Websites and Blogs

So nice to see so many of you at today's Finding Yourself in the World of Work assessment training at Jenny Wiley.

During the training we mentioned how important it is to keep up with trends in our field. The following are some blogs that were mentioned:

http://www.smartbrief.com/news/yourcareer

http://www.careerhubblog.com/

http://www.mastercareercounselor.blogspot.com/

An Amazing Offer From NCDA

We have just received word about the following deal! Do read on.

The National Career Development Association is pleased to offer individuals who have successfully completed a NCDA Career Development Facilitator (CDF) training program, from an NCDA approved training provider, a FREE One-Year Trial Membership to NCDA. This means all of our GCDF gradutes are eligible!

Carla and I have been members of the NCDA for several years, and I have attended their past two conferences. In fact, at last year's conference in San Francisco, there were over 11oo people who attended from 40 countries. The breakout sessions were very informative and I really enjoyed getting to meet the rock stars and rising theorists in our field such as Dick Bolles, Sunny Hansen, and Jim Bright.

CDFs can enjoy the following NCDA benefits:
· Complimentary copy of the latest issue of the NCDA professional journal – Career Development Quarterly.
· Complimentary copy of NCDA’s magazine – Career Developments.
Discounted NCDA member registration to attend the NCDA global career development conference in San Antonio, Texas, June 30 – July 2, 2011.
· Discount NCDA member rate on NCDA published materials.
· Resources – The member’s only section of the website offers a wealth of information to assist career practitioners to provide excellent service to career clients.

NCDA CDF graduates can complete their FREE One-Year Trial Membership by visiting the following link: https://www.tcslabs2.com/cgi-bin/PRIMA/tcsPRIMA2.pl?Action=DisplayRegForm_Step1&EventID=159&RegNo=1&StartNewReg=1&UID=NCDA,130285
You will need to follow the directions and use CDF5000 as the comp/promo code. You must complete your membership by June 1, 2011 in order to take advantage of this unique opportunity. This offer is only valid for those CDF completers living in the United States.

Questions or comments regarding this FREE One-Year Trial Membership may be directed to Mary Ann Powell at mpowell@ncda.org or phone (918) 663-7060.

January Self Discovery

Are you getting cabin fever? January is a great month to sit by the fire with a warm cup of coffee and take time to reflect upon and plan your career. Once the weather gets warmer and summer employment programs kick in, we all know the days go by all too quickly. Grab a notebook and answer the following questions. Enjoy the process.


1. What did I do really well last year in my job? (Hopefully this is on your resume and your supervisors are also aware of it.)



2. In reviewing the above responses, how could I (should I) continue to excel in those areas?



3. In what areas of my life should I give myself some slack? When working under unreasonable demands, I used to say to myself "All is well that ends well" then one day a colleague said stop being so hard on yourself, sometimes "All is well that just ends".


4. Are there things I need to stop doing (i.e. overcommitting, self-destructive habits, negative thoughts)?


5. In reviewing the past year, list a 10 things (i.e. who and what) for which I am most grateful? List why.


6. Are there people with whom I need to reconnect? Make plans to do so.

New Year's Resolutions

Each January 1st rather than resolving to lose 5 pounds or exercise more, I begin the new year by reading two professional development related books. My selections are books that transcend specific industries and are more generic in their advice or findings. Some of my previous year's selections have included: Good to Great, Human Sigma, Never Eat Alone, and Drive. As another year kicks off, what will you do to challenge yourself personally and professionally? Perhaps you will take the time this week to update your LinkedIn profile and photo or schedule a coffee meeting with a business owner or community leader that you have been wanting to get to know better. Another idea would be to find two new blogs to follow this year or coordinate a periodic best practices/resource sharing meeting with colleagues or like-minded people in your community. Whatever your goals we extend to you a wish you a very happy, healthy and professionally rewarding new year!