Join or Start a Student Chapter at Your School!

Every school year, SHRM announces its recipients of their awards for Outstanding Student Chapter, Superior Merit Award, and Merit Award. These awards recognize individual university chapters for their excellence in Recruitment, Innovation/Technology, Campus/Community Service, and Programming/Education. Congratulations to the award winners.


Exclusive Interview with Former HR Club President

 

  • University of Scranton
  • University of Northern Florida
  • Northern Illinois University
  • University of Puerto Rico - Bayamon
  • Arkansas State University
  • University of Central Florida
  • Utah State University
  • University of West Florida
  • Indiana University of Pennsylvania - 
    Graduate Chapter 
  • University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
    Undergraduate Chapter
  • SUNY - Oswego
  • California State University - Long Beach
  • Kansas State University
  • Webster University - North Florida
  • Georgia Southern University
  • University of South Dakota
  • California State University - Stanislaus   


View the full list


  • University of Akron 
  • University of Alabama - Huntsville 
  • Texas A&M University
  • San Jose State University
  • Winthrop University
  • Michigan State University
  • North Carolina State University
  • Boise State University
  • University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras   
  • University of Wisconsin - OshKosh
  • Alvernia University
  • Indiana Institute of Technology
  • Central Washington University
  • Lake Washington Institute of Technology
  • SUNY - Geneseo
  • University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
  • California State University - Fresno
  • Louisiana State University


View the full list

  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Eastern Michigan University
  • University of South Carolina
  • West Virginia University
  • Illinois State University
  • Meredith College
  • University of Northern Iowa
  • University of Toledo
  • University of Tennessee-Knoxville
  • North Carolina A&T State University
  • University of Texas - Arlington
  • Villanova University
  • University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
  • University of Guam
  • McNeese State University
  • New York Institute of Technology
  • Wayland Baptist University - Anchorage
  • Bryant and Stratton College


View the full list

SHRM Rankings of Student Clubs

SHRM National Directory

of Local Chapters


Sometimes local HR meetings isn't enough. Introducing HR conferences, events where thousands of industry professionals gather in one location to not only network and build relationships, but to listen to new best practices and legislation that is not always available locally, but nationally. Many organizations sponsor these conferences. The most notable is the SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition held in rotating cities across the U.S. SHRM has the reputation of booking the most notable keynote speakers such as Al Gore and Hillary Clinton. Explore the power of knowledge and networking, attend a conference today!

SHRM National Directory

of Student Local Chapters


Once you join the organizations above, you have developed a resource library of continuous learning. However, HR Professionals must also excel in learning thru local SHRM chapters and other local HR organizations. Sometimes a membership with a national organization does not provide the local needs of HR Professionals. For example, the national SHRM organization provides legal updates for national labor laws, but a California HR organization known as PIHRA, provides legal updates that are also important for those practicing HR in California. In addition to learning, joining a local chapter provides you with endless networking opportunities for future job opportunities or business opportunities. Here are a few local organizations to get your started, but be sure to visit SHRM's directory of local HR chapters: http://www.shrm.org/communities/shrmchapters/pages/default.aspx

Association for Talent Development


Founded in 1943, the Association for Talent Development is the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in organizations. ATD’s members come from more than 120 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. As the scope and the impact of the training and development field has grown, the profession’s focus has broadened to link the development of people, learning, and performance to individual and organizational results.

  • Learn More: http://www.td.org
  • Includes: "T+D" Magazine Subscription, online and email updates

Join Local HR Clubs and Attend the Meetings

Discuss Your HR Opinions with Others thru LinkedIn Groups

HR Career Advice.com Official Discussion Group 

Create a LinkedIn Profile and Increase Your Network

Stay Updated in HR Laws and Regulations

Attend HR Conferences

Stay Updated in HR Best Practices

Join National HR Organizations & Read their Publications

How to


Succeed in HR

Obtaining a college degree in HR and landing a job in HR are milestones in your professional career. However, as HR Professionals, we are challenged everyday with the development of new laws and regulations, new best practices, and new types of workforce which encourages us to strive for success. Here are some of the ways you can continue a successful career in HR.

Everybody needs a little bit of help - and what better way then to join a community of similar professionals in your industry! What many professionals don't know is that LinkedIn also has a "Groups" feature where communities develop of professionals. For HR, there are tons of groups out there. However, we recommend joining our own group called the "HR Career Advice Group" which is moderated by Randy Aung, the creator of HR Career Advice.com. Join today! Its free! As a group member you will receive updates on this website and updates on the latest trends and best practices in HR! Over 100 members have joined, join today: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/HR-Career-Advice-4324333

  • HrCareerAdvice.com interviewed Susan H., the former President of the SHRM club at Cal State University, Los Angeles and currently working in the HR Department for Forever 21. She shared why it was important to joining HR clubs early on while in college. She said, "I believe joining a student organization on campus is important for students to gain insights from an HR professional currently in the workforce. During my time as a President we had guest speakers attend events to discuss how they transitioned from being a student to obtaining a position with their current company or HR issues they may have encountered. Many students attend their courses knowing HR from textbooks, but a big part of HR is knowing real life scenarios within the workforce. Another great thing about organizations would definitely be networking. My current company hires around 65% just from referrals, so knowing others within the same profession has its advantages."


The opportunities to join your local student chapter is endless! You will not only be able to network with working professionals, but learn how to apply classroom courses into business strategy. Chapters can be found at hundreds of schools nationwide. Many of these schools have also been recognized as outstanding SHRM Student Chapters. Become a leader in your student organization today!Here are just a few. For a full directory, visit http://www.shrm.org/communities/shrmchapters/studentchapters/pages/default.aspx


International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans


The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to being a leading objective and independent global source of employee benefits, compensation and financial literacy education and information.
The Foundation delivers education, information and research, and networking opportunities to thousands of benefits and compensation professionals who have come to rely on it for objective, accurate and timely information.

  • Learn More: http://www.ifebp.org
  • Includes: "BENEFITS" Magazine Subscription, online and email updates

World at Work


Founded in 1955, WorldatWork is focused on compensation, benefits, work-life effectiveness and total rewards. It's mission is to help total rewards professionals achieve their career goals and influence their organization's success. They do so by providing thought leadership in total rewards disciplines from the world's most respected experts and a community of fellow practitioners. WorldatWork has more than 70,000 members and subscribers worldwide.


The Society for Human Resource Management


Founded in 1948, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest HR membership organization devoted to human resource management. Representing more than 275,000 members in over 160 countries, the Society is the leading provider of resources to serve the needs of HR professionals and advance the professional practice of human resource management. SHRM has more than 575 affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices in China, India and United Arab Emirates.

  • Learn more: http://www.shrm.org
  • Includes: "HR Magazine" Magazine Subscription, online articles, legal updates online

Join Student HR Clubs

$79.99 - Standard Career Package
This package comes with 2 resume edits and 10 email questions.


$89.99 - Professional Career Package
This package comes with 2 resume edits, 2 cover letter edits, and 15 email questions.


$119.99 - Premium Career Package
This package comes with 3 resume edits, 3 cover letter edits, and 15 email questions and 2 hour phone call for Practice Job Interview (OR) 2 hour phone call for HR Career Advice.


$149.99 - Deluxe Career Package
This package comes with 4 resume edits, 4 cover letter edits, 20 email questions, and 2 hour phone call for Practice Job Interview (OR) 2 hour phone call for HR Career Advice.


$189.99 - Ultimate Career Package
This package comes with 5 resume edits, 5 cover letter edits, and 25 email questions, a 2 hour phone call (or in Person Meet) for Practice Job Interview, and a 2 hour phone call (or in Person Meet) for HR Career Advice. All in person meets must be held in the Los Angeles area.

$9.99 - Email Randy 5 Questions for HR Career Advice
Ask Randy any 5 questions for just $9.99.


$15.99 - Email Randy 10 Questions for HR Career Advice
For a few dollars more, you get more questions answered for a total of 10 questions you can ask.


$29.99 - Talk to Randy Over the Phone for HR Career Advice
If you would like personalized and direct career guidance, choose a 1 hour phone call for HR career advice!


$29.99 - Talk to Randy Over the Phone for a Practice Job Interview
The job interview can make it or break it for progressing in your HR career. Let Randy give you a 1 hour Practice Job Interview. He will ask you challenging questions and provide feedback at the end of the call.

Choose a Service That Fits Your Needs

Are you still a student? Consider joining or starting a SHRM local chapter at your school! Hundreds of schools across the US already have student chapters established by their university. This provides opportunity for aspiring HR professionals to network with real life HR professionals to learn how to deal with real issues facing businesses and the workforce today.


American Payroll Association


Founded 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.

International Association for HR Information Management


Founded in 1980, the International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM) has been the leading membership association for HR information management professionals and offers a unique community that blends education, collaboration and professional certification. HRIS is increasingly becoming a major part of a successful HR department.

  • Learn More: http://www.ihrim.org
  • Includes: "Workforce Solutions Review" Subscription, online and email updates

LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network with 300 million members in over 200 countries and territories around the globe. Their mission is to connect the world's professionals to make them more productive and successful. When you join LinkedIn, you get access to people, jobs, news, updates, and insights that help you be great at what you do.


For HR Professionals, LinkedIn is especially powerful. For Recruiters, you can find top talent who are not even looking for a new job. For networking, you can connect with people in your same industry to share experiences and best practices. For job seekers, many employers are looking to LinkedIn as a way to share their employment brand and recruit seasoned professionals. Whatever your need is, LinkedIn has a solution to increase your network and make you more successful.


What are you waiting for? Create a LinkedIn Profile today! Its free and will help  you create powerful and long lasting relationships.

Further your HR knowledge by joining internationally recognized HR Associations. Your membership will unlock a knowledge database of unlimited articles, legal updates, and best practices reported by leaders in HR. In addition, you receive a monthly magazine that specializes in the respective HR function.

​​​​​$59.99 - Get Your Resume Edited
The secret to a great HR job? A well structured and well written resume! Get your resume edited by Randy Aung, an HR professional that knows how HR recruiters screen resumes.


Choose a Package to Save More


As an aspiring HR Professional, you not only have to be kept updated on laws and regulations, but on best practices that will empower you to lead your organizations to success! Here are a few vendors to help you on the right path:

SHRM Guide to Creating a Student Chapter at Your School


Continue Reading HR Career Advice.com

In the next section, learn about the services HR Career Advice.com provides. Have a question about your HR Career? Need to have your resume edited? Need to have a mock job interview?

What's Next?

Resume Editing and Career Advice

I really hoped you enjoyed reading HR Career Advice.com. My goal is to help you succeed in the field of HR. Yes, its hard to begin, but trust me, after spending 5 years practicing HR, I can tell you its one of the most rewarding fields I have been in. You not only "help people" but you help people succeed to their highest potential and become better contributors and performers to the organization as whole. Together, lets motivate employees, one at a time!


If you would like personalized career advice for HR, I would be happy to help! I also help with editing your resume, cover letter, mock job interview, and even meeting you in person. Learn more below!

Let Us Know What You Think

Start your journey today! Check out if your school has a student club currently, or you may even consider creating your own chapter. Leadership experience in student activities not only strengthens your resume, but provides you with real life experience based on your classroom education.


Human Capital Institute
Although, the Human Capital Institute ("HCI") is focused on recruiting, there are many best practices to be learned from their training. According to HCI,  "today’s human capital professionals are constantly searching for the cutting-edge talent practices that can help their companies succeed." They don't use just main stream thought but  "open-source human capital best practices from prominent companies, thought leaders, and academic research." Visit HCI today!


"I believe joining a student organization on campus is important for students to gain insights from an HR professional currently in the workforce."


-  Susan H.

Former President of Cal State LA HR Club



Mount Vernon

​Virginia




Randy, M.S., SHRM-CP

Author of HR Career Advice.comMasters Degree, HR, May 2014

Certification, HR, May 2015​​​


Create your own user feedback survey


As an HR Professional, you will be required to not only learn Employment Law and Regulations, but stay up to date in the field. In California alone, we just passed legislation to regulate Sick Days, provide a higher minimum wage, and mandate additional training to be provided to management. Here are a few ways to stay up to date with Employment Law and Regulations:


  • For California employers, subscribe to Cal Chamber
  • Join HR Organizations like SHRM which gives legislative updates
  • Attend educational seminars held by HR Hero
  • Attend employment law conferences held by different law firms such as FS&K
  • Research thru the different articles published at LawRoom

Randy, MS

Writer of HR Career Advice.com

View My LinkedIn Profile

We value your feedback and suggestions for improvement! Please tell us if you found this HR Career Advice Guide helpful and let us know how we can improve this guide.

I attended the 17th Annual Employment Law Conference presented by the AALRR law firm in Southern California. Great topics were presented included "HR101", "California Employment Law Update", "Employee Cyber Misconduct", and "Manage Your Remote Workforce".

$4.99 - Email Randy 1 Question for HR Career Advice
Have only 1 question? Ask Randy a question for just $4.99. This question could be about specific advice that was provided in any of the career guides on this website. Or it could be about what direction you need to take your career in. Ask away!

Tools 2 Succeed
This company provides HR professionals training programs to develop a "high-performance organization that achieves outstanding and sustainable results, one in which every employee feels and acts like a partner in the business and is excited to contribute to its success. Tools 2 SUCCEED has tools for "leadership development workshops, sexual harassment prevention training, management consulting, coaching, outplacement, and online e-Learning courses. A bonus is that they are an approved provider of the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) for recertification. They have 8000+ clients around the world. Visit them today!