News

In the third installment of our Instructor Spotlight series, the Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development is pleased to introduce you to another of our esteemed instructors – Patrick Hartling. With a wealth of experience in the human resources profession, Patrick is the instructor of these courses:

• Fire Department Human Resource Management I
• Fire Department Human Resource Management II
• Risk Assessment and Management, as part of our Post-Graduate Diploma in Professional and Leadership Studies

Let’s get to know him, as he responds to these five questions:

1) How long have you been in the field of human resources? 

I have been an HR Professional for over forty years. I operated my own HR consultancy while at the Dalhousie Law School. Then, I worked for other organizations as an HR lead. For the last many years, I have operated my own consultancy. 

2) What has been the biggest change in your field in recent years? 

In our association and profession, I’m pleased that we have developed our strategic/applied roles and shifted to developing employees, teams and organizational performance. This adds great value to the strategic directions of organizations and leaders we support/advise.

3) What’s the most surprising thing we might see on your resume/CV? 

I’m honoured to have been elected by my peers to serve as the elected Chair and Vice Chair of our Provincial and then our National Professional Associations. I have also chaired and convened several annual conferences for our provincial association. 

4) How do you unwind? 

I like to work on home improvement projects in my yard. I also read a wide variety of online news and professional publications, as well as reading works about everything from history, biographies to mysteries. I enjoy travelling with my wife and, once or twice a year, with our adult children. I listen to all forms of music - especially jazz. 

5) What's the best aspect of teaching with the Faculty?

I find the opportunity to be very rewarding, as I meet learners at all stages of their careers. I spend time with them online and in virtual live sessions talking about HR, organizational development and behaviour. We think about how to apply what we are learning and integrate new skills and thinking into our tool kits. 

For more on Patrick’s professional credentials, experience and offerings, please visit his consultancy’s website – SPL Development Services Inc.