Who are the more than 4,500 talent development professionals who have earned the APTD or CPTD credential? Get to know the talented and diverse community:

Samantha Stone is a Program Director in the US. She earned the Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD®) credential in 2019.

Why did you pursue the APTD?

I was encouraged by my manager to pursue the APTD certification, as she thought my experience and education made me the right fit. This was an opportunity for me to expand my skill set and knowledge of learning and talent development. In addition, the journey to earning the credential helped me apply what I was learning in my day-to-day duties. I also believed that the APTD would help validate my expertise to internal and external stakeholders that I was collaborating with as well as to leadership within my organization.

What advice would you share with others considering certification?

The certification is a great opportunity to strengthen your skills, expand your understanding of talent development, and validate your expertise. However, earning it does require a commitment to in-depth studying and real-world application of concepts. It is important to have open conversations with your manager and family members to confirm you can commit the necessary amount of time to preparing for the exam.

How did your employer support your pursuit of the credential?

In addition to the financial support for the credential, my manager allowed me to allocate a certain number of hours per week to studying and also encouraged me to share concepts, theories, and more in our team meetings.

What does having your credential mean to you?

Holding the APTD credential has given me more confidence when working with stakeholders, providing feedback to colleagues, and securing buy-in from leaders. The credential is also a great addition to a conversation or interview, as it allows me to showcase the breadth of my experience within talent development.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Life is all about perspective. Instead of thinking you failed, reframe the situation and focus on what you learned from the experience. FAIL means first attempt in learning.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Traveling and exploring new cuisines

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