A detailed breakdown of the 2015 CERIC Survey of Career Service Professionals has been posted online along with an infographic featuring some of the key survey findings. The online survey was completed by 1,004 career service professionals across Canada from October 19-November 20, 2015.

The survey provides a demographic snapshot of Canada’s career services community and examines professional development needs and research trends as well as delving into current challenges facing the sector. Conducted every four years, the survey serves to identify sector realities and inform CERIC’s programs.

Among the findings are that:

  • The field has a high ratio of females at 82%
  • More than 80% of career service professionals have a least a Bachelor’s degree
  • More than 50% make at least $55,000 per year
  • The top three concerns about the field include lack of understanding about career services, uncertain funding and working conditions
  • Nearly 60% of respondents feel the public’s perception of the value of career services has improved in the past few years
  • Learning about labour market information, essential skills, working with diverse populations and career assessment tools are the highest priorities
  • One-third of professionals in the field do not receive any professional development budget from their employer
  • Close to 40% report that their organizations are not evaluating the impact of their career development programs

Additional survey results reveal certifications held by career service professionals, the state of succession planning in the field and how professionals define career development. Another survey question asked “What are you most proud of in the field?” and elicited responses such as:

“Motivating and inspiring others.”

“The number and quality of Canadian career development thought leaders.”

“Being part of the process for individuals in achieving their goals and realizing their potential.”

Further exploration of survey results will continue this year with regional and sectoral analysis as well as a comparison with the 2011 CERIC Survey of Career Service Professionals.