Rohit Das is an Assistant Manager of Talent Development who earned the the Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD®) credential in 2021.
Why did you pursue the APTD?
Opting for a professional credential such as the APTD reassured me that I have some measurable competency and reinforced my decision to enter into and stick with the talent development field. It was a key differentiator.
How have you benefited from the credential—professionally and/or personally?
Professionally, the APTD served to be a key differentiator in gaining a promotion from being an L&D specialist to landing a role as an assistant manager in a global IT firm. Furthermore, it helped me to expand into leadership and management training.
Personally, the pursuit of the APTD credential has been like a journey—one that challenged and enriched me. It helped quench my desire to learn about different aspects involved in the learning and development community.
What advice would you share with others considering certification?
As Simon Sinek rightly put it, “find your why.” Ask whether you would be willing to dedicate time, money, and resources in the pursuit of this credential.
Furthermore, what is it you wish to gain after achieving this credential? What does success look like? Would this mean a change in career track, transitioning to L&D from a different HR/non-HR stream? Or would it translate to a pay increase or promotion you want or the organization needs you to take?
How do you think certification helps the talent development field?
Depending on which level an individual is at in their career aspirations vis-à-vis the talent development field, APTD or CPTD certification provides much needed stepping stones.
Perhaps what differentiates APTD and CPTD certification is the fact that it reflects the changing nature of the talent development field in terms of what is needed today and in the future.
How did your employer support your pursuit of the credential?
Although my credentialing was self-sponsored, the fact that I was pursuing this challenging credential was encouraged and appreciated by my supervisor. I looked for ways to implement my new learnings in discussions with my stakeholders and when approaching a task at hand.
What does having your credential mean to you?
My credential assures me that I have some measurable competency, and it’s a key differentiator in a competitive labor market against my peers.
The fact that APTD is a gold standard awarded by the global leader in talent development, ATD, is the icing on the cake!!
How did you get into the talent development field?
I was bitten by the training bug while performing operations pertaining to learning and development. A foray into communication training fueled this spark to plunge headlong into learning and development.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Embrace learning in all its forms. As the adage goes, “One grows old when one stops learning.”
What is a great book you’ve read recently?
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
I enjoy travelling, reading books, and watching movies.
What is the most unusual or interesting job you've ever had?
It would be as an L&D specialist for a leading global logistics company. The role involved managing the L&D function for one of its subsidiaries. This was a departure from the conventional work that I had done in the past, a challenge that opened up new horizons for me.
Have you earned the APTD or CPTD? Share your story with the community.