Queen’s Human Resources recently celebrated the graduates of its certificate programs with a special event hosted at the University Club.

A total of 81 staff members successfully completed one of the six certificate programs offered by Human Resources – Administrative Professionals at Queen's Certificate (APAQ); Administrative Professionals at Queen's Master Certificate (APAQM); Certificate in International Perspectives (CIP); Certificate in Workplace Communications (CWC), From Diversity to Inclusion in the Workplace (DIW) and; Queen's Volunteer Engagement Certificate (QVEC).

For Emily Harmsen, a solutions specialist with ITS, the certificate courses drew her interest because of the professional development and networking opportunities they offer.

Graduating with the Certificate in Workplace Communications, she now has completed three certificate programs in the past two years. And she’s not finished yet.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the certificate programs, something I would like to continue to do until I have completed them all,” she says. “Not only do I improve upon my skills and learn something new, I also become better acquainted with Queen's culture and always get to meet someone from a different part of the university I would otherwise never encounter.”

Jennifer Walsh enrolled in the Administrative Professionals at Queen’s to learn new skills that would help her in her role as administrative coordinator with Professional Graduate Program Services at Smith School of Business, while also making further connections within the Queen’s community.

“I had a very positive and rewarding experience and really enjoyed meeting people from all across campus,” she says.  “The certificate I took covered a wide variety of topics and there was always time in each course to work in groups and to brainstorm on problems. It provides a unique opportunity to learn and to compare how things are done across departments.”

The certificate programs are designed to help employees achieve their professional goals. Human Resources partners with 15 departments and 35 facilitators to offer the programs.

“The certificate programs help enrich the university and build the skill sets of staff members,” says Dan Bradshaw, Associate Vice-Principal (Human Resources). “With nearly 600 graduates of the certificate programs to date, staff members have access to a growing network of supportive colleagues.”

In addition to the certificate programs, Human Resources offers a wide range of professional development and wellness programs for all employees to enhance their skills, competencies and networks across the Queen’s community. Visit the Human Resource website to view the complete learning catalogue.