Professional Associations – Human Resource Management

Professional associations are organizations that provide their members opportunities for learning, advocacy, and networking. Their membership is typically comprised of individuals in a particular profession, folks who work in the same industry, or people who share a common identity—similar to the student organization’s here in the College of Business, like Society for Human Resource Management, Real Estate Club, or Latinx Business Association.

Joining a professional association (even as a college student!) provides numerous benefits worth considering.

One of the biggest reasons to join a professional association is to build relationships with people in your industry or role. Connecting to a community of professionals while you’re in college can help you gain career insights, access to possible mentors (many associations have membership directories), and build a foundation of professional contacts that will be helpful as you begin your post-grad career.

Many professional associations have LinkedIn pages or groups you could join, too!

Attending conferences, webinars, and meet-ups hosted by a professional association will allow you to keep up with trends, knowledge, and skills necessary to be successful in your future career. You can dive deeper into niche topics, or even earn a credential, which will set you apart from other soon-to-be graduates. There may even be opportunities to volunteer on a committee or gain leadership experience, which can bolster your resume.

Apart from networking with members and professionals who may have job or internship opportunities to share, many professional associations have job boards (some are open, some require membership to access) or job announcements they send out to members.

As a membership benefit, professional associations may send out a newsletter, industry journal, or provide access to other resources to their members, again providing you the opportunity to learn from other professionals and stay on top of current news and trends.

Some professional associations offer scholarships and funding opportunities to make attending conferences and events, or earning credentials, more financially feasible for students. Associations often offer discounted student membership pricing you can take advantage of, too.


Below is just a sample of professional associations related to the Human Resource Management concentration. For a more comprehensive list visit CareerOneStop, linked below, where you can search a database of hundreds of organizations by industry and/or role.

*Check association websites for up-to-date membership information and pricing.

Human Resource Management
Professional Associations


SHRM logo

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces.

🎓 Discounted student membership!

📍 SHRM Colorado Chapters Listing
🐏 CSU SHRM Chapter

ATD logo

Association for Talent Development

The Association for Talent Development is a professional membership organization supporting those who develop the knowledge and skills of employees around the world. We support the talent development profession by providing trusted content in the form of research, books, webcasts, events, education programs, and a variety of conferences.

🎓 Discounted student and young professional memberships!

📍 ATD Rocky Mountain Chapter

WorldatWork logo

WorldatWork Association

WorldatWork Association serves those who are responsible for cultivating inspired, engaged, productive and committed employees in effective and rewarding workplaces. WorldatWork serves HR professionals working throughout the world, in organizations of all sizes and in every industry.

📍 Rocky Mountain Total Rewards Association

SIOP logo

Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologists

SIOP is the premier professional association for the science and practice of I-O psychology. I-O psychology is a dynamic and growing field that addresses workplace issues at the individual and organizational level.

🎓 Discounted student membership!

PSHRA logo

Public Sector Human Resources Association

The Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA) is the leading member community connecting public sector HR professionals with the insights, education and expertise to realize their potential and position them for future success.

🎓 Discounted student membership!

📍 PSHRA Colorado Chapter

ISPI logo

International Society for Performance Improvement

ISPI and its members use evidence-based performance improvement research and practices to effect sustainable, measurable results and add value to stakeholders in the private, public, and social sectors.

🎓 Discounted student membership!

ASHHRA logo

American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration

The American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA) leads the way for members to become more effective, valued and credible leaders in healthcare human resources. As the foremost resource for healthcare human resources, ASHHRA provides timely and critical support through research, learning and knowledge sharing, professional development, products and resources, and opportunities for networking and collaboration.

🎓 Discounted student membership!

AHRD logo

Academy of Human Resource Development

AHRD is a global organization and was formed to encourage systematic study of human resource development theories, processes, and practices; to disseminate information about HRD; to encourage the application of HRD research findings; and to provide opportunities for social interaction among individuals with scholarly and professional interests in HRD from multiple disciplines and from across the globe.

🎓 Discounted student membership!

NHRA logo

National Human Resources Association

The National Human Resources Association (NHRA) is focused on advancing the individual career development, planning and leadership of HR professionals. Through professional networking programs and development services offered across the country, we strive to support individuals throughout their career life cycle.

🎓 Discounted student membership!