers would also benefit from studying instructional design, behavioral psychology or educational psychology. A BA in HR Management from Florida Tech provides an excellent foundation for graduate-level study.
Human resources professionals who wish to advance their career possibilities can earn certifications in related fields. Both the Association for Talent Development and the Society of Human Resource Management offer specialized and generalized HR and talent management certifications.
Important Qualities for a Training and Development Manager
Employers look for these qualities when considering applicants for training and development manager positions:
- A focus on people as strategic resources that can be developed to enhance organizational effectiveness
- The ability to solve real-world HR problems through strategic decision-making
- Effective analysis of the legal perspectives of job evaluation, pay, benefits and wages
- Application of organizational training theory, methodology and evaluation
- Advanced skills and knowledge to succeed as a training and development specialist
Who Could Find Success as a Training and Development Specialist?
With the right combination of skills and education, professionals can pursue a successful career as a training and development specialist. This exciting career suits professionals with project management, communication and interpersonal skills, who have integrity and the ability to work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
For aspiring HR professionals who possess these attributes and collaborate well, a training and development specialist career could be a good fit. Earning a BA in HR Management is a great way to embark on this in-demand HR career track, preparing students for success in specialist roles as well as advancement to lucrative management positions.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online BA in HR Management.
