What are the HR Games?

The HR Games are a fun way to motivate and prepare students for PHR certification. The HR Games consist of a one- or two-day series of game show style matches, between teams of up to three undergraduate students from various colleges and universities. The questions for the matches are divided into categories similar to those used in the PHR certification exam (i.e., Management Practices; Selection & Recruitment; Training & Development; Compensation & Benefits; Employee/Labor Relations; and Health, Safety & Security). In each round, students select points and a category of questions. The question is read twice and the teams have 15 seconds to supply the correct answer. After a series of initial matches, teams with the best records participate in the championship rounds for first and second place.

Winning teams at the state level earn the right to compete at the regional competitions. Although the advancement format varies by region, teams typically compete on the state level first. Regional winners go on to compete against other regional champions at the SHRM Annual Conference.

There are many benefits to the HR Games. The HR Games are an event that offers the opportunity to bring professional chapter volunteers, students and student chapter advisors together in a meaningful way. The effort it takes to plan and conduct the games is worthwhile and beneficial to the professional members as well as the students. The volunteers conducting the games get a refresher course in the body of knowledge required of a human resource professional as they listen to the students answer questions. The students receive an opportunity to network with other students and showcase their knowledge to HR practitioners.

Our History at the HR Games

Cal Poly typically sends at least two teams to the HR Games every year. Each team is comprised of three students from HRMA that have extensive knowledge of Human Resources and a willingness to represent Cal Poly. 2010 will be the eleventh year that Cal Poly has competed in the HR Games. Cal Poly students fielded their first team at the California HR Games in 2000, winning the "Congeniality Award" that year. In 2003, Cal Poly teams won both first and third place in the State, and went on to take second in the Western Region. In 2006, one of our teams came in third in the State, winning us a trip to Honolulu!!

This competition is the biggest and most exciting event for HRMA every year, and we are very proud to be able to send two teams each year to compete. If this sounds like fun, join HRMA and look into being on one of the teams for the upcoming competition!!