Who are the more than 5,000 talent development professionals who have earned the APTD or CPTD credential? Get to know the talented and diverse community:
Katie Hawley is a Coach and Consultant in the US. She earned the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) credential in 2021.
Why did you pursue the CPTD?
Confidence! As someone making a mid-career shift into the field of talent development, I wanted to feel confident about the depth and breadth of my knowledge. I wanted to blend my prior professional experiences with solid talent development theories, research, and practices. I pursued CPTD credentialing to prove to myself that I was truly ready to be part of the talent development field.
How have you benefited from the credential—professionally and/or personally?
Earning my CPTD credential empowers me to speak confidently with clients about my professional work and experiences. It enables me to tell the story of my professional path in an authentic way—a quiet, but noticeable way. My CPTD credential sets me apart from the competition, providing clients with a third-party reassurance of my capabilities.
What advice would you share with others considering certification?
Once you have decided to pursue the CPTD credential, consider enrolling in the CPTD preparation course. The course provided me with the structure I needed to stay organized and focused. The course also provided me with valuable feedback, identifying areas I needed to learn more about and linking me to relevant additional resources. I felt that completing the prep course was a valuable professional development opportunity in and of itself.
What does having your credential mean to you?
Earning my CPTD credential means I belong. It means my voice and ideas matter. It means I am committed to consistently delivering high-quality work with integrity.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Do the best you can with the information you have at the time.
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
Visiting museums—there’s always something new to learn!
What is the most unusual job you’ve had?
On-air “teen reporter” for a CBS affiliate in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Have you earned the APTD or CPTD? Share your story with the community.