Why We Should Stop Using ‘Soft’ Skills

By Ann Villiers

A range of terms is used to help people identify their skills. One of these terms, ‘soft’ skills, is imprecise, inaccurate, gender-biased, and unprofessional. It is time for career counselors, researchers, teachers, educators, employers, and parents to stop using this term.

Purpose as a Framework for Post-Secondary Planning and Career Development

By Lia Falco

In the current context of “college and career readiness,” too much emphasis on improved academic achievement may not adequately help students make successful post-secondary transitions. To help students truly become college- and career-ready, counselor educators can teach school counselors to use career interventions that emphasize development of students’ life purpose. This, in turn, can enhance students’ motivation and planning for both short- and long-term career goals.

When Past Trauma Impacts a Career’s Future: EMDR Therapy as a Career Development Tool

By Danielle Menditch

When clients have difficulty moving forward, the problem might lie in unresolved trauma, and our usual approaches as career practitioners may be insufficient. Trauma-informed psychotherapy practices, specifically Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), may help. Licensed mental health clinicians can receive training to add EMDR to their career counseling toolkits, while others may refer to an EMDR clinician.

Linking Learning to Careers in Vermont: A Model for Career Practitioners Nationwide

By Elizabeth King and Richard Tulikangas

In an effort to expand work-based learning opportunities and to improve post high school outcomes for transition aged youth with disabilities, a competitive grant was awarded to five states. Vermont utilized its funding to develop the Linking Learning to Careers program. This article details the implementation of the grant with implications for career practitioners nationwide.

The Peace Corps Experience: Impact on Student Career Development

By K. Richard Pyle

The Peace Corps is a two-year cross-cultural international poverty experience. It impacts career development by developing critical transferable skills resulting in career successes that exceed a cohort group and Fullbright scholars. The career services practitioner can share insights with students on how the adjustment process and the skills gained from coping with a different environment and culture relate to career development.

Understanding Bias When Working with Multi-Cultural Populations

By Carlos Carter

One of the salient priorities of career services professionals is to understand the populations which they serve. This article briefly reviews implicit and explicit bias and how it impacts multi-cultural populations. Examining cultural identity helps career professionals develop an awareness of clients’ personal values, preferences, and characteristics, which is critical in serving diverse populations.

Inspiring Innovation, Increasing Diversity, and Promoting Social Justice in Career Practice

By Mary Ann Powell, NCDA Conference Director

For the purpose of gaining professional knowledge and networking, over 1000 people in the field of career development will gather to be inspired to increase diversity and social justice. You too can gain energy while advancing not only your career but your clients' as well.

Improving Digital Literacy for Job Seekers and Service Providers

Despite the integration of computer technology in the workforce, a large percentage of college students and adults in and returning to the workforce lack foundational digital literacy knowledge and skills. Microsoft provides a free online Digital Literacy Course in 12 languages that includes concepts such as: hardware and devices, safety and security, and online collaboration. The course assists job seekers in developing the basic skills for employability, and is a resource for career service providers who want to brush up on their tech skills.

Tech Tip provided by: John Johnson JohnJ@dcccd.edu