Strengthening Mental Health Through Effective Career Development: A Practitioner’s Guide
September 22, 2026Nurturing Models for Youth-Focused Internships
September 23, 2026
Synopsis
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.” Career professionals are encouraged to use and share this document widely. These Guiding Principles reflect multiple voices at CERIC and are intended as a starting point to inform discussions with clients, employers, funders, policy-makers and families. The Guiding Principles include an exploration of the word “career” and outline the many benefits of career development.
A series of six Action Plans based on the Guiding Principles of Career Development are now available. The Action Plans provide any professional who delivers career supports with starter questions, practical interventions and fun exercises to apply with different client groups.
Get your copy!
Career work in action: Discussions and Activities for Professionals
In the news!
- 5 ways to bring the Guiding Principles of Career Development to life in 2020
- Each issue of Careering magazine features a Guiding Principle “in action,” exploring how a career professional is applying a principle in practice.
- Brittany Gilbert Principles in action: Shattering the career path myth lowers students’ anxiety about the future
- Libby West Principles in action: Environmental supports key to students’ self-directed career success
- Ed Hidalgo Principles in action: Elementary career education equips students to navigate complex world of work
- Chris Callanan Principles in action: Change is inevitable in career development. fear of it shouldn’t be
- Gloria Welton Principles in action: Embracing external influences to help guide career exploration
- Lisa Noonan Principles in action: Uncovering interests to find the best career fit
- Stephen Landry Principles in action: Understanding, navigating and choosing career options
- Paula Wischoff Yerama Principles in action: Framing career development as a lifelong process
How do I use the Guiding Principles in my work? Here’s what career professionals across Canada told us:
“I am a career counsellor for grade 9-12 students in four rural schools. The principles guide me as I interview and guide secondary students in my schools.”
“As a researcher, the Guiding Principles are useful in contextualizing my findings regarding the career decision-making process of Indigenous women.”
“This helps clients to understand what career development is and its educational and societal benefits.”
“The Guiding Principles will serve as a topic for discussions among staff who need to infuse career development into all programs.”
“The principle of lifelong adaptation and avoiding stagnation is fundamental for my young clients, who are taught about the linear path (which we know doesn’t exist).”
“We use it as a professional development tool for staff; it sparks conversations during meetings and will contribute to our center’s vision.”
“I use the Guiding Principles to give my clients a visual of their career development and employment journey.”
“The idea that ‘support and training’ happen through education and community interaction is invaluable to my work in primary and secondary education.”
“I have it posted in my classroom and office for students’ and parents’ reference.”
“Your infographic is required reading for all my clients at the start of their coaching programs. Thanks for creating it!”
“The principle of lifelong adaptation and avoiding stagnation is fundamental for my young clients, who are taught about the linear path (which we know doesn’t exist).”
“I use these for my clients who are professional dancers facing career transition, as well as for myself.”
“I use the infographic to show clients that career development is a continuous journey.”
“The principle regarding lifelong adaptation and avoiding stagnation is huge for my young clients, who see—or are taught about—the linear path (which we know doesn’t exist).”
“I have been using the Guiding Principles to explain the value of a planned career and the ever-changing nature of careers to my clients, and I will use them for my own professional development.”