Career Development Professional

Learners will study the development of career development theories and identify the strengths and weaknesses of these models. Students will demonstrate the use of theories/models and explain their relevance to the career development practice and client interventions. This Model is set out in The Canadian Standards and Guidelines for Career Practitioners.

Students will understand the influence of personal context on viewing ethical dilemmas and identify and discuss critical ethical concerns within the industry as well as strategize ways to avoid and address them. Learners will inform and improve their professional practice through greater awareness of the Canadian Standards and Guidelines Code of Ethics, the BC Privacy Act and an ethical decision making model.

You will examine the career planning process, decision making, career goal setting, and the role of assessment on career planning. Students will study formal and informal instruments and learn how to apply psychometric properties such as percentile, scaled scores differentiation and consistence in profile interpretation. You will learn to administer and interpret SDS, COPS, as well as study Myers Briggs and Strong Interest Inventory.

You will examine and practice helping skills such as rapport building, active listening, identifying vocational needs, and analyzing clients strengths and barriers. Fundamental areas include work search strategies, writing effective and targeted resumes and cover letters, skills profiling, networking including social media, electronic resumes, interviewing techniques and preparation and job offer negotiations.

Recognize the vocational needs of diverse populations and establish career plans of these underrepresented members including people with disabilities, youth, Immigrants and older workers. Learn the environmental, social, systemic and personal barriers faced by these groups and learn strategies to motivate these clients. Students will be able to apply multiple roles and responsibilities of a facilitator. This course includes Job Finding Club training.

This course will introduce learners to the elements of proposal and grant writing. Students will explore practical examples, resources and reference material to develop grant and proposal documents.

Students will explore an integrated approach of the Blueprint for Life/Work Designs framework such as: Personal Management; Learning and Work Exploration and Life/Work Building. Understand adult learning principles; learn to evaluate career development programs; establish effective career resource centre; and develop materials for teaching life skills.

Students will research labour market information (LMI) and create labour market reports by collecting data and evaluating its validity. Learners will enhance their knowledge of computerized resources and apply critical thinking of LMI in their employment. You will study the occupational classifications system, the National Occupational Classification (NOC), and recognize its influence on the labour market. This course will familiarize learners with computer-assisted career guidance (CACG) systems and apply this to the needs of their clients.

The Personality Dimensions Level 1 Training will develop an in-depth understanding of personality temperament theory. Learners will gain understanding of the impact of personality on communication, work performance, career decisions and life balance. Students will gain enhanced awareness of their own facilitating style and learn new ways to motivate the strengths in others. This workshop leads to a Certification in Personality Dimensions Level 1 Trainer. Must attend all 3 days to be eligible to write the Certification exam on the 3rd day.

This experience will be recognized as Canadian work experience on your resume. You will complete work-place experience as part of your studies. During your practicum, you are expected to meet the same work conditions as a normal member of staff. You will not be paid for your practicum work. Practicum placement is offered once students have finished all required courses in the CDPC program (CDPC 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009). It will include two weeks with the same host employer.