Angela Chao, an HR specialist at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, credits the Human Resource Management Certificate Program from UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education with accelerating her career growth and deepening her expertise in workplace culture.
Building a Foundation in Human Development and HR
After earning a bachelor’s degree in human development from UC Davis, Chao sought to combine her interest in people with a passion for fostering positive workplace environments.
She enrolled in the UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education certificate program to explore the human resources profession more deeply and learn practical strategies for building healthy workplace cultures. Today, she supports recruitment, onboarding, employment services, and employee retention initiatives at the Santa Clara County Office of Education.
Mastering Maslow and Core Management Concepts
The certificate program provided Chao with valuable knowledge, tools, and strategies to strengthen her foundation in leadership, communication, talent acquisition, and employee development.
One concept that made a lasting impression during her studies was Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Understanding how human motivation influences behavior, engagement, and performance gave her practical insight into the employee experience and how organizations can address both professional and personal needs.
Taking on Higher-Level Responsibilities and Leadership
Since completing the program, Chao has taken on higher-level responsibilities, including leading recruitment, talent acquisition, employer branding, and workforce planning efforts.
She has also conducted employee engagement surveys, compensation analyses, and new-hire training. Furthermore, she has partnered with leaders on employee satisfaction task forces, advisory councils, and committees dedicated to enhancing the workplace experience.
Networking and Professional Recommendations
Chao recommends the certificate program to anyone interested in human resources, whether they are newcomers or experienced professionals looking to stay current with evolving industry practices.
She also notes that the program provides valuable insights for individuals pursuing leadership roles in any profession. Additionally, she advises participants to take advantage of networking opportunities with instructors and fellow professionals to build lasting support and learning connections.
Worth a look