CDA Insights

Nov 21
3 min

Hope: A Leadership Strategy

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

Sep 19
3 min

Mid-Career Transitions: Evaluation of Commitment, Advancement and Relationships

With competency and identity issues addressed in earlier stages of adult development, those in mid-life (generally around ages 40-50) typically take a deeper dive into career transition. Of course, this period is not without its focus on family concerns (including work-life balance), as developmental constructs are interrelated. Career plateauing or obsolescence may be scary, but career development professionals may be able to support a mid-career change via therapeutic allia

Jul 18
3 min

Creative Tools: Interventions that Aid Goal Attainment

After acknowledging the value of tradition, the 21st century career counselor focuses attention on creativity so as to serve clients effectively. This means terms like new, shift, renovated, flexibility, dynamic, imagination, innovation, and non-linear thinking... are constantly in the mind of the career counselor. More research could help with understanding and implementing creativity in the counseling relationship. In the meantime, bringing attention to the importance of cr

Jun 20
3 min

Weighty Decisions: Multiple Factors and Choices

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

Mar 21
2 min

Worldwide Connections: Think Globally, Act Locally

Did you ever consider the fact that someone else is doing the same work as you, but in a different part of the world? When we narrow our thoughts to our “world” (our office, organization, city, state...), we miss out on the opportunity for worldwide connections. The opportunity can take on various meanings. Some career professionals may be interested in learning how career services are offered in a specific country. Some seek global participation in the areas of social action

Feb 21
3 min

A Hybrid Work Model: Benefits and Challenges When Working Differently

Individuals and companies are benefiting from the massive transition occurring in work models. Study after study in the past two years supports the positive effects of a hybrid or remote work model in the areas of productivity, job satisfaction, talent retention, mental health, economy and even the environment. Of course, there are two sides to everything – many beautiful flowers have thorns. Whatever the reason for the desire for a different model, now that we've seen it, we

Dec 20, 2021
2 min

Don't Look Back! Letting Go of the Past

December is a good month to review the past year, assess and set goals, and... STOP! Don't look back! Just because all the television news shows look back every December 31st, doesn't mean it is a helpful practice. There comes a time to let go of the past and move forward. Being future-focused starts with admitting that while learning occurred in the past, dwelling on history is a heavy weight. Shouldn't you start lifting weights in the new year? ~ Melanie Reinersman, editor@

Nov 15, 2021
2 min

Executive Challenges Today: Help is Needed at the “Hire” Levels

It is easy to generate questions surrounding the challenges faced by executives today. For example, are “teamwork” and “executives” an oxymoron? Do “data analysis” and “executive creativity” exist in the same organization? When does “caring for the employee's well-being” conflict with “not tolerating” non-performers? The only accurate answer to so many questions may be that one individual does not have all the answers. The executive that seeks help from career development pro

Oct 18, 2021
2 min

Red Flags: Warnings of Pain and Change

In a matter of seconds, someone could be hurt because a red flag was overlooked. In those same few seconds, 74+M google results covering the topic of red flags in job search pop up. Career development professionals have the obligation to behave with veracity (deal truthfully with clients) and beneficence (work for the good of the individual). Unfortunately, the world does not follow any such code and career changers are easy targets. Avoid or end the suffering of your client

Aug 16, 2021
2 min

Dysfunctional Thoughts: Hindrances to Successful Career Problem Solving

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

May 17, 2021
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

Feb 15, 2021
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,

Jan 18, 2021
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

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

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. ~

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

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

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

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

Apr 19, 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