By Dauna Atkins, International Association of Career Management Professionals

Formed in 1989, the goal of the IACMP is to enhance the image, credibility of the profession and to provide a structure for each member to enhance his/her skills as a professional. The Association has developed and adopted standards of ethical practice, competency standards and a certification process administered by the International Board for Career Management Certification.

An International Directory listing all members is published annually and distributed to all to promote communication and information sharing. The “IACMP Highlighter”, published monthly and distributed to all members, contains information about the organization, the various committees and chapters, announcements about international meetings and other information of professional interest.

Professional Development Conference and business meetings held annually in major cities are attended by members from all over the world, demonstrating a truly global scope. The Spring 1997 Conference in Washington, DC included such renowned speakers as Barbara Sher, Jeremy Rifkin and Richard Bolles. The 6th Annual Conference will be held in San Francisco, April 24-26, 1998. The theme is “Promoting Excellence in Career Development, Performance Coaching, Executive Coaching, and Career Transition Services” and will feature a keynote presentation by William Bridges.

The Toronto Chapter holds monthly breakfast or evening meetings from September to June. Through the presentation of pertinent topics, members gain new professional insights and have an opportunity to network. On October 24, 1997, the Chapter achieved a new level of success by holding its first professional development conference. Called “Beyond Technique: Balancing Insight and Action in Career Consulting”, the event was attended by over 100 Career Management Consultants and Human Resources Professionals in large national and international organizations, single location “boutique” firms and independent practice.

Dauna Atkins is a senior career management consultant with Right Management Consultants, and an active member of the Toronto Chapter of the IACMP.