The worldwide talent development community is diverse. Our members bring a wealth of experience and insight to their work. We're spotlighting their stories.

Rebecca Montgomery has been a member of ATD since 2016. Here's her story in her own words.

Years in the Talent Development Field?

28+

Favorite or Most Used ATD Member Benefit?

• TD magazine

• Webinars

• 10-Minute Case Studies

Best Talent Development Advice?

Think about your interest, really self-reflect, what do you get excited about? What are your talent development goals? Create your own learning plan, what steps are you going to take to meet your goals? Develop the skills, you are interested in—chart your path! Take creditable courses in topics you are interested in—get exposure and education. Find blogs, podcast, and external creditable sites that provide exposure to knowledge. If you are currently in the industry, ask your leader for stretch assignments directed toward your development goals. Network and shadow individuals that you admire and can help you grow. Partner with your leader. Continually re-evaluate what success means to you.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve gained or experienced during your membership with ATD?

I’ve been an ATD member for years. I enjoy the conferences, magazines, and articles and use the tools to get re-energized and motivated. I recently had the opportunity to join my team in the ATD Master Instructional Designer® (ID) program. I've been in the learning and development industry for more than 28 years, and I was just sharing with my direct manager how much I learned in this master’s program. It’s excellent for anyone who is just starting out as an ID or who’s a seasoned designer. This program provided techniques, models, and learning solutions that elevated my skills.

Have your own story to tell? Share it with us.