Certifications for Undergraduate Students in Employee Relations

Why Employee Relations Certifications Matter for Undergraduates

If you’re interested in getting ahead in your employee relations career, read on. Here, we’ll discuss the best employee relations certifications for students. 

The growing demand for conflict-skilled HR professionals

Over 70% of HR managers report that entry-level candidates lack skills in:

• Employee relations
• Conflict resolution

There’s also a 25% increase in hybrid/remote work incidents requiring mediation. These factors contribute to the increasing demand for conflict-skilled HR professionals.

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• Certifications for Undergraduate Students in Financial Management
• Marketing Certifications for Undergraduate Business Students
• Human Resources Certifications for Aspiring HR Professionals
• Certifications for Undergraduate Students in Adult Education
• Essential Certifications for Aspiring Business Analysts

Why college students benefit from early credentialing

Earning employee relations credentials for beginners brings many benefits, including:

• Gain practical skills
• Boost your resume’s credibility
• Expand your network

Again, you’ll be more competitive for internships and entry-level roles.

How certifications boost internship and HR entry-level competitiveness

This is possible because certifications are:

• A proof of your certified expertise in specific areas
• An indication of your job readiness

So, read on to know more about employee relations certifications for students. 

What Employee Relations Is—and Why It’s a High-Demand HR Specialization

Are you wondering how to start a career in employee relations? If yes, you must first understand what employee relations is.

Role of employee relations in modern HR

Employee Relations refers to the management of employer-employee relationships. In modern human resources, its roles include:

• Performance management
• Conflict resolution
• Disciplinary processes

Post-COVID trends

In post-COVID times, the trends in employee relations include:

• Hybrid work management
• Burnout prevention
• Engagement and retention

Indeed, human resources are still the lifeblood of organizations. So, keeping employers happy is a pillar for organizational success.

Why organizations value employee relations knowledge before graduation

Job candidates with practical ER knowledge and skills are seen as more job-ready. Early knowledge also signals leadership potential and professionalism. 

Benefits of Earning Employee Relations Certifications as an Undergraduate

Earning employee relations certifications for students has its challenges. However, their benefits outweigh the costs. 

Demonstrates conflict resolution and mediation skills

• Gain practical techniques for conflict resolution and mediation.
• Increase your credibility as an ER professional.

Helps students stand out in HR, labor relations, and employee experience roles

• Boost your resume through specialized skills.
• Open opportunities in diverse roles.

Provides practical tools for workplace communication and problem-solving

• Learn effective communication skills.
• Gain a structured approach to problem-solving.

Signals maturity and professionalism to employers

• Show employers that you’re ready and committed to the profession.
• Highlight your professional trustworthiness.

So, explore your options in entry-level employee relations certifications now.

Top Employee Relations Certifications for Undergraduate Students

These are the best employee relations certifications for undergraduates because of their:

• Reasonable costs
• Quality instruction
• Industry recognition

1. Employee Relations Specialist Certificate

The Employee Relations Specialist Certificate covers:

• Workplace investigations
• Employee rights
• Conflict mediation

There are no experience requirements, so it’s ideal for undergraduates. This is a widely recognized credential for ER roles, too.

2. Conflict Resolution Certificate

The conflict resolution certificate focuses on negotiation, mediation, and communication. This is a widely recognized certificate in HR and non-HR settings, too.

3. SHRM People Manager Qualification (PMQ)

Candidates gain leadership and coaching skills for early-career roles.

4. Mediation & Workplace Conflict Management Certifications

Many professional organizations offer training for these certifications. If you’re targeting HR and ER assistant internships, these are a great choice.

5. EEOC Training Institute Certificates

The federal agency offers a wide range of certificates, too. The employee relations certificate programs focus on:

• Workplace discrimination
• Harassment
• Legal compliance

EEOC Training Institute certificates add strong credibility in employee relations/labor law contexts.

6. LinkedIn Learning: Employee Relations Foundations (Micro-credential)

The micro-credential is ideal for students because it’s:

• Beginner-friendly
• Low cost, but it can be free during trials
• Fast completion time

The program provides an introduction to fundamental employee relations concepts.

7. HR University: Employee Relations Certification

If you’re new to HR, consider HR University’s Employee Relations certifications. The focus is on core principles and practices for beginners in the field.

8. Labor Relations and Employment Law Certificates

Many universities and training institutions offer labor relations certifications for undergraduates. These are ideal for students interested in unions, collective bargaining, and compliance.

9. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Certificates

These certificates focus on:

• Employee relations
• Misconduct investigations
• Culture work

LinkedIn Learning, HR University, and universities are popular providers.

10. Emotional Intelligence or Communication Skills Micro-Certifications

Many employee relations roles feature interpersonal challenges and complexity. As such, emotional intelligence and communication skills are vital.

Which Certification Should Students Choose?

Here’s a career-aligned breakdown of the featured certifications. 

For Employee Relations Specialist Careers → ER Specialist Certificate, EEOC Certificates

• These certificates indicate practical employer relations skills and legal compliance.

For Conflict Mediation Roles → Conflict Resolution Certificate, Mediation Certificates

• These certificates are versatile, meaning they have applications in HR and non-HR contexts.

For Future HR Managers → SHRM PMQ, DEI Credentials

• Leadership and teamwork skills are essential for future managers.

For Labor Relations or Employment Law → Labor Relations Certificates

• The labor relations certificates enable students to gain specialized labor knowledge.

Here’s a comparison table for your reference.

Core Skills Employers Expect in Employee Relations Professionals

Keep in mind that it isn’t enough to attend the lectures. You must also engage in active skills development. Doing so means meeting employer expectations for entry-level employee relations professionals.

Understanding of workplace laws and policies

• Every workplace has its unique policies and practices. But it’s important to understand the labor laws that govern every organization.

Conflict resolution and mediation techniques

• HR conflict management certifications indicate familiarity with these techniques.

Communication and interpersonal diplomacy

• HR professionals deal with diverse people, so these skills are a must for success.

Investigation and documentation skills

• These are par for the course in an employee relations professional’s job.

Emotional intelligence and professional judgment

• You’ll deal with diverse individuals, so empathy and discretion are vital.

How to Prepare for Employee Relations Certification Exams

Their challenging nature means effective preparation is vital to passing them.

Review HR fundamentals.

• Focus on compliance, conduct, and performance management.
• Use online courses, official textbooks, and course notes.

Build communication and investigation skills through class projects.

• Engage in mock investigations and role-playing.
• Apply your skills whenever possible.

Complete HR internships or volunteer mediation roles.

• Gain hands-on experiences through these avenues.

Leverage student discounts and free learning resources.

• The less financial burden you have, the more you can focus on your preparation.

Jobs You Can Get with Employee Relations Certifications

Employee relations training for college students can lead to these jobs. (Dollar amounts are average annual salaries)

HR Assistant

• Supports HR teams in policy compliance, employee onboarding, and administrative tasks
• $45,000–$55,000

Employee Relations Assistant

• Assists in various administrative tasks, including conflict resolution under guidance
•  $48,000–$58,000

HR Coordinator

• Supports and coordinates HR programs, including performance and engagement initiatives
• $50,000–$60,000

Workplace Investigations Intern

• Takes part in workplace investigations
• $35,000–$45,000

Labor Relations Assistant

• Supports a wide range of labor relations activities
• $50,000–$65,000

Frequently Asked Questions: Quick Answers Employers and Students Search For

What is the best employee relations certification for undergraduates?

The Employee Relations Specialist Certificate is the best.

Do employee relations certifications require HR experience?

Most undergraduate-friendly certifications don’t.

Is the Employee Relations Specialist Certificate worth it for students?

Yes, because it leads to job-ready skills that boost employability.

Are conflict resolution certificates useful for HR roles?

Yes, because they equip students with versatile skills.

How long does it take to earn an employee relations certification?

It depends, but it can be between a few weeks to a few months.

Conclusion — Why Certifications Give Undergraduates a Competitive Edge in Employee Relations

In conclusion, certifications give students a competitive edge through:

• Industry-recognized credentials
• Real-world knowledge and skills

But it’s important to start early, too, so you can reinforce your learning. Be sure to pair certifications with internships and HR coursework, too.