With a goal of bringing greater clarity and consistency to our national conversations about career development, CERIC has developed a set of “Guiding Principles of Career Development.” These Guiding Principles reflect multiple voices at CERIC and underpin its vision to increase the economic and social wealth of Canadians through career counselling and career education. They are intended as a starting point to inform discussions with clients, employers, funders, policy-makers and families – and come as the country marks Canada Career Month.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Career development…

  1. Is a lifelong process of blending and managing paid and unpaid activities: learning (education), work (employment, entrepreneurship), volunteerism and leisure time.
  2. Entails determining interests, beliefs, values, skills and competencies – and connecting those with market needs.
  3. Involves understanding options, navigating with purpose and making informed choices.
  4. Should be self-directed; an individual is responsible for his or her own career, but is not alone – we all influence and are influenced by our environment.
  5. Is often supported and shaped by educators, family, peers, managers and the greater community.
  6. Means making the most of talent and potential, however you define growth and success – not necessarily linear advancement.
  7. Can be complex and complicated, so context is key – there may be both internal constraints (financial, cultural, health) or external constraints (labour market, technology).
  8. Is dynamic, evolving and requires continuous adaptation and resilience through multiple transitions.

Presented as an engaging infographic, the Guiding Principles include an exploration of the word “career,” using the metaphor of a canoe. They also outline the many benefits of career development and why it matters more than ever against the backdrop of a rapidly shifting world of work. Career professionals are encouraged to use and share this document widely.