CDA Insights

Dec 19, 2022
3 min

Future Waves: Unlocking Relevant Development

Readers of CDA Insights can look at published issues and see all the topics covered over the years. In fact, the 10th anniversary of this publication will occur in February 2023! The issues of the past two Decembers have provided thoughts on “Letting Go of the Past” and staying focused on “The Present." Naturally, the future is this month's spotlight. It could be argued that every issue is about the future – and published topics such as “Dreams” or “Optimism” concur – because

Sep 19, 2022
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

Feb 21, 2022
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

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

Sep 20, 2021
2 min

Comparisons: Aim to Support Career Confidence

The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. Yet people still believe others have found more satisfaction, rewards, or personal fulfillment in life – which increases desires and jealousy when the individual doesn't believe they have those things. It is only human to make comparisons, although crossing the line into feeling undervalued or worse, worthless, is obviously unhealthy. Focusing on supporting confidence and maintaining self-esteem in both yourself

Jul 19, 2021
2 min

Beneficial Reviews: Learning by Looking at Self

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

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,

Mar 15, 2020
2 min

Virtual Business: No Doors, No Walls, No Problem

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

Nov 18, 2019
2 min

Justification: Is Value Being Communicated?

How do people convince employers to hire them? Why do people seek career help? Do they see value in seeking help? If one basic tenet of job search is for the job seeker to make their value to the employer known, doesn’t it also make sense that career services providers justify their value? Taking responsibility for communicating the value of an individual’s work is crucial to achieving work goals. ~ Melanie Reinersman, editor@careerdevelopmentalliance.com Photo by Allef Vinic

Sep 15, 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

Sep 17, 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

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