Molly McAllister is a Training & Staff Development Coordinator in the US. She earned the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) credential in 2009.
Why did you pursue the CPTD?
The CPTD (or CPLP as it was called back then) was still newish when I decided to pursue it. I remember having my interest piqued when it first launched, but I hesitated. When I couldn’t stop thinking about it, I knew it was something I had go after. I love facilitating, and the idea that this was more than just a thing I loved to do but actually a skill that people become certified in made me want it even more.
How do you think certification helps the talent development field?
There are all different kinds of trainers out there. Some of us facilitate topics that are referred to as soft skills. Whether intended or not, the impact of calling them “soft” can lead people to believe that they don’t matter as much in the workplace. Having the CPTD certification lends credibility to the field. It’s a message to others that not only is training important, but it requires a skill set that is earned through hard work and practice.
What does having your credential mean to you?
I’ve been certified for more than 13 years. Even after all that time, my CPTD adds extra confidence to my mindset, especially with recertification every four years! Whether it’s walking into a classroom to facilitate new content or networking with new people, I know that what I do is important and takes skill and practice.
How did you get into the talent development field?
My first professional job was in human resources. When I was tasked with running orientation, my supervisor asked me if I ever considered training as a career path. He recognized something in me that was worth pursuing! I started taking “train the trainer” classes, and I caught the facilitation bug! I loved it then and still have that same passion today.
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
My family and I love to geocache! It’s a worldwide scavenger hunt. We go out for long hikes, open the app, and start walking in the right direction. It takes us places we might not otherwise have visited. We’ve found caches everywhere from rest stops on road trips to volcanos in the Azores. We have almost 500 finds and will likely have some kind of celebration when we hit our 500th find!
What is the most unusual job you've had?
My father was a children’s entertainer and magician. As a teenager, I traveled with him to different amusement parks and helped him set up, prep, and deliver a great show. I loved seeing the connections he made with his audience and the smiles he brought to so many faces. I work hard to do the same when I facilitate.
Have you earned the APTD or CPTD? Share your story with the community.