CDA Insights

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@

Whether a review is about personal performance or the quality of a product, its only as good as the time put into creating it. The familiarity of book reviews belies their importance. The short posts following a product description on a store's website may do the opposite – not give enough information so as to be valuable. What is the balance when writing or looking at reviews? How much depth is needed? Does the expertise of the writer matter? And, perhaps the most important

As opposed to being fulfilled in sleep, career dreams or aspirations may reveal or influence career decisions or journeys. Practitioners need various theories and tools at their fingertips when considering clients' dreams while providing career related services. Yes, it would be interesting to explore the meaning behind a client's nighttime dreams about work, and it may be even more productive to explore career aspirations. ~ Melanie Reinersman, editor@careerdevelopmentallia

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,

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

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

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

Sometimes it seems like supervisors are constantly looking over the shoulder of workers and other times supervisors are at too great a distance (literally, when working remotely). Workers may want or need more or less supervision but are unsure how to ask for it or make use of it. Not being in the same building does not erase the need for effective management of the supervisor-worker relationship. Career counselors can help both navigate the distance gap, prepare for importan

Marie Kondo, the organizing consulting and author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” emphasizes the rule to keep only those belongings that “spark joy.” Is it possible that her rule could apply to jobs? Work can spark joy if it involves active engagement, positive connections, and excitement for the future. Hopefully, we want that for ourselves and our clients! So, what are you going to do about it? Engage more? Change jobs? Visit a career coach? I wish you much joy

Geography. It is my weak subject. (You remember those blue pie pieces on the Trivial Pursuit board – well, I was usually missing those!) I am now purposely trying to learn more about world geography through practicing on quiz apps, watching Jeopardy, talking to world travelers, and traveling. I know I will never be an expert in world geography (does Jeopardy allow “phone a friend”?), but I also know I will always have something to learn. What do you still want to learn and ho

The definition of sustainability is the ability to be sustained, supported, upheld, or confirmed (dictionary.com). There is no ego is sustaining yourself. What good are you to your clients if you cannot uphold yourself? How can you model positivity about life if you don’t confirm your own needs and strengths? Make the decision and take the action now so that you are well-sustained for your future. ~ Melanie Reinersman, editor@careerdevelopmentalliance.com Photo by Gautam Kri