ATD Blog
Meet Hassan AlShehab who earned the Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD®) credential in 2021.
Published Tue Jun 10 2025
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:
Hassan AlShehab is a HR Development Manager. He earned the Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD®) credential in 2021.
Why did you pursue the APTD/CPTD?
As the HR Development Manager in my organization, I am deeply committed to continuous education and professional growth. Pursuing the APTD certification was a natural step for me, driven by my passion for enhancing my skills and knowledge in talent development. I wanted to ensure that I had a strong foundation in the core competencies of the field, enabling me to design and implement effective talent development strategies that align with our organizational goals. The APTD certification represented an opportunity to validate my expertise and demonstrate my commitment to excellence in my role.
How have you benefited from the credential—professionally and/or personally?
The APTD certification has been immensely beneficial both professionally and personally. Professionally, it has elevated my credibility within my organization and the broader talent development community. Colleagues and supervisors now recognize me as a trusted advisor in talent development, often seeking my input on critical projects. This recognition has not only enhanced my career prospects but has also increased my confidence in my abilities to drive impactful initiatives.
Personally, the certification journey has been a profound learning experience. It challenged me to deepen my understanding of key talent development concepts and apply them in real-world scenarios. The process of studying for the certification helped me identify areas for growth and improvement, fostering a mindset of continuous learning and self-improvement. The sense of accomplishment upon earning the certification has been incredibly rewarding, reaffirming my dedication to my professional development.
What advice would you share with others considering certification?
For those considering the APTD certification, my advice is to embrace the journey with an open mind and a commitment to continuous learning. Start by thoroughly understanding the content areas covered in the certification and how they relate to your current role and career aspirations. Create a study plan that balances your work and personal commitments, and seek support from peers, mentors, or study groups to stay motivated and accountable.
Additionally, view the certification process as an opportunity to enhance your practical skills and knowledge, rather than just a means to earn a credential. Engage deeply with the material, apply the concepts in your work, and reflect on how they can improve your talent development strategies. The insights and experiences you gain along the way will be invaluable, and the certification will serve as a testament to your dedication and expertise.
How do you think certification helps the talent development field?
Certification plays a crucial role in advancing the talent development field by setting a standard of excellence and professionalism. It ensures that practitioners have a solid grounding in essential competencies and are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to drive effective talent development initiatives. By fostering a community of certified professionals, the APTD certification promotes the sharing of best practices and continuous improvement within the field.
Moreover, certification enhances the credibility and recognition of talent development as a vital function within organizations. It highlights the importance of investing in professional development and underscores the value that well-designed talent development programs bring to organizational success. As more professionals pursue certification, the overall quality and impact of talent development efforts across industries will continue to grow.
How did your employer support your pursuit of the credential?
My employer was highly supportive of my pursuit of the APTD certification. Recognizing the value that the certification would bring to our talent development efforts, they provided both support and flexibility in my work schedule to accommodate my study needs. My supervisor was particularly encouraging, offering guidance and resources to help me succeed. This support not only made the certification journey more manageable but also reinforced my commitment to applying the knowledge and skills I gained to enhance our talent development strategies.
What does having your credential mean to you?
Having the APTD credential is a significant milestone in my professional journey. It symbolizes my dedication to excellence in talent development and my commitment to continuous learning. The credential has validated my expertise and provided me with a strong foundation to build upon as I continue to grow in my career. It serves as a source of pride and motivation, reminding me of the importance of staying current with industry trends and best practices to deliver the highest quality talent development solutions.
How did you get into the talent development field?
My journey into the talent development field was driven by a passion for helping others achieve their potential. Initially, I started my career in HR, where I quickly realized that my true calling lay in developing and nurturing talent within the organization. I was drawn to the idea of creating programs and initiatives that could make a tangible difference in employees' careers and, by extension, the organization's success. This realization led me to pursue further education and training in talent development, ultimately guiding me to my current role as HR Development Manager.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever received is to "never stop learning." This simple yet profound piece of wisdom has been my guiding principle throughout my career. It has encouraged me to embrace new challenges, seek out learning opportunities, and continuously strive for personal and professional growth. In the fast-evolving field of talent development, staying curious and committed to learning has been instrumental in my success and ability to drive impactful initiatives.
Have you earned the APTD or CPTD? Share your story with the community.
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