If you work in human resources (HR), you may have heard of HR professional associations, such as SHRM, CIPD, or AHRI. But what are they, and what is your role in them? In this article, we will explore the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of joining and participating in HR professional associations.
HR professional associations are organizations that represent and support the HR profession and its members. They provide various services, such as education, certification, networking, advocacy, research, and publications. HR professional associations aim to advance the HR field, promote ethical standards, and foster professional development and recognition.
Personally, joining HR professional association keeps on abreast of the latest trends in the industry. It helps in personal development of an HR professional because we can not be developing others and leave ourselves behind.
Joining an HR professional association can offer you many benefits, such as access to resources and information that can keep you informed on HR trends, best practices, and legal issues. You can also take advantage of opportunities to network with other HR professionals, mentors, and experts from various sectors and regions. Furthermore, membership discounts, events, awards, and scholarships can enhance your career and personal growth. Moreover, credentials and recognition from an HR professional association can boost your credibility and reputation as an HR professional while demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning and excellence.
While I have not joined a professional association such as SHRM, I have followed HR pages on LinkedIn. It's allowed me to not only provide my input on various areas but also allows me to learn from those more experienced in my field. I enjoy reading articles like this as it inspires me to go back to school!
When looking for the right HR professional association, you need to consider factors such as your location, industry, and specialization. For instance, some associations are global while others are regional or national, and some cater to specific sectors or niches while others are more general. Additionally, you should ask yourself what your goals and interests are in an HR professional association. Are you looking to gain new skills, knowledge, or certifications? Do you want to network and collaborate with other HR professionals? Or do you want to contribute to the HR profession and society? Moreover, consider your budget and time when selecting an association. How much can you afford to pay for membership fees, events, and programs? How much time can you dedicate to participate in HR professional association activities and initiatives?
Once you join an HR professional association, there are various ways to get involved. You can attend and participate in events and webinars that interest you and suit your schedule, allowing you to learn from speakers, panelists, and peers, as well as share your insights and feedback. You can also join and contribute to online forums, groups, and communities that align with your topics and goals by asking questions, offering advice, and exchanging ideas with other HR professionals. Additionally, you can volunteer and take on leadership roles in your HR professional association by helping organize events, mentoring new members, advocating for HR issues, or serving on committees or boards. Moreover, you can collaborate and partner with other HR professional associations or stakeholders to expand your network, create synergies, and support common causes.
HR professional associations face several challenges, such as staying up to date with the changing and diverse needs of HR professionals and employers, maintaining relevance in the competitive and dynamic HR landscape, ensuring quality and consistency of services and standards across different regions and sectors, balancing the interests of various stakeholders, and attracting and retaining members and volunteers who are engaged and committed. All of these factors must be taken into consideration in order to ensure the success of the association.
HR professional associations offer a variety of opportunities, such as leveraging technology and innovation to deliver services and programs that are accessible and engaging. Additionally, they embrace diversity and inclusion to foster a culture of respect and collaboration. Furthermore, they address current and future challenges of the HR profession and the workforce, such as the pandemic, digital transformation, sustainability, and social responsibility. Moreover, they advocate and influence policies that affect the HR profession and the people it serves. Finally, they celebrate and recognize the achievements of HR professionals and the HR profession.