More Than a Program: Finding Community and Career Direction in HR Education
Posted on February 20, 2026
When opportunity knocked, Petrina Runns took the leap. After being offered a developmental role as an employee relations consultant within her organization, she quickly realized that securing a permanent position would require more human resources education. “On my very first day in the role, I enrolled with the University of Guelph for my first two courses to begin working toward that goal,” shares Runns. This decisive moment to enrol in the Diploma in Human Resources (HR) Management at the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) set her on a new professional path.
Learning that Fits Real Life and Instructors Who Care
For many adult learners, returning to school can feel daunting. Balancing work, family, and coursework is no small task. But for Runns, the structure and support built into the program made all the difference. With a total of nine courses to complete—all approved by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA)—the Diploma in HR Management provides students with a solid start to their HR career.
"The courses are manageable in length, and while the workload may seem overwhelming at first, it is entirely achievable alongside full-time work and family responsibilities," explains Runns.
One thing that stood out to her was the range of learners in her cohort. “Students of all ages and diverse backgrounds participate in the program, fostering an inclusive and enriching learning environment.”
Instructors at SCS also play a key role in creating a great learning experience for students. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program emphasizes flexibility and practical application.
“The instructors are supportive and responsive to the varying needs and experience levels within these diverse groups," emphasizes Runns. "They adapt their teaching approaches to ensure every learner has the opportunity to succeed. The instructors are approachable and readily available to provide clarification or guidance whenever needed.”
The willingness of instructors to support learners outside of regular class hours made a significant difference.
“As a learner, I felt genuinely supported and confident that instructors were invested in my success. Their availability beyond regular class hours was especially valuable, offering flexibility and ensuring that busy schedules did not become a barrier to learning.”
A Community That Extends Beyond the Online Classroom
Learning doesn’t end when the course does. Runns described a welcoming, collaborative culture where peers supported one another both academically and professionally. Students in the courses would regularly communicate with each other to ask questions, share advice, and discuss course topics. “Those connections have continued beyond the classroom,” explains Runns. “I still stay in touch with my peers, and we regularly consult one another on HR matters, share experiences, and discuss how different situations have unfolded.”
Immediate Impact in the Workplace
One of the strengths of the Diploma program is its direct connection to real-world HR practice. For Runns, the alignment between coursework and her day-to-day responsibilities was immediate and meaningful.
“I apply what I learn in the program directly to my daily work in employee relations, where the course content closely aligns with my responsibilities,” says Runns.
Working within a corporation with four different unionized groups, Runns regularly interacts with areas including payroll, staffing, learning and development, and collective agreements. The knowledge gained through her courses immediately helped her navigate this complexity with confidence.
It’s Never Too Late to Start Learning
For anyone considering the Diploma in HR Management, Petrina’s message is simple, “Take the leap.”
“I had been away from a formal learning environment for many years, and as a mature student with limited experience using today’s learning technology, I found the program to be incredibly supportive. It provided the understanding, resources, and guidance I needed to feel confident and to succeed.”
Summer offerings for the Diploma in Human Resources Management include Compensation and Benefits, Labour Management Relations, and Organization and Management. Courses start as early as April 14 and registration is now open.