Spring 2009

by Chris Wright

CDC Conference 2009 Held in Vancouver on March 3, 4 and 5th.

The theme of the latest CDC Conference was Working Local and Shaping Global. This was a tipping of the hat to the Career Development Sector and the influence we exert in shaping the global economy by the work we do every day with our clients and employers in our communities.

by Marilyn Van Norman

In a recent conversation with a very wise and successful woman, the words in the title were used with passion. They came in response to a question about the importance of life long learning. She began by talking about the fact that at some point in her career she started to try to analyze why some people were successful and others were not. Many of the latter also seemed to be unhappy. There are of course many variables, but, a common feature she said of those who were successful was that they were vital, interested and interesting, curious and never stopped learning. She summed her observations up by saying “What these people had in common was a believe that learning was essential right up until the last breathe is taken.

by Craig Nathanson

A Challenging Time

This is a year of financial turmoil in which millions of people around the world have seen their retirement nest eggs shrink, and their houses decrease in value. For many, a generalized anxiety about their future keeps them up at night.

by Susan Qadeer

Career counsellors working with newcomers are often called on to weigh and explore academic options with their clients. There are some very good reasons for newcomers to go back to school. They may find that they are unable to get reasonable work without Canadian qualifications; they may need time to improve their language skills or learn more about Canadian life and culture or like many others, this may just be the right time to pursue post secondary studies. In determining whether it should be a college or university, fulltime or part time, with or without a co-op work experience, or just a few courses, you will want to review determining factors with your client.

by Christine Gertz

Many career professionals have heard of Facebook and social networking, but some are unaware of the business networking side of social media, specifically the business networking site, LinkedIn, http://www.linkedin.com. Other career advisors may have received an invitation and pressed the delete key. Here are six reasons for career advisors and counselors to accept the invitation to join.

by Nesreen Melek

My office desk separates me from my client. Eighteen years ago, I was sitting in the same chair, puzzled, depressed and not knowing what my options were. How did I make it? How did I move from being a client to an employment counselor? How did I make it? How do I look at those years? Please allow me to share my story with you.