The three entries that received the most votes during the online voting period of CERIC’s National Challenge to Promote Career Development in Canada were announced today and include representation from education and community organizations across the country.

  • Nathacha Courchesne, Université de Sherbrooke, “I’m investing in my development!” Her idea involves recruiting well-known individuals to star in video clips in which they talk about significant experiences where using a career development service made the difference for them.
  • Juliana Wiens, Women’s Employment Outreach in Halifax, “Career Development: It’s not too late!” Her idea is for a marketing campaign that uses various forms of media to dispel the myth that career development is only for young people, and spreads the message that all Canadians of working age can benefit from career development services.
  • John Horn, ThePotentiality.com in Vancouver, “Career Swap.” This idea blends career development, experiential learning and reality television to engage youth aged 10-15 in meaningful career conversations and share their stories with the world.

The three winners will each receive $5,000 and a free registration to the Cannexus14 National Career Development Conference in Ottawa, January 20-22, 2014 where they will be recognized. The winning entrants along with the other Top 10 Finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas during the Monday evening Wine & Cheese at the conference.

CERIC’s National Challenge collected 80 submissions and more than 4,500 votes were cast for the Top 10 Finalists. The online competition was funded with a grant from The Counselling Foundation of Canada, in celebration of CERIC’s 10th anniversary. This initiative is part of CERIC’s aim to increase the recognition of the value of career counselling as well as career development professionals in Canada.

Thank you to all those who submitted their very creative ideas, our judges panel who selected the finalists and everyone who took the time to vote or comment!

You can continue to view all the ideas at ceric.ca/nationalchallenge.