CDA Insights

Despite the fact that hope is only four little letters, it is a very big word. The thesaurus lists over 40 synonyms for hope, including aspiration, belief, optimism, rosiness, and sanguineness. Do career development professionals offer hope? Do leaders? Is everyone open to the hope that is offered? The questions continue and the answers may reside in the strategic partnering of leadership and hope. ~ Melanie Reinersman, editor@careerdevelopmentalliance.com Photo by Ron Smith

Can all skills be taught? Who is the better teacher of soft skills: parents, schools, employers, friends? Which jobs require the most skills, including non-technical and soft skills? Answers to these questions are as numerous as any Google search (i.e., hundreds of results). While we may be able to easily name skills that employers want, such as critical thinking or resourcefulness, we may not readily define them as social-emotional skills or give them high priority at all st

One client shares a worry over when to get a degree while family responsibilities and health care are significant time-drains. Another client is unsure about applying for an opportunity that is a long-shot, when a recent work review was less than stellar. A group career session shows consensus over the financial concerns of changing jobs in the current economic conditions. While none of these issues is new to the career development professional, the frequency and intensity of

Because life isn't always rosy, we may need to take time to look at what is interfering with the chance of a positive outcome to a career decision, change, or aspiration. Career practitioners have said it is better to move toward something than run away from something, and this applies to case of dysfunctional thoughts. Facing them, examining their source, and implementing interventions may remove the hindrance. Sure, you'd rather stop and smell the roses. Just remember that

While no one would argue that 2020 made it difficult for even optimists to feel positive, one role of the career professional is to generate hope. If the client does not feel good, it is a sign of growth, and that is good! If the client doesn't see a means to moving ahead at work, it is time for change and together the resources can be tapped. Being intentionally optimistic serves both the self and the world, which includes the people who need career professionals the most. ~

Most people know the quote “With age comes wisdom” but few know the five words that actually follow: “...sometimes age comes alone.” Perhaps Oscar Wilde doesn't want to sound too smug or too optimistic. With this in mind, it is probably best to encourage all career development professionals to assist their clients in gaining wisdom, especially about themselves. Don't forget, Wilde also said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ~ Melanie Reinersman, M.A., insights@c

While there is no such thing as the “best” or “right” or even “one” career for anyone, sometimes it helps to have a starting point for discussions about career choice. Whether these “best” options are the result of brainstorming or assessments, counselors and clients can generate valuable discussions around these points. ~ Melanie Reinersman, editor@careerdevelopmentalliance.com Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash FOCUS ON: Best Jobs for Americans According to Glassdoor, Data Sci