National Career Development Month

It’s November! Cooler weather, falling leaves, and in case you hadn’t noticed, it’s National Career Development Month. The changing seasons remind us of the changes around us as our careers evolve. As we shed the old we make room for new growth. Seeing change as an opportunity for growth rather than a loss as we move from one job or career to another will keep us resilient and resourceful.

Resilience can come from expected and unexpected changes. I felt disappointed when I recently accepted a job that turned out to not be what I expected. The opportunities I anticipated did not materialize. I soon discovered I could build the skills I wanted to use as an entrepreneur rather than an employee. Researching career information, writing articles, giving presentations, and coaching give me the experience I need to master my strengths.

Last year I wrote an article for Quintessential Careers Job Action Day 2011  called, “Creating Opportunity Through Your Entrepreneurial Spirit.” After looking at my options, I realized I am right where I want to be in my career.

This year I have the opportunity to participate in Job Action Day 2011 as a blogger and offering career tips on "Skill Up For Employment."  This year’s theme is “Skill up, Start Up, and Speak Up.”

Job Action Day 2011 is all about empowering job-seekers to attain the skills employers seek, take charge of directing your career, and be vocal and demand action on job creation -- helping you move your career and/or job-search forward.”There are so many opportunities to take advantage of the extensive variety of career resources available to us. While Quintessential Careers has a wealth of information for job seekers, the site gives career development professionals an opportunity to share their expertise and learn the latest trends.

The National Career Development Association has resources, workshops, and information for career professionals. There are opportunities for leadership development, publishing, and learning from other career professionals.

I felt honored to have my article, “More Than A Job Search: Enhance Career Management Skills Using Social Media,” published in the November NCDA Career Convergence Magazine.

November is a great time to get involved in empowering career awareness. The National Career Development Association has a list of activities for NCD month including The 46th Annual Poetry and Poster Contest “My Career Dreams,” The NCDA Webinar Series, “Career Smarts for the Job Crisis: Finding Success in Hard Times,” and publishing articles for Career Convergence.

National Career Development Month reminds us that we can take charge of our careers and help those who are struggling.
 

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