Formerly known as Personnel, Human Resources (HR) departments are fast-becoming a significant player in organizations across the country. Previously, these divisions handled mainly administrative functions like managing employee benefits, recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new staff as directed by management. Today's HR professionals, on the other hand, are increasingly involved in company initiatives and strategic planning. With this evolving role, HR departments are now able to offers unprecedented opportunities for those entering the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of HR professions in the U.S. will rise faster than the national average over the next 10 years, making this a great focus for students looking to enter the business world.