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, resume refinement, and career exploration and awareness.

How Can You Further Your Career Development This Month?

Improving your career path may sound like a hefty undertaking, but it doesn't need to be. Starting small is better than never starting at all, no matter what your goals for the future may be. 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.
• Meet with someone with a career you admire and ask them about their journey to get there.
• Hold a career fair.
• Take a career interest assessment.
• 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.

What Tools Can Help with Career and Self Development?

If you're not sure where to begin, the best way to start is by simply learning more about yourself. Think about what you're passionate about, and what you might envision yourself doing in your dream role. Even if you simply want to progress in your current role, consider what strengths you have that can help you and your team to succeed.

For career professionals (or any professional looking to provide career guidance to clients or students), the Self-Directed Search (SDS) 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. It goes beyond traditional career aptitude tests, as it helps you discover various paths that may be well-suited to your passions and strengths, providing in-depth information on how you can pursue each one. The SDS is often recommended for and by veterans re-entering the civilian workforce, high school or university level students deciding on a life path, disabled or neurodiverse individuals, and anyone looking for additional guidance on their career development. 

This National Career Development Month, discover what's possible for your future. To learn more about how you can improve your career path, visit the Self Directed Search website today.