Cannexus 2009 – A Huge Success!

CANNEXUS 2009, hosted in Toronto on April 6 – 8 was an overwhelming success! Thank you to all the delegates, session presenters and exhibitors for making this, our 3rd national conference, a success. Thanks also to our Sponsors as well as the many Partnering and Supporting Organizations.

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2024

Beyond the Hype: Your Complete Roadmap to Using AI Tools to Improve Career Services

PAID WEBINAR SERIES

person    Presenters

Marie Zimenoff, CEO of Career Thought Leaders and Resume Writing Academy

calendar icon  Dates and time

Price

  • PAID webinar series

Language

  • This webinar series is presented in English

Accessibility

  • This webinar series offered AI-generated live captions available in multiple languages

Webinar overview

Artificial intelligence is now a power skill, and will soon be integrated into roles across the workforce. Generative AI is a requested skill in job descriptions across industries, and AI is one of the top skills employees want to learn. We read posts about how AI tools can be used in career services and the best prompts to use, but most are still unsure of the appropriate tools to use, how to incorporate them in a way that best serves their clients’ job search process, and what to watch out for to ensure ethical use and avoid missteps. We lack practical case studies shared from a career development lens and a reframe of “prompt engineering” that incorporates our expertise for the best outcomes from the tools. 

Why career professionals should attend

Generative AI and other AI tools are a powerful addition to the career service toolkit, speeding up research, improving job seeker approach, and freeing up time for transformational coaching interaction. But they can also create content that raises red flags and provide incorrect or misleading answers.

In this series, career services providers will get a comprehensive toolkit for using AI tools and generative AI alongside career development best practices for the best client outcomes. Participants will engage in a hands-on learning series where they will be walked through several tools and scenarios to experiment with, along with opportunities to exchange and discuss with colleagues in smaller groups. Based on tests of dozens of tools, attendees will get recommendations for free or low-cost resources for working with clients, guidelines for using these tools ethically, and new ways to think about prompting in generative AI tools.

At the end of the series they will know how to use tools to improve career exploration and research, job search and interviewing, and writing career search documents like resumes, LinkedIn profiles and cover letters. 

Webinar N°1 : AI Tools in Career Exploration & Research

Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 12 pm to 1:00 pm EST
  • Review new AI-enabled assessments to increase self-awareness related to career choice 
  • Use generative AI to improve brainstorming and considerations to reduce system bias in responses 
  • Evaluate appropriate tools for career research and labour market information and when AI might not be the best tool 
  • Get hands-on experience using the tools based on case studies 
  • Learn from peers to get new ideas on using the tools to improve career exploration, research and decision-making 
  • Have ways to evaluate the ethics in using systems to gain the benefits while minimizing the risks 

Webinar N°2 : The Good & Bad of AI in Job Search & Interview Prep

Wednesday, May 15, 2024, from 12 pm to 1:00 pm EST
  • Understand the many options available to job seekers in terms of AI tools  
  • Evaluate the options, advantages, disadvantages and ethical issues related to job search and interview preparation tools 
  • Learn a unique prompt sequence to assist job seekers in understanding company and industry needs 
  • Get hands-on experience using generative AI tools based on case studies and an understanding of how to use the tools ethically 
  • Exchange ideas with peers and reframe how you approach prompts related to job search, company research and interview preparation 

Webinar N°3 : Use AI to Craft Captivating Content, Not Generic Gibberish

Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 12 pm to 1:00 pm EST
  • Dive deep into understanding how generative AI tools craft content and what that means for creating resume content for clients 
  • Use prompts to transform career marketing content with uncanny insights into the current challenges of the target audience 
  • Get a list of dos and don’ts when using generative AI in writing resumes, profiles, and other documents and tips to evaluate tools that will be best for each task 
  • Wade through the popular suggestions on how to use AI tools to for writing to understand a career development professional writer’s best use case 

Individual certificates of attendance will be provided for each webinar of the series. Please note that individual certificates of attendance will ONLY be provided to registered participants who attend the webinar LIVE.

COST for the full series
Individual Rate $159
Group Rate*  $119.25 per person

* If you register 5 or more participants from the same organization at the same time, you qualify for the group rate of 25% off registration fees. 

CERIC webinars are hosted on Zoom. Learn about it in our FAQ.

Marie Zimenoff

Marie Zimenoff is known as a pioneer on the leading edge of career industry trends and technology. She began her professional career as an advisor and recruiter in higher education while completing her M.Ed. in human resource studies, career and counselling development. In 2008—the peak of the Great Recession—Marie left the university to start her business. Inspired by a passion to make a difference in the industry, as CEO of Career Thought Leaders and Resume Writing Academy, she releases an annual industry trends white paper and trains career professionals around the globe in resume writing, career coaching, and business development. She has been speaking on technology topics in the careers industry at international events like the Asia Pacific Career Development Association, national industry conferences, and career and technical education events. 

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Disabled People of Colour at work
2024

CERIC and CASE partner to offer first online certificate program on intersectional career development

In a significant advance forward in the field of career development, CERIC and the Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE) proudly announce the launch of their first online course, “An Intersectional Approach to Supporting Career Development” moving towards greater equity and empowerment for clients. 

Canada’s workforce thrives on its diversity, with each individual bringing unique identities and experiences. Understanding his diversity is crucial for career and employment professionals, especially when addressing the needs of BIPOC-D communities. CASE’s Diversity Works report underlines how racialized Canadians with disabilities often face unstable work conditions, despite being qualified. Given that 14.3% of Canadians over 15 with disabilities belong to visible minority groups, an intersectional approach is vital for employment professionals to effectively support their job search. 

Crafted with a keen understanding of the nuanced challenges faced by Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities who experience disability (BIPOC-D), this 6-weeks certificate program will enable career professionals with the awareness, tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of intersectionality in career development, support and assist clients to advance in their chosen careers. 

Participants can expect to:  

  • Reflect on their own privilege and biases to explore how they impact the services they provide to Racialized, Indigenous and People of Colour people who experience disability.  
  • Deepen their awareness and understanding of different social identities and their interconnectedness as it relates to career development.    
  • Address systemic oppression by applying strategies in their daily work practice.  

Registration for “An Intersectional Approach to Supporting Career Development” is now open and the first cohort starts on March 4, 2024. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited. 

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2024

Canada’s Career Development Landscape: Hidden Sector, Hidden Talent, and Next Steps Revealed

FREE WEBINAR

person    Co-Presenters

Lisa Taylor, President of Challenge Factory

Taryn Blanchard, Head of Research, Challenge Factory

calendar icon  Date and time

Price

  • FREE webinar

Language

  • This webinar is presented in English with French subtitles available on the recording.

Accessibility

  • This webinar offered AI-generated live captions available in multiple languages

French subtitles are available on the recording of this webinar.

Webinar overview

Much of Canada’s career development field is not visible or known to Canadians and policymakers. Without a comprehensive evidence base that identifies who does the important work of career development across the country, several challenges will continue to hinder the advancement of the field. In light of this, CERIC funded Challenge Factory to undertake a research project to identify the size and membership of Canada’s career development sector. In a first-of-its-kind evidence base, the report Hidden Sector, Hidden Talent: Mapping Canada’s Career Development Sector reveals the full scope of the people and systems providing career services to Canadians. In this informative webinar, Challenge Factory will share key findings from the project and provide an update on the response the work has received since its launch.  

Why career professionals should attend

In this free webinar, we will explore what is now known about who delivers career services in Canada—and what we want to know next. Since its launch at Cannexus24 to an enthusiastic reception, we’ve held briefings with government officials, industry leaders and practitioner communities who are all interested in the evidence base and its implications for a stronger sector in the future. This session will also be an excellent opportunity to hear more about the perspectives of these key interestholders. At the end of the session, participants will feel better informed, empowered and connected, contributing to the advancement of the career development in Canada.  

Key learning takeaways

  • Learn about the Hidden Sector, Hidden Talent body of evidence and what we now know about career development in Canada 
  • Hear an update on how the work has been received, with tips for how to use the research in your own community-building and advocacy work 
  • Consider how different members of the sector engage with each other and gain insight into how to strengthen key ties across the sector

Overview of the research project

Challenge Factory and the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF) have partnered with CERIC to scope and map who is providing career services across Canada. The goal of this project was to demonstrate the breadth and depth of support that Canadians receive from this hidden sector as we all navigate changing labour market and employment landscapes.

Learn about the project and download the report’s executive summary

Download the report Hidden Sector, Hidden Talent: Mapping Canada’s Career Development Sector

CERIC webinars are hosted on Zoom. Learn about it in our FAQ.

Lisa Taylor

Lisa Taylor is an author, entrepreneur, consultant, volunteer and community leader focused on making sense of the changing world of work. She is the President of Challenge Factory and lives in Toronto.

Taryn Blanchard

Taryn Blanchard has a PhD in anthropology and works on human-based research projects that use applied methods and multi-disciplinary collaboration. She is Challenge Factory’s Head of Research.

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2024

‘Soul-nourishing’ and “Thought-provoking’: Cannexus24 ignited Canada’s career development professionals

“An invaluable platform for networking, learning and professional growth,” and a “warm and inclusive community of professionals,” were just a few of the ways that the 1,900 attendees described the latest edition of Cannexus, Canada’s Career Development Conference. Cannexus saw career development professionals from throughout this country and across the globe come together from Jan. 29-31, 2024, both virtually and in Ottawa. Calling the conference “soul-nourishing” as well as “thought-provoking,” delegates explored innovations in career and workforce development while exchanging ideas with peers – all to empower people and communities to achieve economic and social well-being. 

Among the many highlights from CERIC’s Cannexus24 conference were four remarkable keynotes: Hamza Khan deciphering the future of work; Paralympian Chantal Petitclerc telling her story of resilience; Dr. Nancy Arthur delving into the trends and turbulence facing career development; and Dr. Sean Lessard sharing his work alongside First Nations’ youth. Across 100+ education sessions, delegates examined a range of current and emerging issues with strong interest in sessions focused on artificial intelligence, neurodiversity, Indigenous learners, funding of employment services, intergenerational workplaces and mental health. 

The conference also acted as a launch pad for several new CERIC resources, being released as the national charity behind Cannexus celebrates its 20th anniversary: 

  • For the first time ever, Hidden Sector, Hidden Talent: Mapping Canada’s Career Development Sector reveals the full scope of the people and systems providing career services and supports to Canadians. This groundbreaking study provides the evidence base needed to unlock the potential of Canadian career service professionals.  
  • The latest report from the Career Development in 2040 research project identifies how the career development sector, advocacy organizations and policymakers need to prepare for 2040 and beyond. Using a strategic foresight methodology, the project creates greater understanding of the range of possible futures we might expect.  
  • Practice Principles, a follow-up to Career Theories and Models at Work, provides theory-informed principles for everyday application by career practitioners. It serves as a “go-to” guide, offering core principles for effective career interventions. Delegates at the in-person conference, each received a copy, thanks to our Knowledge Champions. 
  • A new teaching toolkit helps elementary educators understand how their teaching practices develop foundational career-related skills. Exploring Possibilities! Journeying Through Career-Related Learning in Grades 4–6 recognizes that career development starts early, encouraging children to explore their interests, strengths and dreams. 
  • A research-driven publication recommends strategies to help refugees – especially those with lower levels of education – to integrate into society and the working world. Supporting the Integration of Refugees with Little Formal Education: An Intercultural Approach is currently available in French and an English version will be available this spring.  

Another notable moment of the conference was Trina Maher being honoured with the Wileman Award for Outstanding Achievement in Career Development. An Indigenous career development leader, Maher is a member of Mattagami First Nation, and the President and Chief Creative Spirit of Bridging Concepts, an Indigenous human resources consultancy with the vision to see “Indigenous peoples enjoy meaningful careers in Canadian workplaces.” Maher was recognized for her commitment to building bridges with communities, fostering inclusive workplaces, and developing strategies for hiring and retaining talent, which have left an indelible mark on the landscape of career development in Canada.  

For a second Cannexus in a row, career development leaders from across Canada met in Ottawa in advance of the conference to further collaborate on a National Advocacy Campaign for Career Development. The impetus for the campaign is that while career development is critical to shaping employment, work, education and labour markets across Canada, policymakers, employers and Canadians continue to know very little about the sector. Sector leaders generated different campaign ideas that would enable us to Increase the knowledge that career development is essential to getting beyond decent work.  

Other aspects of the conference focused on making connections, with Cannexus24 offering an in-person first-timer’s session and exhibitor showcase as well as virtual roundtables and meetups. The powerful Blanket exercise also returned to Ottawa and offered the chance to explore the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. 

In the post-conference survey, 89.6% of delegates rated the experience as good to excellent and 94.7% indicated they plan to incorporate what they learned into their work. Overall, delegates referenced the knowledgeable presenters, feeling better equipped to navigate the rapidly changing world of work, and the energy that comes from interacting with passionate like-minded colleagues. On the virtual side, there was feedback around technical difficulties and the desire for a more user-friendly platform but an appreciation that a virtual option makes Cannexus accessible to a wider audience. 

Just a few of the stand-out comments included: 

“Whether you are new to the field or have decades of experience under your belt, Cannexus is the place to keep your knowledge up to date, feel the excitement of sharing new ideas, and make connections that will last a lifetime. You will always leave this conference with new energy and lots of plans to implement. “- Blessie Mathew, Director, Career Centre and Experiential Learning, University of Alberta, AB | In-person attendee

“A great learning experience, very informative and inspiring, that helped me analyze the past, visualize the future and gave me some tools to work in the present and be part of the change. What an exciting journey! “- Monica Garcia, Case Manager in the Gateway to Tourism & Hospitality for Newcomers program, ISSofBC, BC | Virtual attendee

“Cannexus24 was a life-giving experience for me! As someone who is the only person doing this work, it was great to connect with professionals across the country and share our passion – career development! No matter what role we found ourselves in, we had something in common – a desire to support individuals in experiencing success and moving towards a preferred future.” – Kirby Krause, Career Development and Life Exploration Program Coordinator, Hanover School Division, MB | In-person attendee

“Cannexus24 provided a holistic approach to career development, empowering attendees to navigate change with confidence and inclusivity. It was an enlightening experience that left me inspired and equipped to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of work.” – Jennifer Kollmar, Career Resource Specialist, triOS College, ON | Virtual attendee

Cannexus24 was presented by CERIC and supported by The Counselling Foundation of Canada with a broad network of 40 supporting organizations and valued partners. Mark your calendars for the Cannexus25 conference to be held Jan. 27-29, 2025. The Call for Presenters will be released this spring. Meanwhile, all Cannexus24 delegates have access to the conference recordings for three months. 

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2024

New issue of CJCD includes focus on workplace bullying, neuro-informed counselling and working mothers

The Winter 2024 edition of the Canadian Journal of Career Development (CJCD) has just been released, exploring current and emerging issues in career development affecting individuals experiencing workplace bullying, neuro-informed career-focused counselling and the career development of working mothers. Retiree mentorship, professionalizing the career development sector and the relationship between personal traits and career decision-making are also in focus.

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2024

Trina Maher honoured with 2024 Wileman Award for Outstanding Achievement in Career Development

An Indigenous career development leader, Trina Maher is the recipient of CERIC’s 2024 Wileman Award for Outstanding Achievement in Career Development. The announcement was made during an awards ceremony at Cannexus, Canada’s Career Development Conference in Ottawa on Jan. 29.  

In honouring Maher, Jennifer Browne, Chair of the Selection Committee, said “her commitment to building bridges with communities, fostering inclusive workplaces, and developing strategies for hiring and retaining talent has left an indelible mark on the landscape of career development in Canada.”  

Maher is a member of Mattagami First Nation, and the President and Chief Creative Spirit of Bridging Concepts, an Indigenous human resources consultancy with the vision to see “Indigenous peoples enjoy meaningful careers in Canadian workplaces.”  

An internationally certified adult educator with over two decades of experience, she has dedicated her career to Indigenous diversity education, community organization capacity building, program and project management, and career and personal leadership development. 

She has advised on national labour-market research studies, provided career coaching facilitator’s training to Indigenous agencies across every province and territory, and is a member of the national council for the development of Canada’s Career Development Practitioner Centre launched in 2023. 

Since 1999, she has played a pivotal role in educating, strategizing, advising and coaching HR teams to create inclusive workplaces. Her work spans from conducting workshops for government agencies to delivering customized training for private companies in the resource, technology, petroleum, mining, service, banking and non-profit sectors. 

From 2002 to 2011, as the National Director, Inclusion Strategies for Indigenous Works, she educated corporate clients about Indigenous history, helping them recruit and retain Indigenous talent. From 2010 to 2018, she delivered 22 workshops to over 500 managers, including those from Correctional Services Canada and various private companies. In 2009, she led the curriculum development and training for the Government of Canada’s Labour Program “Racism Free Workplace Strategy,” impacting over 350 managers from Employment Equity companies. 

Since establishing her consulting business in 2011, she continues to elevate the potential for Indigenous talent in Canada. Her contributions extend to developing and delivering training for organizations such as the Ontario Provincial Police, Halton Police Region, Government of Alberta, Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board and Diabetes Canada. 

Maher was unable to attend Cannexus in-person; instead, her friend Gray Poehnell went on stage to accept it on her behalf. She did, however, share a video acknowledging the honour. 

The award is given in the name of Etta St. John Wileman. In the early 20th century, Wileman was a champion and crusader of career, work and workplace development in Canada. She believed that work was about the individual and in the importance of work to the human soul. Wileman was a strong advocate for a national system of employment offices. She also lobbied for the role of parents and schools in the career development guidance of children.  

Initiated in 2007, the Etta St. John Wileman Award recognizes and celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding impact in enhancing the field of career development. Past recipients have included Marilyn Van Norman, Denis Pelletier, Norman Amundson, Mildred Cahill, Bryan Heibert, Donald Lawson, Michel Turcotte, Roberta Borgen (Neault) and Lynne Bezanson. 

Over the past three years, the Wileman Award Committee has been thinking deeply about the award, taking steps to enhance its inclusivity and accessibility. Consequently, the award’s focus has evolved to outstanding achievement from lifetime achievement. The revised criteria embody a more expansive definition of leadership, encompassing outstanding service and community engagement. The revamped award also considers how nominees have demonstrated a commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.  

Browne remarked during the award ceremony that in 2023, CERIC received multiple nominations, underscoring the substantial depth of exceptionally talented and innovative individuals in the field who are making a significant impact across Canada. She also invited the career community to help identify other mentors, educators, advisors, advocates and role models that should be celebrated, noting to watch for the next call for nominations to open in the spring. 

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2024

CERIC launches 5 new resources to support your work in career development 

As CERIC kicks off 20 years of advancing career development in Canada, we are pleased to release three new publications and two reports that will serve as essential resources for career development professionals. These resources have emerged from CERIC-funded projects exploring the scope of Canada’s career development sector, career theories, elementary career-related learning, the future of work and refugee workforce integration.    

Hidden Sector, Hidden Talent: Mapping Canada’s Career Development Sector 

For the first time ever, this report produced by Challenge Factory reveals the full scope of the people and systems providing career services and supports to Canadians. This groundbreaking study, supported by CERIC and the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF), provides the evidence base needed to unlock the potential of Canadian career service professionals. Available for free download.  

Practice Principles: Career Theories and Models at Work  

This new book from authors Dr. Nancy Arthur, Dr. Roberta Borgen and Dr. Mary McMahon is an essential companion to CERIC’s popular Career Theories and Models at Work: Ideas for Practice. Practice Principles serves as a “go-to” guide for career professionals, providing theory-informed, foundational principles for effective career interventions. Available for purchase in print.  

Exploring Possibilities! Journeying Through Career-Related Learning in Grades 4–6: A Teaching Toolkit 

Exploring Possibilities! Journeying Through Career-Related Learning in Grades 4–6: A Teaching Toolkit helps to shine a light on the value and many ways of undertaking career-related learning in elementary schools. Underpinned by research and data collected from educators, parents, students and industry partners, Exploring Possibilities! will help educators understand how their teaching practices develop foundational career-related skills. Available for free download or for purchase as an e-book or in print. 

Career Development 2040: Preparing for Possible Scenarios of Work and Careers 

The latest report from the Career Development in 2040 research project identifies how the career development sector, advocacy organizations and policymakers need to prepare for 2040 and beyond. The report aims to motivate action that ensures workers across Canada have the support they need to prepare and adjust to the futures of work. The first report, published in October 2023, explores 10 major changes with the potential to impact career development in 2040. Available for free download.  

Supporting the Integration of Refugees with Low Levels of Education: A Cross-cultural Perspective on Counselling

This research-driven publication recommends strategies for career and guidance counsellors to help refugees – especially those with low levels of education – integrate into society and the working world, with an emphasis on respect for cultural differences and collaboration with employers and public institutions. It is currently available in French and an English version will be available this spring. Available for free download or for purchase as an e-book or in print. 

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2024

CERIC relaunches database of Canadian career development researchers

A revamped version of CERIC’s Canadian Career Development Researcher Database is now available, answering the question: “Who is doing what research in Canada”? Canada is home to many leading researchers across the country, whether at universities or within community-based settings, doing important work throughout many areas of interest within the career development field. The database brings this rich information together in one easy-to-use searchable online resource. 

There are currently 201 researchers in the database – both anglophone and francophone. It is expected that the database will be updated on an ongoing basis with new researchers added. The database can be filtered by institution, location or 50+ areas of interest, from gender to vocational psychology, and from Indigenous career development to social justice. 

How is the database of use? 

  • Researchers, students, organizations and individuals can use the database to identify potential academic and non-academic partners for future research projects. 
  • It can be used to begin to determine research already being done in Canada and how to best advance this knowledge. 
  • The database is also of value as a jumping off point for those seeking to learn about the latest research in any area of career development. 

Starting with Michael Abbott at Queen’s University in Ontario with an interest in labour markets, through to Marcelline Bengaly at Université Laval in Quebec whose research includes immigrant groups and Dave Redekopp at Life-Role Development Group in Alberta whose focus includes mental health, and concluding with Richard Young in BC who has done research into youth and transitions, you are invited to scroll through the database found at ceric.ca/researchers. 

Consistent with CERIC’s strategic priorities, it is our intent that by documenting researchers in Canada, we can continue to advance knowledge in career development theory and practice, champion collaboration among diverse interestholders and facilitate conversations between career practitioners and researchers, as well as among educators, employers and policymakers. 

In particular, anyone applying for CERIC project funding will find the database helpful to assess how to proceed in building on existing research, and whether there is potential for collaboration. Additional related resources include 60 CERIC literature searches, the Canadian Journal of Career Development as well as our list of previously funded projects. 

CERIC will work to keep the database as current and accurate as possible. Researchers are asked to contact us to be added to the database or to have their information amended. Anyone is also welcome to reach out with a recommendation of a Canadian researcher to add by emailing CERIC’s Manager of Research Initiatives Alexandra Manoliu at alexandra@ceric.ca. 

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2024

Social Determinants of Mental Health: Navigating Difficult Conversations for Enhanced Client Well-being

PAID WEBINAR SERIES

person    Co-Presenters

Seanna Quressette, Coordinator, Continuing Education, Douglas College

Catherine Hajnal, Grief and Trauma Educator, Life Fundamentals

calendar icon  Date and time

Price

  • PAID webinar series

Language

  • This webinar series is presented in English

Accessibility

  • This webinar series offered AI-generated live captions available in multiple languages

Webinar overview

According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, one in two Canadians have faced a mental health challenge by the time they are 40 making mental health the leading cause of disability in the country and preventing nearly 500,000 employed Canadians from attending work each week. Given this, it is likely that career development professionals are having conversations with clients who are struggling with their mental health. However, these career conversations can be difficult and challenging for CDPs.  

This webinar series will provide you with the tools to engage in these conversations in ways that are respectful, meaningful and within the bounds of your work. Indeed, as “Declining Mental Health & Well-Being” emerges as one of the 10 major changes shaping Career Development in 2040, it’s becoming more crucial than ever for CDPs to be trained in providing mental health support. To be effective, CDPs need to first understand the connection between mental health and trauma-informed practices. It is also important to understand the social determinants of mental health which involves recognizing the factors that contribute to our mental health at the individual, community and global level. Finally, and as equally crucial, CDPs must know how to take care of their own mental health while working with clients.  

Why career professionals should attend

This series of webinars is intended to provide career development professionals with concrete, trauma-informed tools and strategies to engage in difficult conversations and address issues related to the social determinants of mental health. Grounded in the wealth of the presenters over 50 years of collective experience working with clients in the career space and on issues of trauma and grief. The series will offer evidence-based insights crucial for CDPs.   

Participants will learn essential skills to handle difficult conversations about mental health including: how to ask trauma-informed questions; how to apply trauma-informed strategies in conversations; and how to assess the trauma-informed practices of referral sites to make appropriate referrals.  

By the end of this series CDPs will not only have the trauma-informed tools to assist them in pre-referral conversations, but they will also have the tools to elicit skills and abilities in the lives of their clients,  recognizing that when we shy away from these conversations we are missing out on key life skills and therefore career possibilities.  Furthermore, participants will leave the series with essential knowledge and self-care practices to maintain their own mental well-being. 

Participants will engage in a rich learning experience through extended 90-minute webinars, with opportunities to engage and reflect in small groups.  

Webinar N°1 : Conversations About Client Mental Health & Trauma

Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 12 pm to 1:30 pm EST
  • Understand the connection between trauma and mental health 
  • Identify different types of trauma and how they impact career development 
  • Address worries about retraumatizing: the process of rupture and repair 
  • Listen for the career possibilities in trauma and mental health  conversations 

Webinar N°2 : Conversations About the Social Determinants of Mental Health

Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 12 pm to 1:30 pm EST
  • Understand the continuum of mental health:  How to check in with clients on their mental health and the impacts on job search  
  • Understand the social determinants of mental health and how to talk about these with clients 
  • Learn how to make trauma-informed referrals

Webinar N°3 : Conversations About Practitioner Mental Health

Thursday, April 17, 2024, from 12 pm to 1:30 pm EST
  • Notice the signs and signals of needs for support in yourself.  
  • Identify types of care – looking beyond self-care and Employee Assistance Plans 
  • Understand levels of support – the role of conversations with your organization

Individual certificates of attendance will be provided for each webinar of the series. Please note that individual certificates of attendance will ONLY be provided to registered participants who attend the webinar LIVE.

COST for the full series
Individual Rate $159
Group Rate*  $119.25 per person

* If you register 5 or more participants from the same organization at the same time, you qualify for the group rate of 25% off registration fees. 

CERIC webinars are hosted on Zoom. Learn about it in our FAQ.

Seana-Quressette

Seanna Quressette, MEd, CCDP, is a trauma therapist with 30+ years in career development. Seanna lives with Complex Post Trauma Stress Disorder. She has taught career development professionals for 25+ years and is currently faculty at Douglas College. 

Catherine-Hajnal

Dr. Catherine Hajnal facilitates an understanding of trauma, loss and grief including their transformative potential. For over 25 years she has been committed to creating learning environments that foster a deeper understanding of the human condition   

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2024

Career Practice Principles: Bridging Theory and Everyday Practice

FREE WEBINAR

person    Co-Presenters

Dr. Nancy Arthur, Dean Research, University of South Australia

Dr. Roberta Borgen (Neault), Founder and President of Life Strategies Ltd.

Dr. Mary McMahon, Honorary Associate Professor at The University of Queensland

calendar icon  Date and time

Price

  • FREE webinar

Language

  • This webinar is presented in English with French subtitles available on the recording.

Accessibility

  • This webinar offered AI-generated live captions available in multiple languages

French subtitles are available on the recording of this webinar.

Webinar overview

Career theories serve as the foundations of our practice, guiding interventions, and informing decision-making processes. Yet, many career practitioners may face challenges in translating theoretical knowledge into effective, everyday practice. In this webinar, we will overview eight musthave” career practice principles to help you feel more confident and competent for working across practice roles and for determining your learning needs. The information shared in this webinar is based on the new CERIC book, Practice Principles: Career Theories and Models at Work and the new Career Practice Reflection Guide included in the book. These two new resources were developed from a synthesis of the practice points in the chapters of the popular Career Theories and Models at Work: Ideas for Practice to determine eight essential principles for guiding practice. This free webinar offers a great opportunity for you to strengthen the theory-practice connections in your own work 

Why career professionals should attend

Whether you are new to the career development field or an experienced career development practitioner, enhancing theory-practice connections in your work is always beneficial. There are many resources available to career practitioners, but it is important to consider what they have to offer. This webinar will be an excellent opportunity to highlight the practice principles while allowing participants to reflect on what guides their career development practice. Be prepared for an engaging session. Bring your phones to ponder, poll and post your ideas during the webinar! 

Key learning takeaways

  • Gain more knowledge about theory-informed practice 
  • Reflect on the practice principles that you currently use 
  • Deepen knowledge about the “group of eight” practice principles 
  • Set learning goals to strengthen theory-practice connections 
Career-Theories-Compagnion-Guide-Cover

Overview of the research project

How can career development practitioners strengthen theory-practice connections? Career practitioners need to be equipped with the latest theories and models in the field. It is also important for practitioners to make informed choices about the approaches and strategies they use in practice. The aim of this project is to provide practitioners with foundational principles for theory-informed career practice. 

Based on an analysis of the practice points in the 43 chapters of Career Theories and Models at Work: Ideas for Practice, the chapters outline core foundational principles that every career practitioner can use and apply in their practice. 

Learn more about the project and the book

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Nancy Arthur

Professor Nancy Arthur is Dean Research for UniSA Business, University of South Australia and Professor Emerita, University of Calgary, Canada. Nancy’s research focuses on Culture-Infused Career Counselling, diversity and social justice in professional practice, and international learning and employment transitions. Nancy is an elected Fellow of the Canadian Psychological Association  

Roberta Borgen

Dr. Roberta Borgen (Neault) is internationally award-winning founder and President of Life Strategies Ltd. in British Columbia, Canada. Roberta is co-developer of the Career Engagement model and her research and practice has focused on training and equipping career development professionals and counsellors, across Canada and internationally. 

Mary McMahon

Dr. Mary McMahon is an Honorary Associate Professor at The University of Queensland, School of Education, Australia. Mary is a developer and co-author of the Systems Theory Framework of career development. She researches and publishes on lifespan career development, narrative and systems approaches to career counselling, and qualitative career assessment.  

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