CDA Insights

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

While the real estate field focuses on location, location, location, the rest of the world professes education, education, education. When education is viewed in a broad sense, it supports the value of lifelong learning. When education is limited to the once-popular, narrow sense of always obtaining a four-year college degree, then people suffer. Career professionals not only need to be aware of the different learning modalities, but can aim to assist clients in being open-mi

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,

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

Who sets up shop on Main Street in the 21st Century? Can organizations operate without a physical door to walk through? The ability to run a business virtually is easier than ever (thanks to technological options), and yet requires unique adaptations. Constant connections are easy, even if creating deep connections are not. Knowing what you do is basic, however most people miss the step of figuring out why you do it. If you take some thoughtful steps (not necessarily through

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

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

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