November is National Career Development Month

November may conjure up images of colorful leaves, cornstalks, and turkey, but, for the past 57 years, it has also been National Career Development (NCD) Month.

Championed by the National Career Development Association (NCDA), the purpose of NCD Month is to focus on activities that can help individuals find, grow, or change career paths. Career professionals, students, and employees are encouraged to engage in a variety of activities like career workshops, r sum refinement, and career exploration and awareness.

Here are some activities for individuals interested in promoting career development:

• Participate in NCDA's annual poetry and art contest, which promotes career development.
• Encourage students to dress up for their dream careers for a day.
• Hold a career fair.
• Help students or employees update their résumés.
• Inform students about job shadowing opportunities, internships, and tours.
• For businesses, set up a mentor program for your employees. Encourage your staff to be mentors or get a mentor.

For career professionals (or any professional looking to provide career guidance to clients or students), the Self-Directed Search is a time-tested career assessment tool that matches an individual's aspirations, activities, and talents to the career choices and educational opportunities that fit them best.

To learn more, visit the Self Directed Search.