Upskilling in the World of HR: Working towards the CHRP Designation and Beyond

Career growth looks different to everyone. Reaching a professional designation and moving into a leadership role doesn’t require years of education in a degree program. Non-degree micro-credentials, courses, and programs at the School of Continuing Studies (SCS), University of Guelph provide numerous career-enhancing possibilities, such as the Diploma in Human Resources (HR) Management.

Comprised of nine core courses, this online synchronous HR diploma program is not only approved by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), but it can also be completed within just one year. Program graduates can then work towards their Certified HR Professional (CHRP) designation, giving them another level of expertise and recognition in the field.

This career pathway is exactly what Sanket Khetarpal has chosen, and he has just completed his final core course in the HR diploma program at SCS. 

“I wanted to further my education and pursue the CHRP designation,” explains Sanket. “After doing some research, I found the HR diploma program at the University of Guelph. The University’s strong reputation, the quality of education, and the flexibility of the program—especially since I work full-time and remotely—made it the right fit. It’s a great opportunity to learn in a synchronous setting with peers and professors.”

Sanket holds an MBA and works as a team experience coordinator at Schlegel Villages. He takes care of recruitment, onboarding, and training for new employees. Previously working as a recruiter and senior recruiter with the same employer, Sanket has more than four years of experience attracting talent to an organization. And although he is already working in the field of HR and loves what he does, Sanket has set his sights higher, “Professionally, I see myself in a leadership role where I can lead recruitment and engagement strategies and contribute to organizational growth. Personally, I want to share my experience, continue learning, and support as many students and professionals as I can.”

Learners like Sanket—who work full time but want to advance their careers through educational avenues—often require the flexibility of online learning or courses that take place outside of business hours. The HR diploma program is offered online but at a designated time one evening each week for 10 weeks, providing a nice mix of flexibility and engagement—and you don’t need to live in Guelph to participate.

“The program is flexible and offers a synchronous learning format, which makes it easy to stay engaged,” says Sanket. “With case studies and group discussions, you get to learn a lot from both the content and your peers.”

The Diploma in Human Resources Management includes a breadth of topics for an all-inclusive takeaway for program participants. 

“The program has helped me both professionally and personally. I gained in-depth knowledge of HR topics such as change management, succession planning, and compensation and benefits. Personally, I learned a lot from the experiences and insights shared by professors, which helped me grow confidence and understanding. I highly recommend it,” concludes Sanket.

HR courses at SCS have no application process and can be completed in any order. Participants can register for the courses that interest them or complete all nine core courses and earn a diploma. Courses are offered in the Winter, Summer, and Fall semesters and are scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. one night a week. See the Diploma in Human Resources Management page for the course schedule and registration details.