Emerging Professionals

Founding Cohort Applications Now Open!

Take the next step in your HR leadership journey.

The CPHR BC & Yukon Emerging HR Leaders Program is a cohort-based leadership development experience created specifically for early-career HR professionals. Through leadership development, mentoring, networking and peer learning, participants will build the confidence, capabilities and connections needed to grow their impact and advance their careers. This program is designed for committed participants who are ready to fully engage and contribute to the success of the cohort.

Designed through an HR lens, the program addresses the opportunities and challenges faced by emerging HR professionals. The inaugural Founding Cohort launches in January 2027 and is limited to 20 participants.

Who Is This Program For?

This program may be right for those who are/have:

• A current member of CPHR BC & Yukon (any category).
• Less than five years of HR experience, including international.
• Not a student enrolled in post-secondary studies during the program dates*.
• An individual contributor preparing for future leadership opportunities or recently moved into a leadership role.
• Wanting to build confidence, credibility and leadership presence.
• Looking to strengthen communication, influence, strategic thinking and change leadership capabilities within an HR context.
• Value in-person, cohort-based learning alongside peers facing similar career challenges.
• Ready to invest time and energy in professional growth.

Participants do not need to hold a leadership title or be employed at the time of application.

*Please note: This cohort is not open to student members/individuals who will be enrolled in post-secondary studies during the program due to the significant time commitment required for successful completion.

Who Is This Program Not For?

This program is likely not the right fit if you are:

• A student who will be enrolled in post secondary studies during the program dates.
• Primarily looking for job-search support or career transition assistance.
• Seeking technical HR training or designation preparation.
• Already established in a senior HR leadership role or have extensive leadership experience.
• Looking for self-directed online learning rather than an interactive cohort experience.
• Unable to attend the mandatory in-person learning sessions and events.
• Unable to commit to mentoring, networking, online meetings and program participation requirements.
  

This program focuses on leadership development and career acceleration rather than technical HR knowledge, designation preparation or job-search skills.

What This Program Includes

• Four in-person leadership development workshops.
• Mentorship through the Professional Mentoring Program.
• Networking opportunities with HR professionals.
• Regular cohort and member resource group meetings.
• Access to training resources and learning materials.
• A certificate of completion and digital badge upon successful completion.

Founding Cohort Commitment

As a Founding Cohort participant, you’ll help shape the future of this program. Participants must:

• Attend all mandatory program components.
• Actively participate in learning, mentoring and networking activities.
• Complete program feedback and evaluation activities.
• Contribute to the Founding Cohort debrief process.

Investment

Founding Cohort introductory fee: $349 plus GST. This introductory rate recognizes the important role that Founding Cohort participants will play in helping refine and strengthen the program for future cohorts.

Travel and accommodation costs are not included. Participants are responsible for expenses associated with attending in-person activities in Vancouver.

Application and Selection Process

The Founding Cohort is limited to 20 participants. Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Eligibility and alignment with the program audience.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth.
• Ability to participate fully in all required activities.
• Interest in contributing feedback and helping shape future cohorts.
• Overall balance of experiences and perspectives within the cohort.

If applications exceed available spaces, shortlisted applicants may be invited to a brief virtual interview.

Key Dates

Applications Open: Thursday, October 15^th, 2026
Applications Close: Monday, November 16^th, 2026, 9:00AM (PCT)
Application Review & Interviews, if required: November 17^th – 20^th, 2026
Acceptance Notifications: on or before Wednesday, November 25^th, 2026
Confirmation Payment Deadline/Last Day to Withdraw: Wednesday, December 2^nd, 2026
Refund Deadline: Friday, December 11^th, 2026. No refunds will be issued after this date, except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of CPHR BC & Yukon.

Successful applicants will receive an offer to join the Founding Cohort and must confirm their registration by paying the program fee by the stated deadline. Registration is confirmed only once payment has been received. If payment is not received by the deadline, the space may be offered to another qualified applicant.

Full Program Information

Before applying please ensure you have reviewed the Founding Cohort Participant Guide to view all program information including event and workshop dates.

Applications are limited and participation is not guaranteed.

Ready to Apply?
If you’re ready to invest in your leadership development, expand your network and help shape the future of HR leadership programming at CPHR BC & Yukon, we’d love to hear from you.

APPLY HERE NOW. You can review the application questions in advanced here.

Not ready to commit right now? Complete this contact form to join our interest list and receive updates about future program dates and information. No commitment required. Simply let us know you’re interested and we’ll keep you informed.

For program questions, please reach out to Quinne Davey, Senior Member Relations Manager.

Connect with professionals, alumni and other emerging professionals who can offer guidance, mentorship, and potential career opportunities all while building your community.  These include, but are not limited to:

Professional Engagement – Online 

• NEW! Member Resource Group – Emerging Professionals – a member resource group exclusively for emerging professionals who have approximately 0 – 5 years of HR experience (including international experience) and who are not students studying at a post secondary institution. Learn more and apply here. (members only benefit)
• HR Student & Grad Summit – event exclusively for students and emerging professionals, featuring a panel of speakers, focused on career development for those who are just entering HR. Watch a recording of the 2026 HR Student Summit here.
• Peer Exchanges – great for general HR topic discussion and peer-to-peer learning. These include the HR Book Club, HR Huddle, Generalist group, HR Water Cooler, Wind Down and Wake Up HR, HR Industry Night and more. (members only benefit)
• Communities of Practice – if you are working in HR within a specific industry, you can join a community of practice to share best practices with others who work in similar organizations. You must apply first to become an approved CoP member.

Professional Engagement – In-Person

Many in-person events are held throughout the province and territory, and vary from region to region. Taking place at a variety of times, days and locations, they are a wonderful way to connect face-to-face, in real life. These include, but are not limited to: In-Person HR Industry Night, Social Events, HR Connects, HR Gathers, HR Community Showcases, HR Meet Ups, and Rise & Share Breakfasts.

Where to Find More Information

To find Professional Engagement sessions and register, visit our calendar.  

Gain access to resources, career development tools, and mentors that can help level up your skill set and prepare you to excel in your field. 

• CPHR BC & Yukon Mentoring Program  (for members only)  

• Access to contact list of Career Coaches in our Consultant Directory

• Job Board (for members only) 

• Career Advancement Network (for members only) where we discuss topics like Informational Interviews, Cover Letters & Resumes, Effective Job Searches, Getting Experience and Getting Your Foot in the Door 

• Third-Party Career Path Resources:  
  • HR Career Path: Everything You Need to Know | AIHR 
  • Is Human Resources a Good Career in Canada? | Indeed.com Canada 
  • What Is an HR Career Path? (Job Types, Salary, and Duties) | Indeed.com Canada 
  • Career options in the people profession | CIPD 
  • The Best HR Jobs for 2024 | Randstad Canada 
  • Human resources professionals | WorkBC 
  • The HR Mentor Podcast

Be informed and stay ahead of the curve by attending webinars, seminars, and lectures delivered by industry experts. 

• Free Professional Development (PD) webinars/lunch & learns for members.

• PD On-Demand – a wealth of on-demand sessions that cover a wide range of topics, available 24/7 through the PD On-demand platform. More than 65% of these are free or discounted to members. 
• In-person and virtual symposiums – accessible to anyone; discounted for members.
• HR Conference & Expo – discounted registration for members.

• HR Resource Centre – The HR Resource Centre can help expand your knowledge and build your human resources skill set with a comprehensive collection of HR checklists and templates in a single location. Download and edit the documents to suit your business needs. (for members only) 
• Surveys, research reports, and other resources (some are for members only) 
• Stay informed with PeopleTalk Magazine – in print (for members only) and online
• Read our blog, PeopleTalk Online – a curated selection of articles and updates

Gain access to member-only volunteering within the association, as well as opportunities across the community.

Volunteer positions at CPHR BC & Yukon that are suitable for emerging professionals may include:

• Assistance with professional engagement sessions – virtual or in-person
• Post-secondary portfolio leads – to support students and student ambassador volunteers 

• Panel speaker – speak at a variety of post-secondary institution events 

• Mentoring – join our professional mentoring program and consider mentoring a student or someone junior to you.  

• Write for us – members have opportunities to submit content for consideration in PeopleTalk Magazine and PeopleTalk Online
• Conference – consider applying to support our conference as an on-site volunteer 

Join over 4,500 CPHR-designated members in BC & Yukon with the only nationally recognized level of achievement within the field of human resources. Earn more and get promoted faster. 

• Become a CPHR 

Live info sessions are held regularly throughout the year. Check our calendar for upcoming dates.

• Beginners Guide to the CPHR Designation 

• Claim Your NKE Waiver: Student and New Grad Info Session 
• Validate Your Experience: CPHR Candidate to CPHR Info Session