CDA Insights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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