One of the most important parts of securing and excelling at your job is networking. This is especially important in the field of Human Resources. Whether you’ve been in the field of Human Resources for many years or you’re just starting out, joining a certified HR organization can be a great way to connect with other HR professionals and boost your career. With many different options out there, it can be difficult to decide which organization to pick, and why. Here are just a few of the great professional organizations that we recommend you research further if you are looking for a way to keep yourself knowledgeable and actively engaged in the field of Human Resources:
The Society for Human Resource Management is the world’s largest Human Resources management organization comprised of HR professionals at all career levels. This organization is dedicated to serving the needs of HR professionals and advance the professional practice of human resource management. SHRM produces publications and industry research. They also offer awards, scholarships, and various certifications. Member resources include an e-newsletter called HR Week, HR Magazine, weekly webcasts, conference opportunities, compliance resources, online discussion groups, and extensive guidance on many HR topics such as legal issues and public policy, HR standards and competencies, and metrics and research. Also included are many templates and samples for job descriptions, interview questions, and talent assessments. Society for Human Resource Management also offers two formal certifications, which are the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and DHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
The National Human Resources Association (NHRA) is focused on advancing individual career development, planning, and leadership of HR professionals. Through their professional networking programs and development services offered across the country, they strive to support human resource professionals throughout all stages of their career, from intern to executive, as Human Resources leads the way for change in today’s business. They provide professional development tools and opportunities via live meetings at their affiliate locations and via conferences and seminars. They also offer a wide range of on-demand, webcast, and audiocast events. Events developed by NHRA are often smaller, providing more opportunity for deeper connections and learning.
The International Association for Human Resources Information Management is a leading membership association for HR information management. IHRIM offers a unique community that blends education, collaboration, and professional certification. Membership includes conference opportunities, resources, job listings, HR tech, webinars, community access, and certifications. Their certification program, the Human Resource Information Professional (HRIP), allows professionals working with HR information systems to be recognized for their knowledge and experience. By providing unparalleled education and professional development opportunities through their conference, educational courses and webinars, they foster intelligent HR system investments and effective solutions to business challenges.
Those who work in Human Resources within higher education might be interested in joining the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources. This international HR association monitors trends within the field of higher education, conducts their own research, explores emerging workforce issues, and shares news, updates, and various educational resources with its members in order to foster strategic discussions among colleges and universities. They also provide networking opportunities for their members to connect with each other and further their professional development by hosting conferences and webinars and offering online communities for collaboration. They also partner with other higher education and HR management associations to advocate on legislative and compliance issues that have a direct impact on the higher education workplace.
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Human Capital Institute (HCI)
Human Capital Institute is a talent management network of HR practitioners from Fortune 1000 and Global 2000 corporations, as well as government agencies, consultants, and business schools. They strive to provide human capital best practices from prominent companies, innovative leads, and academic research. Membership benefits include access to live webcasts, a daily news feed, all Human Capital Institute research, as well as four online talent communities, which are HR Strategy and Analytics, Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, and Management and Leadership. Human Capital Institute also offers various certifications, such as the Human Capital Strategist (HCS), Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP), Strategic HR Business Partners (sHRBP), Talen Acquisition Strategist (TAS), and Performance Management Innovation (PMI).
WorldatWork is an organization for HR professionals that deals with compensation, executive compensation, sales compensation, benefits, and work life. The goal of WorldatWork is to help its members advance their career by taking advantage of networking opportunities and staying up to date on industry changes. They offer various certification programs, including the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Sales Compensation Professional (CSCP), Certified Executive Compensation Professional (CECP), and Certified Benefits Professional (CBP). Memberships include conference invitations, expert training, and valuable education resources.
Hopefully this list has shown you some of the differences between the many organizations and opportunities available to Human Resource professionals and help you choose the one that’s right for you. Please note that most of these organizations have various membership fees, so be sure to check out their website to find out more information about how to join. Remember, in addition to this list, there are also many local chapters to consider. Local groups tend to provide information tailored to your location. Between access to resources, connecting with other experienced professionals and continuing your education, joining an HR organization should definitely be at the top of your list for furthering your professional development. If you want to find out more about any of these great organizations, we recommend following their profiles on LinkedIn. Creating a LinkedIn profile is essential to professional networking and career development. If you have any questions about creating and maintaining your own LinkedIn profile, feel free to schedule an appointment for a LinkedIn consultation with a Career Coach at the Center for Career Development.
