Human Resources organizations education and training programs are an intricate part of career development. Many HR associations encourage members to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the experienced experts in their field of Human Resources. Professional organizations offer specific training to members who are college students, employees already in the profession or professors who specialize in Human Resources research. Organization dues pay for the services and some corporations also connect with HR professional associations as liaisons to promote networking and skill development.
One of the highlights made available through HR organizations is annual conferences. Professional organizations for Human Resources gather and present group workshops and classes on a wide range of issues facing personnel professions. Many industry leaders present at the conference, providing a unique opportunity to learn from those who strive to advance the profession. Consider the following:
1. Find a local or national Human Resources Management association to meet your professional development needs.
2. Assess the education and training programs listed by each particular Human Resources association under consideration.
3. Join reputable professional organizations for Human Resources with verifiable credentials.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Review educational resources available from HR professional associations
A Human Resources association can impact public policy, serve to provide "best practices" models for newcomers in the profession and offer valuable experience to those who participate in industry specific committees. It's helpful to search by local, national or global HR associations.
I recommend: Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), is a national organization with online registration and free demonstrations available for its many training resources. A global professional organization for HR professionals that offers training in personnel development through working with
Cranfield School of Management and Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development's (CIPD) Flexible learning program in conjunction with the World Federation of Personnel Management Association.
Consider how HR organizations best serve a particular training agenda
There are HR associations that address the specifics of every industry. HR professional associations exists for particular fields such as health care, government, academic or non-profit organizations. Many professions intersect with HR policy association as it relates to their business in particular.
I recommend: International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) is an organization dedicated to advocacy in government affairs. With membership, the
Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) offers a variety of journals, in addition to conferences, newsletters and more as an education and training web-based resource for its members. There's a special emphasis in academics on HRD as it relates to current and future Human Resource personnel.
Evaluate the different training methods employed by a HR association
Many professional Human Resources associations go beyond standard group workshops to offer training. Many use technological advancements such as online courses, webinars and podcasts to make training accessible to its members.
I recommend: American Management Association (AMA) provides a broad variety of training methods including seminars, recordable webcasts, podcasts and videos.
Employers Association has web-based training courses, in addition to traditional classes for Human Resources certification.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- If you're a current student, joining human resources professional associations can aid in career development, training with experts in your area of study and invaluable human resource experiences to strengthen credentials for your resume.