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

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

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

Aiming to earn trust from a client, employer, or co-worker should begin with respect. Etiquette is a sure way to demonstrate respect, for both others and self. Counselors who model proper etiquette are effectively saying to the client, “you can do this.” No one is too old for a reminder of the classic basic manners or an introduction to the 21st century etiquette (think social media). All mothers (and grandmothers) would be proud! ~ Melanie Reinersman, M.A., insights@careerde

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

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