"...allowing me to learn things I needed to truly call myself an L&D practitioner..."

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:

Adolfo Nunez is a Director of OD & Training in US. He earned the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) credential in 2016.

Why did you pursue the CPTD?

There were two main reasons why I pursued the CPTD when I did. The transition from marketing to talent development was difficult enough. I had to prove to future managers that I could do the job of a learning and development professional despite my lack of certifications and seemingly ad hoc L&D experiences. I knew that if I was serious about the transition to my real passion of talent development, I would need to obtain the industry standard certifications to get noticed and sharpen my job skills. I enrolled in a study group for the (then) CPLP, devoured the Talent Development Body of Knowledge (TDBoK), and never looked back. I also knew that obtaining the certification would be a tremendous growth opportunity for me, allowing me to learn things I needed to truly call myself an L&D practitioner and make a positive impact on my career.

What advice would you share with others considering certification?

If you are considering certification, I recommend two things: a fun yet rigorous study group and a thorough reading of the TDBoK. It worked for me! While you prepare, compare your skills and abilities to the Talent Development Capability Model. Find out what you need to focus on. Without knowing I would need these experiences in the future, I am grateful that I accepted opportunities and job assignments that provided real-world experience in areas where I saw gaps in my understanding and application of TD principles. If you can, seek out those projects or assignments. Also, I am still in contact with several individuals from my original study group.

What does having your credential mean to you?

Being able to say on my profiles and my resume that I am a CPTD is an incredible feeling. It means I am a complete talent development professional. It means I proved myself to a body of my peers and I was deemed worthy of the distinction. I am part of a small group of talent development professionals that dedicate time and energy to bettering the field of L&D and to maintaining the highest standards in talent development.

How did you get into the talent development field?

While working in sales and marketing since my late teens, I was also involved in training and education in academia and the US Army on a part-time basis. For many years, I wanted to make the transition but found it difficult despite the many ad hoc training and liaison positions I volunteered for at previous companies. I caught my lucky break at Hewlett Packard. I moved from the consumer notebook marketing team to the position of L&D business partner for the Americas. I was laid off a year later, but I continued taking on roles with ever-increasing responsibility and scope at Rain Bird, Dollar Tree, and now with the Harris County METRO Transit Authority.

What is a great book you’ve read recently?

Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Cycling

What is the most unusual job you've had?

Executive officer, IMADET 697

Have you earned the APTD or CPTD? Share your story with the community.