Issue link: https://digital.hrreporter.com/i/213549
for students to solve real-life work situations in a case study competition. It's open to all Canadian universities that offer HR management or industrial relations programs. Members of provincial HR associations assist students, act as coaches and judges, and provide financial assistance. There are also other competitions, such as Focus 2040 and the Great Canadian HR/ Business Student Conference, where students can demonstrate their knowledge. Volunteer members of associations have also been instrumental in forming HR clubs at a number of universities and colleges. In one college, the volunteers formed a job shadow program. Near the end of a semester, students shadow professional members of the association for a day. It allows participating students to experience life in an HR department, make valuable contacts and see how their education can be applied to real organizational situations. The relationships formed when participating in mentoring, job shadowing or a national team competition can be impactful and lasting. The opportunities to build a network are endless. By joining an HR association, students have the opportunity to meet vocationally likeminded students, challenge and learn from one another and form friendships that last well into their careers. Rich relationships will further feed professional growth, open new opportunities and serve as a support to members as they maneuver through various passages in their personal and professional journeys. It is this blending of professional and personal value that helps form a community — perhaps the summit of the journey. Members of an association are part of a network of peers to which they contribute as well as receive. The traditional mentoring program is an example of that reciprocity. Many associations offer programs, and the benefits to both the mentee and mentor are beginning to be well-documented. Reverse mentoring, for example, is growing in popularity and mentees are offering insights that are helping bridge the generational divide in the workplace. And equally important is the sense of community that develops through participation in the program. CHRP: MORE MONEY, FASTER PROMOTIONS The only path to the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation is through the various provincial HR associations. Through this control, associations are able to ensure consistency and adherence to the highest of standards. This in turn builds the solid brand necessary to grow the credibility of any professional designation. The benefits of obtaining a CHRP translate to increased career opportunities and greater earning potential than HR professionals without the designation. CHRPs are promoted faster, earn more money and are hired by larger organizations than professionals without the designation, according to a study conducted by PayScale on behalf of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). The professional association has clearly established itself as a bridge between the education system and the business community, offering a variety of opportunities for students to travel that extra mile. Service offerings continue to grow and each association across Canada offers a balance of in-person experiences with on-demand research, professional development and readings. However, taking advantage of the reduced student membership rate is not enough. Students, like regular members, must make time to fit the activities into their schedules. The benefits are realized only by active participation and an investment of time and energy. By all accounts, the benefits are well worth the investments. / CHRISTIAN CODRINGTON is senior manager, operations, with the British Columbia Human Resources Management Association (BC HRMA) in Vancouver. He can be reached at (604) 694-6934 or ccodrington@bchrma.org. canadian hr profession hrreporter.com HRP.indd 19 19 12-03-28 3:18 PM