Business: Human Resource Management: Professional Associations
Online research guide for Business majors--HR Management concentration
Why Should You Join a Professional Association?
Benefits of membership in professional associations generally include:
- Educational resources, some of which are members-only access, to grow your own knowledge and to use in practice on the job
- Career resources including job postings, resume and cover letter assistance, and general tips
- Opportunities to network and grow your career through conferences, seminars, webcasts, and other events--some will be for members only; members almost always get discounted rates when fees are required
- Earning certifications which demonstrate your knowledge and experience (and are also good for your resume)
- Developing leaderships skills and assuming leadership roles--most associations have multiple opportunities to serve the association
List of Professional Associations
- American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA)ASHHRA is a personal membership group of the American Hospital Association and the only membership organization exclusively focused on HR in health care settings. Certification: CHHR (Certified in Healthcare Human Resources)
- Association for Talent Development (ATD)Previously known as the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD), the Association for Talent Development (ATD) is for professionals who help others improve their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the workplace--including trainers, instructional designers, and learning development managers. Certification: CPLP (Certified Professional in Learning & Performance)
- International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM)IHRIM focuses on expertise in human resource technology, innovation, systems and analytics. Certification: HRIP (Human Resource Information Professional).
- International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR)IPMA-HR is the leading public sector human resource organization in the world. Certifications: IPMA-CP (Certified Professional) and IPMA-SCP (Senior Certified Professional)
- Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA)LERA is a national organization where professionals interested in all aspects of labor and employment relations network to share ideas and learn about new developments, issues, and practices in the field. It welcomes the views of representatives of labor, management, government and academics, advocates and neutrals.
- National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR)NAAAHR exists to provide a forum for the interaction between and career development of Black and African American human resources professionals.
- National Human Resources Association (NHRA)National Human Resources Association (NHRA) is for HR professionals in the United States only and focuses on its members' professional development and educational needs.
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest HR professional society. Certifications: SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) and SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional)
For associations focused on general Business Management, please see the Professional Associations page on that guide.
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