Testimonials from Certified HR Professionals

Below are some testimonials from NOARK members on how their certification has helped their career.

Jacqueline Rivera, PHR, SHRM-CP

Jacqueline Rivera

Director of Human Resources & Risk Management

1st Employment Staffing

Hi folks! My name is Jacqueline Rivera and I’m the Director of HR & Risk Management at 1st Employment Staffing. I started my career in HR in an entry level position in 2007 after 5 years in Medical Dosimetry, a specialized area within the Radiation Therapy field. Due to the complexity and legal issues that can potentially arise in the recruiting, application and in all aspects of the employment process, it was crucial I stayed in compliance. Obtaining my PHR felt like a good way to start. Since my education background was not in Human Resources the preparation for my PHR helped me obtain the fundamentals needed. The continued education and participation in our local chapter was a key component of my new career progress. When the SHRM-CP became available, I did not hesitate.  SHRM has always been my go-to source when researching HR topics and staying on top of changes in the industry. The competency model really made sense to me and I felt it was critical in my continued growth. The SHRM-CP is not only knowledge, is application. My new SHRM-CP has helped me identify the areas I need to focus on to become a more confident professional in the HR field.

Pam Belcher, SHRM-CP

Pam Belcher

HR & Training Consultant

After more than 20 years working as a generalist in the HR field and specializing in Learning and Development, I felt it was time to invest in myself and my career. I took the SHRM Learning System course for SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP. This comprehensive program included a two pronged approach. First, the eight Behavioral Competencies of: Leadership and Navigation; Ethical Practice; Business Acumen; Relationship Management; Consultation; Critical Evaluation; Global and Cultural Effectiveness; and Communication. Secondly, fifteen HR Functional Areas of Knowledge from four broad knowledge domains of Strategy, People, Organization and Workplace.

Two weeks following the last class, on June 8 I took the exam. The exam was, as I expected, a thorough test of my knowledge, skills and application of the materials of the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge. As we were the inaugural class for the program, we had to wait until the testing window was closed and the exam was validated. The wait for results was the most torturous part. On August 26 the long awaited e-mail arrived announcing that I had passed the exam! Words cannot express my feeling as I read that message. I was so thrilled and proud of myself. It had been a long time since I had experienced such a powerful feeling of achievement.

Since achieving the SHRM-CP I have had the privilege of teaching Functional Area #3: Learning and Development from the People domain, at the University of Arkansas-Global Campus for the second class embarking on their journey to certification. I look forward to continuing to share my experience and knowledge to future participants of the program. I am confident that my certification will be viewed as highly desirable by employers throughout my career.

I strongly encourage anyone interested in personal growth and achieving certification in their chosen career of Human Resources to make the investment. I believe it is well worth it!

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