CDA Insights

Jan 16
2 min

Coaching and Performance: A Relationship Centered Approach

Clever sayings can guide a coach's approach to their work. The coach may aim to be a “guide on the side, not a sage on the stage.” Or a coach could follow a model, such as the SPIRO model (Specificity, Performance, Involvement, Realism, Observability). A coach may even employ several theories, from CIP to RIASEC. Whatever guidance the coach selects, it should be regularly reviewed, and possibly updated, so as to not limit their ability to serve clients. If the relationship is

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

Oct 17, 2022
3 min

Minds at Work: The Role of Social-Emotional Skills in the World of Work

Can all skills be taught? Who is the better teacher of soft skills: parents, schools, employers, friends? Which jobs require the most skills, including non-technical and soft skills? Answers to these questions are as numerous as any Google search (i.e., hundreds of results). While we may be able to easily name skills that employers want, such as critical thinking or resourcefulness, we may not readily define them as social-emotional skills or give them high priority at all st

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

Jul 18, 2022
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, 2022
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

Apr 19, 2022
2 min

Skills: Work in the Trades

Skills pays the bills. During the covid-19 shut-down, home improvement projects surged as people needed spaces to work and play at home. This spurred the focus on the skilled trades, as deck-builders, landscapers, wood-workers, plumbers and other tradespersons were called on more than ever. While there may still be a stigma for the family that does not send all their children to a four-year college, there are many reasons to pursue a trade instead. Lower debt and higher earni

Jan 17, 2022
3 min

Salary, Pay, Wages – Oh, My! Earning in Today's Work World

An internet search on how to negotiate salary quickly pulls up all the usual articles and sources: “Words to Use When Negotiating Salary”, “Tips You Need to Know”, “Rules for Negotiating an Offer” are published by Glassdoor, US News Money, Indeed and Robert Half. Is there more to the picture than just knowing “how to” achieve a high income? Are pay scales changing and wage gaps narrowing? Can workers really know what they are worth to an employer? Will other values supersede

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

Mar 15, 2021
2 min

Team Work: Factors that Lead to a Better World

The more distanced the world became in 2020, the more the desire for connectedness increased. Workers knew intuitively that they needed to get their work done safely and remotely while staying on top of the needs of the team, department and organization. Even as individuals were pulled from their focus on the work of the team due to personal care at home, especially school-aged or ill loved ones, the team spirit stayed strong or supported arising weaknesses. If career profes

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

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

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

Jan 21, 2019
2 min

Project Management and Careers: Working Skillfully, Timely and Ethically

Officially, project manager is a job title that comes with a certain set of skills, certifications, and employment. Off the record, everyone needs to be a project manager. Executive coaches are handling changing client loads, professional development activities, social media and more. Counselor Educators are directing student experiential activities, syllabi requirements, departmental responsibilities and more. Job seekers are juggling… well, you get the idea. The point is we

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

CDA Insights

Focus On

For Practitioners

Job Searching

Gender in The Workplace

Your Library

Career Spotlight

College & Universities

Encore Careers

Top Ten
What Career Development Professionals Are Saying...
Professional Organizations

All Posts

About CDA Insights

CDA Insights Policy