For Alison Wolf, returning to Moraine Park Technical College wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about opening the door to a new chapter in a career she already loves.
Wolf started Moraine Park’s Human Resources program in spring 2025 and plans to graduate in fall 2026. She currently works full time as an energy administrative supervisor and credit specialist at United Cooperative.
“I was talking with my family and decided I wanted a backup plan,” Wolf said. “My work has an amazing human resources field that eventually I would love to join. I love helping individuals and training new employees.”
Her connection to Moraine Park goes back nearly a decade. She completed the Cosmetology program in 2017 and remembered how supportive and flexible the College was, especially with online classes. When she felt the pull toward human resources, she knew exactly where she wanted to learn the skills to make that transition.
Moraine Park’s Human Resources associate degree is designed for learners looking to strengthen their professional foundation or make a career change. The program builds strong communication, human relations and business skills, and gives students hands-on experience in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, coordinating benefits and supporting managers as they lead their teams.
“Our program is uniquely designed for today’s working learners, individuals who are balancing jobs, families, those in a career transition or those exploring careers as a dual credit in high school,” Moraine Park human resources instructor, Marla Stilwill said. “Our curriculum is intentionally practical, hands-on and aligned with real workplace expectations, allowing students to immediately apply what they learn. At MPTC, we are the key to new paths, new journeys and to reigniting dreams some thought were truly unattainable.”
Flexibility and support are woven throughout the program. Courses are offered in multiple modalities, and each student’s path is individualized so they can progress at a pace that fits their lives—meeting students where they are and helping them get where they want to go.
Since enrolling, Wolf has seen the impact of that approach firsthand. The program has strengthened her confidence and helped her grow as both a supervisor and a person. She has used what she’s learning to navigate tough conversations, support customers, understand team dynamics and recognize her own strengths in the workplace.
“It has been an inspiring career choice for me,” Wolf said. “I’ve grown as a student and employee, and I love the person I’ve become and the possibilities in my team and myself.”
Wolf’s story reflects why human resources remains a strong, meaningful and in-demand career path. Human resource professionals support every part of an organization and play a key role in shaping culture, strengthening engagement and navigating complex workplace challenges.
“It’s a dynamic, rewarding career for individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” Stilwill said. “It truly is the heartbeat of every organization.”
Wolf encourages anyone exploring their next step to stay committed and trust their potential. Her journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to discover a new path, and with determination, support and the right training, that path can lead exactly where you want to go.