- The National Human Resources Association
- Any Local Human Resources Association
- International Public Management Association for Human Resources
- Society for Human Resources Management
- International Association of Administrative Professionals
Joining a professional organization for human resources can potentially further your career after graduation. Through such organizations you meet other professionals engaged in your field, network, acquire support, learning tools and leadership skills, and you stay abreast of developments pertinent to your long term professional health. The following are five great professional organizations for human resources that you should consider.
1. The National Human Resources Association
Established in 1951, the NHRA focuses primarily on the individual career development of its members, and career services form the bulk of its membership benefits. Members enjoy early access to national HR job postings. Members also have access to information and registration for national educational meetings and social-professional dates, such as conventions, retreats, national HR galas, conferences and charity events.
The NHRA also has local affiliates in New York, California and Missouri. Online membership enrollment exists for individuals, students, corporations and service providers, or non-HR practitioners. Fees vary by local affiliates and membership type. NHRA is active on social media.
2. Any Local Human Resources Association
In addition to the national level, it's also advisable to join a local human resources professional organization, such as the Central Arkansas Human Resources Association. Local professional organizations for human resources are a wonderful way to meet fellow HR professionals in your neck of the woods, find out about jobs, build contacts and community.
CAHRA offers certification prep classes, job resources and scholarship information for HR majors. Its website also contains info about monthly meetings, socials, conferences and job fairs.
3. International Public Management Association for Human Resources
Founded in 1906, IPMA-HR represents the interests of HR professionals at all levels, with special certificate programs for professionals new to HR or to public sector HR work. The organization is also an industry hub, featuring HR industry news, development opportunities, education, jobs and resources, such as benchmarking reports and best practices.
IPMA-HR has a central governing body, but members govern at the local level in more than 40 chapters throughout four U.S. regions. Members of this particular human resources professional organization value its precise dedication to human resources professionals entering or at work in the public sector, which has its unique challenges.
4. Society for Human Resources Management
Founded in 1948, SHRM is the largest international professional association for human resources, with hundreds of thousands of members in roughly 56 countries. SHRM's membership body brings global perspective to complex human resources challenges, which members benefit from as they partake of the organization's unrivaled networking opportunities, certifications, educational tools, development, and local and global events.
SHRM has affiliates by country and regions within countries, such as the Professionals in Human Resources Association, the largest affiliate chapter in the world, with 17 locations serving several California counties. PIHRA supports its members and the entire local HR industry with learning, community-building activities and advocacy.
5. International Association of Administrative Professionals
The IAAP is a nonprofit organization that shares the skills, knowledge and insights necessary to prepare human resources professionals for the demands of ever-changing business environments and job advancement. IAAP achieves this aim through education via specialized online and offline training programs, certification, advocacy, and networking events.
The association hosts conferences and a leadership academy where HR professionals connect, meet industry leaders, swap notes and acquire new learning objectives and skills to build on. Founded in 1942, in Kansas, the IAAP has branches throughout the lower 48 states and in Alaska.
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Get your foot in the door before graduation, or intensify and refine your current career game plan by joining a professional organization for human resources. Begin with the organizations mentioned above. Membership is the first step to establishing a professional foundation and a support system to sustain you through future career endeavors in human resources.
Human Resource Associations serve the professional development needs of HR professionals.
AAIM Employers' Association [//aaimea.org/]
We are 1600 members strong! For 120 years, AAIM has been helping elite employers in the region hire, develop, and retain talented employees in order to maximize the output of their people systems. Our members enjoy access to world-class services,
subject-matter-experts, current legal information and statistical data, leadership and educational programs, peer-to-peer networking, and special events. AAIM's "Technology Suite", a recruiting and applicant tracking system, learning management system, background checking, and mobile app communication, enables members to integrate key human resource operations into a simple, efficient process. We help businesses run and grow smoothly and efficiently. Our association supports the development of
an elite group of employers that deploys progressive and comprehensive talent management solutions.
Association of Executive Search Consultants [
//www.aesc.org/]
The AESC's mission is to promote the highest professional standards in retained executive search consulting, broaden public understanding of the executive search process, and serve as an advocate for the interests of its member firms. The
AESC is recognized by the United States Government and the European Commission as the representative body for the retained executive search industry.
Academy of Human Resource Development [
//www.ahrd.org/]
The Academy was formed to encourage systematic study of human resource development theories, processes, and practices. Site contains links, organization info, newsletter, and chapter listservs. Some
areas for members only.
American Arbitration Association [
//www.adr.org/]
Provider of Alternative Dispute Resolution [ADR] Services. Website contains focus areas, rules and procedures, publications, directory of arbitrators, links to other sites.
American Bar Association [
//www.americanbar.org/aba.html]
ABA Journal, links, public information. Site is directed toward lawyers and law students.
AFL-CIO [
//aflcio.org/]
AFL-CIOs policy statements, Dont Buy List, links, Stand UP campaign information, executive pay watch, press releases, working women and equal pay sections.
American Payroll Association [
//www.americanpayroll.org/]
Established in 1982, the American Payroll Association is the nation's leader in payroll education, publications, and training. APA conducts payroll training conferences and seminars across the country and publishes a complete library of resource texts and newsletters. Representing more than 20,000 members, APA is the industry's highly respected and collective voice in Washington, D.C.
The American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration [
//ashhra.org/]
The nation's only membership organization exclusively dedicated to meeting the professional needs of human resources leaders in healthcare.
ASE [
//www.aseonline.org/]
ASE is Michigan's trusted HR partner. ASE is a non-profit,
membership organization - everything we do is based on the needs of members and to help our member organizations THRIVE. ASE strengthens organization's HR departments by offering member benefits and discounted services that span the entire employee lifecycle including recruitment, development, and retention while minimizing compliance risk. We provide our members guidance through new legislation and workplace issues such as those currently occurring with the COVID-19 pandemic.
ATD [
//www.td.org/]
The Association for Talent Development [ATD] is a professional membership organization supporting those who develop the knowledge and skills of employees in organizations around the world. The association was previously known as the American Society for Training & Development [ASTD].
College and University Professional Association of Human Resources [
//www.cupahr.org/]
CUPA-HR is composed of more than 6,000 personnel professionals from the higher education community at nearly 1,700 colleges and universities worldwide. Details programs and resources available, many links, and includes job listings.
Council for Global Immigration [
//www.cfgi.org/]
The Council for Global Immigration [formerly
known as the American Council on International Personnel [ACIP]] is a leading voice and resource for employers working worldwide to advance employment-based immigration of highly educated professionals. Our members are companies, universities, research institutions and organizations throughout the world striving to ensure compliance with immigration policies so that they can employ the critical talent to remain competitive in the global economy. Since 1972, we have delivered to our members what
no other organization can – a singular focus on providing employers with the knowledge, network and access needed to advance employment-based immigration of highly educated professionals.
Dallas Human Resource Management Association [
//www.dallashr.org/]
The Dallas Human Resource Management Association [DallasHR] is a not-for-profit, professional organization formed in 1939 to provide resources
that enhance the professionalism, competence and knowledge of its more than 2,000 members. The association supports the HR practitioner, advances the profession, champions HR causes and supports the local business community by providing relevant educational offerings and purposeful networking opportunities. In addition, DallasHR powers The HRSouthwest Conference; the largest regional educational event for HR professionals, held annually in Ft. Worth Texas.
The District of Columbia Society for Human Resource Management [DC SHRM] [
//dcshrm.site-ym.com/]
The District of Columbia Society for Human Resource Management [DC SHRM] is the local DC Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management [SHRM]. DC SHRM is committed to providing all professionals in the field of human resource management a forum for expanding their knowledge and talent. Our organization
of HR practitioners, consultants, partners, and educators has served the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area since 1945. We provide opportunities for professional development, scholarship, and expansion of your HR horizons.
The Employers Association [
//www.employersassoc.com/]
The Employers Association is a member-based organization of over 860 employers. We have been providing human
resources and training services to the greater Carolinas business communities for nearly 50 years. We serve small, medium and large businesses from all types of industries. Our professional, knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing prompt, personalized service that will meet the needs of our members. Through our many valuable services, we are here to help organizations hire and retain the best people and create and maintain positive work environments.
Greater Orlando Society for Human Resource Management [
//www.goshrm.org/]
The mission of Greater Orlando Society for Human Resource Management is to advance and serve the human resources profession by providing education, networking and resources for members and the community.
HR People + Strategy [HRPS] [
//www.hrps.org/]
Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing current perspectives on complex and challenging human resource and business issues. Site contains information for networking, research, publications, conferences.
Human Capital Institute [
//www.hci.org/]
HCI is one of the fastest growing executive associations today, with over 190,000 members
worldwide, and 2,000 new members joining each month. Our members are Strategic Human Resources, Recruitment and Staffing, OD/Learning and Business Line executives who share the conviction that human capital is the only sustainable competitive advantage in a global economy.
Human Resources Professionals Association [HRPA] [
//www.hrpa.ca/]
The Human Resources Professionals Association protects the public
interest by governing and regulating the professional practice of its more than 24,000 member registrants.
Human Resources Research Organization [
//www.humrro.org/corpsite/]
Applying science and technology to enhance human performance. An independent nonprofit organization contracting with government agencies, the private sector, and professional associations. We develop custom solutions
for a broad range of human resource issues and needs. Please visit our website for additional information.
Human Resource Association of Broward County [
//www.hrabc.org/]
HRABC was formed in 1968 as the Personnel Association of Broward County [PABC], to meet the professional needs of the individuals involved in human resource management. Since its inception, HRABC to providing a forum for our members
to exchange information and ideas, and enhance their professional growth.
International Association for Human Resource Information Management [
//ihrim.org/]
Site contains jobs, networking, special interest groups, white papers, Intranets, links.
International Public Management Association for Human Resources [IPMA-HR] [
//www.ipma-hr.org/]
IPMA-HR represents the interests of 8,000 human resource professionals at the Federal, State and Local levels of government. The association provides information and assistance to help HR professionals increase their job performance and overall agency function by providing cost effective products, services and educational opportunities.
International Personnel Assessment Council [IPAC] [
//www.ipacweb.org/]
Site contains links, jobs, listserv, journal articles. Documents about employment testing and selection.
International Society for Performance Improvement [
//www.ispi.org/]
Dedicated to improving human performance in the workplace in systematic and reproducible ways. Contains journal, discussion forums, jobs, buyers guide.
Michigan Council of SHRM [
//www.mishrm.org/]
The Michigan Council of the Society for Human Resource Management [MISHRM] is dedicated to providing service, leadership and development opportunities to human resource professionals in our state. MISHRM is the leading voice for the human resource profession in Michigan.
Mile High Society for Human Resource Management [
//www.milehighshrm.org]
Mile High SHRM [MH-SHRM] was founded in 1938 to meet the needs of human resource professionals in the metropolitan Denver area. From that time to now, our nearly 1,100 members have influenced business decision-making locally, nationally and internationally. These Denver-area HR professionals come together through MH-SHRM to develop and support the HR profession, provide awareness of best practices and improve
skill readiness in the business community.
MRA - The Management Association [
//www.mranet.org/]
Organizations join MRA as corporate members and receive access to expert advice, best practice information, peers, and essential tools. Organizations can address their unique needs by selecting from dozens of services that run the gamut from affirmative action to reference checking to training in HR
topics, business skills, and management and leadership effectiveness.
National Association of African Americans in Human Resources [
//naaahr.site-ym.com/]
A coalition of 17 local organizations of African American Human Resource professionals [and consultants] from many cities across the country. The organization was officially chartered at the September 1998 annual conference co-sponsored by the
Baltimore Black Human Resources Network and the Washington DC Black Human Resources Network.
National Association of College and University Business Officers [
//www.nacubo.org/]
A nonprofit professional organization representing chief administrative and financial officers at more than 2,100 colleges and universities across the country.
National Employment Lawyers Association [
//www.nela.org/NELA/]
Site for lawyers representing employees. Contains employment cases, links, affirmative action facts, disability rights. Site may be down.
National Human Resource Association [
//www.humanresources.org/]
In the changing world of human
resources, HR professionals face a host of challenges. Achieving excellence in such tumultuous times requires numerous resources. Acquiring these resources is what the National Human Resources Association is all about.
National Labor Relations Board [
//www.nlrb.gov/]
The NLRB is an independent Federal agency created to enforce the National Labor Relations Act. Contains help desk, facts, press
releases, rules and regulations, forms, public notices, decisions, and publications.
New York City SHRM [
//www.nycshrm.org/]
New York City SHRM is the premier membership organization representing professional Human Resources practitioners, educators, and service providers, at all levels in their organizations, who work or live in New York City.
New York City SHRM's goal is to position Human
Resources professionals as an integral part of the strategic management process to enhance organizational performance.
Next Concept HR Association [NCHRA] [
//www.nchra.org/]
Delivering over 100 programs annually, the association is dedicated to connecting human resources professionals with practice resources, leading California-specific training, legal and legislative developments, quality service
providers, and each other - forming career-long networks and partnerships.
Northeast Human Resources Association [
//www.nehra.com/]
NEHRA is New England's premier human resources association. Since 1984, we have provided members with programs, information and relationships which stimulate professional growth and enhance workplace contributions. Over 3,200 HR professionals, representing large and
small companies in all industries within the region, as well as individuals providing products and services to the human resources community, belong to NEHRA.
The Northern California Human Resources Association [NCHRA] [
//www.nchra.org/]
A membership association for human resources professionals that promotes excellence in the development and management of human resources, integrating organizational,
individual, and community interests.
Professionals in Human Resources [
//www.pihra.org/]
Professionals In Human Resources Association [PIHRA] is the largest affiliate chapter of the Society for Human Resources Management [SHRM]. The perspective of HR professionals on workplace issues needs to be heard. Through education and advocacy, PIHRA keeps our members informed and acts as the voice of the HR
community.
Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association [
//www.rpoassociation.org/]
Our mission is to educate the market about Recruitment Process Outsourcing [RPO], incorporate common metrics and comparative information as defined by staffing.org, develop and enforce certifications and promote RPO benefits. We recognize that RPO is a unique industry requiring a common set of requirements and
standards.
Sacramento Area Human Resource Association [
//www.sahra.org/]
The Sacramento Area Human Resource Association will, through the efforts of committed volunteer members, inspire, engage, and develop HR professionals to meet the challenges of a constantly changing business environment.
Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology Inc. [
//www.siop.org/]
The Society's mission is to enhance human well-being and performance in organizational and work settings by promoting the science, practice, and teaching of industrial-organizational psychology.
Society for Human Resource Management [
//www.shrm.org/]
Contains links, news, press releases, white papers, surveys.
Venture Capital Office Managers Association [
//www.vcoma.com/]
Our mission is to bring together the exceptional Office Managers who support the demanding Venture Capital industry to share ideas, resources, and information. With members in states across the nation, we are a very strong, unified group of decision makers and managers.
WorldatWork [
//www.worldatwork.org]
A not-for-profit association dedicated to knowledge leadership in the profession. It is the association of the profession and for the professionals in compensation, benefits and total rewards. Has a considerable number of HR generalists in its membership. But its core areas of knowledge focus are still compensation, benefits and total rewards.
Worldwide ERC [
//www.worldwideerc.org]
Worldwide ERC® is the recognized association authority on relocation and international assignments in the U.S. and major global traffic areas, providing leadership, education and networking to global workforce mobility professionals. Worldwide ERC is headquartered in the Washington, DC metro area, with offices in Brussels, Belgium and Shanghai, China.