Jack and Patti Phillips Workplace Learning and Performance Institute | News | Student Commentary

Creating the Future of the Workplace Learning and Performance Industry

An ancient Chinese philosopher said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it”. This quote rings true in so many aspects of my life, but none so clear as why I am involved with the Jack and Patti Phillips Workplace Learning and Performance Institute (WLPI). My story is probably not dissimilar to many of yours. Coming from a profession outside of the learning and performance industry, my need to gain knowledge and credibility in the industry was apparent. The WLPI offered me numerous ways to get involved with the learning and performance industry while still maintaining my full-time employment. It gave me the opportunity to create my future while still maintaining my present, two key needs for a single income household!

After graduating from the Workforce Training and Development master’s program and participating in the Training and Development Certificate Program and the Return On Investment Process™ Certification Program, I continue my involvement with the WLPI. Why? Because the WLPI is creating the future of the learning and performance industry and I want to be a part of creating that future. The WLPI’s motto, “Work Hard, Have Fun, Make a Difference,” is lived everyday at the Institute. To make a difference, it takes a lot of hard work from a diverse group of individuals who are passionate about their work. As the Chinese philosopher said, the future is not something that happens but something that we create. The WLPI is creating the future. Are you?

Amy Eifling
Vice President Aspire, Inc.
Contact: aeifling@aspireinc.biz

Real World Practical Applications

After hearing about the Training and Development Certificate program through the Baton Rouge Chapter of ASTD, I decided to take the T&D Certificate Program to enhance my skills. I was confident that I was a good trainer, but I wanted more. I wanted to be a part of changing performance in my entire company but I was having a hard time translating the concept of "it takes more than just training" into language that made sense for our upper managers.

I was impressed from the first day. If I had to describe the program in one word it would be "application." I have been able to APPLY so much of what I have learned. Each of the classes were beneficial and the manuals are excellent reference materials. In fact, I was developing a class yesterday and remembered something from one of the T&D classes. I reached for my T&D Certificate Manual. The T&D Certificate program has by far been the best professional experience of my life.

During the program, Dr. Annulis introduced us to the Workforce Training and Development Graduate Program. I had often considered going back to school. In fact, I had completed two semesters in Adult Education with another university but was not pleased with the depth of material I was learning. The more Dr. Annulis discussed the Master’s program, the more my interest grew. She explained that the format was similar to the Training and Development Certificate Program. Remember the word "application"? I had learned and applied more in four months of the Certificate program than in all of my other combined trainings. By focusing on ASTD competencies that are a core part of the Training and Development program, I was confident that I would succeed in the WTD master’s program. All of this coupled with Jack and Patti Phillip's involvement made my decision an easy one.

I am in my second semester of the Workforce Training and Development Graduate Program and plan to graduate next fall. After that I plan to pursue my Ph.D. My confidence has increased and my vernacular has changed. This program is incredible.

Sandy Michelet
Manager of Training and Development
Sprint Affiliate Gulf Coast Wireless

Back to Connections: Summer 2005