When Hanah Beth Manalaysay began her HR journey, she was focused on supporting daily operations—managing processes, resolving employee concerns, and ensuring compliance. But today, she’s not just executing tasks—she’s shaping company strategy. And she credits much of that shift to one career-changing milestone: earning her Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) credential.
“Becoming CHRP-certified has been a game-changer for my career in HR,” Hanah told Financial Adviser PH. “It gave me the credibility and confidence to take on more strategic roles and deepened my understanding of the complexities and nuances of the profession.”
Before certification, Hanah was already passionate about building better workplaces. But the CHRP gave her the tools, structure, and recognition to drive meaningful change at an executive level.
“The certification expanded my knowledge in labor laws, organizational development, and talent management,” she explained. “That has allowed me to approach challenges with a more informed, holistic perspective.”
More than just a personal milestone, CHRP helped change how others viewed her role in the organization. It repositioned her from a behind-the-scenes support function to a trusted business partner.
“It reinforced the idea that HR professionals are not just administrators or ‘people managers,’” Hanah said. “We’re vital business partners who can drive change, support company strategy, and make a measurable impact on the bottom line.”
That recognition brought new opportunities. After certification, Hanah was invited to contribute to high-level conversations on organizational culture, workforce planning, and strategic talent acquisition.
“I was given the chance to collaborate with senior leadership and influence decisions that shape the company,” she said. “It elevated my visibility and allowed me to take on more complex projects, including DEI initiatives and employee engagement programs.”
Confidence and credibility weren’t the only gains. Hanah also found a community of like-minded professionals through the CHRP network—something she now considers essential to her continued growth.
“The CHRP community has been an invaluable part of my professional development,” she shared. “It’s a space where I can learn from others, exchange best practices, and stay on top of industry trends.”
Beyond knowledge sharing, the network also gave her access to mentorship and new collaborations.
“Connecting with seasoned professionals has helped me navigate challenges and gain new perspectives,” Hanah said. “Their encouragement has inspired me to keep growing as a leader.”
Today, Hanah applies the principles and frameworks from the CHRP program across all levels of HR. Whether she’s drafting policy, advising leadership, or shaping culture, her approach is now both strategic and people-centered.
“I use the CHRP foundation to ensure our practices are not only compliant but also meaningful and effective,” she explained. “I lead with empathy, but also with data, structure, and foresight.”
She’s also more confident in her decision-making, knowing that she’s backed by a credential that represents rigor, relevance, and responsibility.
“It’s not just about having a title—it’s about earning the trust that comes with it,” she said. “CHRP gave me that foundation and helped me step into a role where I’m now seen as a strategic leader.”
For HR professionals wondering if certification is worth the time and investment, Hanah offers a clear message: Absolutely.
“CHRP gave me the tools to advocate for people, the confidence to lead, and the voice to influence direction at the top,” she said. “If you want to move from task execution to strategy, this is the credential that helps bridge that gap.”
