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A Day in the Life: What is the Real World?

May 17
3 min

A Day in the Life: What is the Real World?

“Welcome to the real world” is an often used phrase shared with new graduates. It is somewhat false because it implies that students were living in a fake world. A related term is “adulting,” meaning the person must now act like a grown-up. Regardless of the sarcasm or good wishes, anyone entering a new job (recent graduate or not) has a lot to learn and would most likely welcome support from career service providers. A glimpse into the day in the “real world” life would be

“Her-Storical” Perspective: Gender Issues in the Work World Today

Feb 15
3 min

“Her-Storical” Perspective: Gender Issues in the Work World Today

The need to broaden and deepen our understanding of visionary women, gender bias, and career development cannot be limited to one month, one training session, or one experience. The bigger picture of the pervasiveness of the gender issues today demands attention in an intentional way. One place to start is looking back – at history (or “her-story") and at the development of young girls' careers, then bring that knowledge forward to the work world today. ~ Melanie Reinersman,

Growth and Opportunity: Which Comes First?

Jan 18
2 min

Growth and Opportunity: Which Comes First?

What do people think of when they hear the word “opportunity”? Maybe they wonder how to create... or take advantage of... or seek... or even turn down an opportunity? Others hear the word “growth” and think of challenges... spurts... growing pains... or even developmental stages. Perhaps the bigger question is like the chicken and the egg: which comes first? Or even more significant: is one possible without the other? ~ Melanie Reinersman, M.A., insights@careerdevelopmentall

The Present: Focusing on What Is Needed Right Now

Dec 21, 2020
2 min

The Present: Focusing on What Is Needed Right Now

No one wants to spend the last few days of 2020 looking back at a year that was fraught with fear, change and challenges. Looking to 2021 may not be better because the future is too uncertain. Let's just focus on the present! Do you have what you need right now to be effective at serving your clients and taking care of yourself? ~ Melanie Reinersman, M.A., insights@careerdevelopmentalliance.com Photo by freestocks on Unsplash FOCUS ON: Today and Only Today Appreciating what w

Optimism: Being an Intentionally Positive and Unconventional Leader

Nov 16, 2020
2 min

Optimism: Being an Intentionally Positive and Unconventional Leader

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. ~

Disrupt: An Energizing, Informing and Empowering Response to 2020

Oct 19, 2020
2 min

Disrupt: An Energizing, Informing and Empowering Response to 2020

No one would argue that 2020 has been a year of disruptions. Paychecks, lifestyles, and even the weather have seen such extreme changes as to only be able to use a new word to describe how we are living now. But what if that word has a positive spin on it? What if our description evokes a sense of empowerment over the change? That would be inspirational! Imagine the change in career development in 2021 and forward with a word that is energizing, informing and empowering. This

Wisdom: Knowledge Increases Effective Decision Making

Aug 17, 2020
2 min

Wisdom: Knowledge Increases Effective Decision Making

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

Enhancing the Job Search: Successful Tricks when Facing a Tricky Search

Jul 20, 2020
2 min

Enhancing the Job Search: Successful Tricks when Facing a Tricky Search

Of course the all-important word “LinkedIn” is going to be included somewhere on this page about enhancing the job search. There is no such thing as a successful job search without it. But what else can a job seeker do and what else can a career coach say when faced with trying times and unprecedented challenges? There are always more ways to enhance a job search! ~ Melanie Reinersman, M.A., insights@careerdevelopmentalliance.com Photo by Sheri Hooley on Unsplash FOCUS ON: O

Looking Forward: What is Your Attitude Toward the Future?

Jun 15, 2020
2 min

Looking Forward: What is Your Attitude Toward the Future?

Here's another helpful message that showed up in my inbox: “When the light turns green, will you be ready?” It was the wake-up call I needed to start thinking about the future. Someday, the coronavirus disruption will be over and it is important to not continually dwell on current negativity or fear. We always have some aspect of control – let's use it and help others do the same! ~ Melanie Reinersman, M.A., insights@careerdevelopmentalliance.com Photo by Christina@wocintech

Fear Zone vs Growth Zone: Facing and Overcoming Challenges Fuels Development

Apr 20, 2020
3 min

Fear Zone vs Growth Zone: Facing and Overcoming Challenges Fuels Development

The rapid changes in the world over the past several weeks have resulted in the complete upheaval of work and home life. Workers have experienced an unprecedented overhaul of methodologies, reduced stability and an abundance of unknowns. Naturally fear increases under these circumstances. Yet, as history has shown us, if we learn from facing new challenges, we can overcome fear and move forward. The aim of Career Development Alliance’sCDA Insights, as always, is to support th

Polarization: How to disagree without losing your job, career, or mind

Jan 21, 2020
3 min

Polarization: How to disagree without losing your job, career, or mind

Political polarization in the workplace may reach new heights in 2020. But it doesn’t have to. Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinions and the right to free speech. In the workplace, the stakes are higher due to potential consequences when people make others uncomfortable by attempting to generate support for a particular viewpoint. Its best to remember the goal of the workplace (i.e., provide a product or service), learn how to disagree professionally, practice holding y

The Gig Economy: Still Learning What a Gig Really Is

Sep 16, 2019
2 min

The Gig Economy: Still Learning What a Gig Really Is

Employment status, contractor title, legislation, and more terms need to be (re)learned in order to understand the gig economy. Previously, the worker was free to define a gig as anything other than a 9-to-5, regular 40 hour work week, with single employer. On demand services increased the need for gig workers, as consumers enjoyed convenience and unique delivery methods. Independent contractors may be the winners as regulations increase costs to employers, including wage hik

Over 55: Attitudes and Facts about Later Life Work

Feb 19, 2019
2 min

Over 55: Attitudes and Facts about Later Life Work

You know the saying, “Growing old isn’t great but it beats the alternative.” Now is the time to recognize the societal norms that affect us, our language, our perceptions, etc., about age and work. If everyone can work toward an attitude change, then everyone can work – regardless of age. ~ Melanie Reinersman, editor@careerdevelopmentalliance.com Photo by Annie Gray on Unsplash FOCUS ON: Ageism and Older People Identifying ageism for what it is is the first step in changing a

The End: Year, Career, or Presentation – All Must Face an End

Dec 18, 2018
2 min

The End: Year, Career, or Presentation – All Must Face an End

At the end of every year, it is natural to look back and review the past events. Why not similarly review one’s career, when a job ends? Or evaluate a presentation after it is over? Anytime self-reflection occurs, the opportunity for growth increases. If you are not already encouraging this with your clients (or at least modeling it for them), the end of 2018 is an appropriate time to start. ~ Melanie Reinersman, editor@careerdevelopmentalliance.com Photo by Matt Botsford on

Improvement: Increasing the Service Provider’s Abilities

Sep 18, 2018
2 min

Improvement: Increasing the Service Provider’s Abilities

Counselors and Coaches: are you increasing your skills so as to be a good model for your clients? Are you mindful of your weaknesses so you can improve your services? Does your calendar look like you are stuck in past routines or focused on the future? Improvement is not a dirty word, if you accept the fact that no one is perfect. Don’t let your services become stagnant – schedule time for improving your mindset, abilities, services… and watch the ripple effect take place in