After earning her bachelor’s degree in human development from UC Davis, Angela Chao decided to continue her education. She was interested in learning more about the human resources field and how it could help her build a meaningful career by combining her interest in people with her passion for fostering growth and creating positive workplace environments. 

She found the next step in her educational journey with UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s Human Resource Management Certificate Program. Today, Angela is an HR specialist at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, where she supports recruitment, onboarding, employment services and employee retention initiatives.

“Completing the program accelerated my growth and advancement in both my HR and early childhood education careers,” she said. “It strengthened my foundation in leadership, communication, talent acquisition and employee development.”

What motivated you to enroll in UC Davis CPE’s Human Resource Management Certificate Program? 

When I enrolled in the program, I was exploring the HR profession more deeply. I was motivated by a desire to learn practical strategies for creating healthy workplace cultures where employees feel engaged, valued and supported in their professional growth. 

I wanted to better understand how organizations can foster environments that help employees thrive rather than experience burnout, disengagement or stagnation. 

What were you hoping to achieve by completing this program?

My goal was to deepen my knowledge of human resource management and employee development so I could apply those principles in an HR career. I wanted to gain the skills and expertise to positively influence workplace culture, strengthen employee experiences and contribute to organizational success.

How did the program help you achieve your goals?

The program provided valuable knowledge, tools and strategies that helped me advance my HR career. It strengthened my understanding of the important role HR professionals play in shaping workplace culture and supporting organizational success.

The experience also helped me recognize both the challenges and rewards of the profession. While HR can involve complex situations and competing priorities, it can also be incredibly fulfilling when you help employees and organizations succeed. Whether working directly in HR or in my other professional roles as an educator and librarian, I continue to apply the principles of HR development and management to promote positive, supportive and growth-oriented environments.

What aspects of the program did you find most valuable? 

The most valuable aspects of the program were the courses that combined discussions about the impact of HR development and management with hands-on learning opportunities. Training projects, presentations and practical applications allowed me to connect theory with real-world workplace challenges.

Those experiences reinforced my passion for employee development, engagement and organizational culture. They also highlighted how meaningful and impactful HR work can be when organizations invest in creating environments where employees can succeed and grow.

Can you share a moment from the program that really stood out to you? 

One concept that made a lasting impression on me was Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Understanding how human motivation influences behavior, engagement and performance provided valuable insight into the employee experience.

This framework helped me appreciate how organizations can better support employees by addressing both their professional and personal needs. When leaders understand what motivates people, they are better equipped to create inspiring, supportive workplaces where employees can truly thrive rather than simply get by.

What’s next for you? 

I hope to continue contributing to workplace culture and employee development, whether through my current role or future opportunities. I hope to continue supporting organizations in creating positive, growth-focused work environments where employees feel engaged, valued and empowered to succeed.

Looking back, how has the program helped you advance in your career?

The Human Resource Management Certificate Program provided a strong foundation that I continue to apply in my work today. Since completing the program, I’ve taken on higher-level responsibilities and deepened my impact across HR and organizational development. I’ve led recruitment, talent acquisition, employer branding and workforce planning efforts, as well as conducted employee engagement surveys, compensation analyses and new-hire training.

The program also strengthened my ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and collaborate with leaders. I have partnered with leaders on employee satisfaction task forces, advisory councils and committees dedicated to creating positive, supportive work environments and enhancing the employee experience. These experiences have significantly contributed to my professional development and advancement while reinforcing my passion for helping organizations and employees succeed.

What advice would you give to someone considering this program? 

I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in human resources, whether they are new to the field or experienced professionals looking to stay current with evolving HR practices. 

The program is also valuable for individuals pursuing leadership roles in any profession, as it provides practical insights into employee engagement, organizational development and effective leadership.

One piece of advice I would offer is to take advantage of networking opportunities with instructors and fellow professionals. Learning from the experiences of others can be just as valuable as the coursework itself. Looking back, I wish I had spent more time building connections with the talented HR professionals in the program, as those relationships can provide support and learning opportunities throughout your career.