Supporting Young People Seeking Federal Careers

By David J. Smith

A Washington, DC based career coach and adjunct professor shares his observations regarding the challenging transitions US federal workers are facing. He offers tips to nurture, support and encourage workers who seek public service, a noble calling.

When Did You Last Think About Theory?

By Deirdre A. Pickerell

This article offers a brief glimpse into the world of career theory, with the goal of inspiring career practitioners to pause to reflect on how, or perhaps if, career theory is embedded in their practice. [Ed. Note: this article is being re-run due to its relevance to the valuable topic of competence and the new video resource on theories.]

Hope Theory: A Tool for Repatriates Navigating Career Reintegration

By Maggie Musty

In an ever-changing work world, people working internationally could find themselves returning to the United States hoping to reintegrate into the local workforce. Career professionals can play a key role in supporting this transition by addressing the unique challenges returning professionals face and offering targeted strategies for a meaningful job search.

Navigating Uncharted Territory in K-12 Schools Using Schlossberg’s Transition Theory

By Natasha Barnes-Gwynn & Kenya Johns

Recent policy changes have disrupted K–12 education, impacting students’ career readiness and mental health. Using Schlossberg’s Transition Theory, this article explores how to best support students through these transitions by promoting resilience, restoring initiatives, and advocating for mental health and equitable educational opportunities.

Career Development Education Through Civic Engagement

By Kathleen Cramer

Civic engagement is a high-impact practice that significantly influences students’ future employment. Students can find meaningful work that aligns with their academic program and personal values through value-based job searching. Career development professionals who apply these value-based practices can help students connect the skills they gain during civic engagement work with those required in the professional world.

Generation Z and the Workforce: Navigating Unique Challenges

By Nicole Precourt

Generation Z is the first generation that grew up in an era completely immersed with technology. While they bring technological and social media proficiency to the workforce, many struggle with face-to-face interactions, phone conversations, and other essential soft skills. Career practitioners can play an important role in supporting Gen Z as they navigate the professional world while remaining authentic to their values.

Congratulations to the Winners of the 59th Annual Poetry & Art Contest

Thank you for celebrating National Career Development Month! The 59th Annual Poetry & Art Contest showcased innovative ideas for embracing career journeys. View the winning entries here. Be inspired today!

NCDA's New AI Resources Webpage

The newly launched AI Resources webpage at NCDA.org offers practical tools, frameworks, and curated resources that practitioners can begin using immediately. Key highlights include a practitioner-friendly definition of AI, constituency-specific tools, case studies on AI-related ethical dilemmas, equity toolkit for evaluating AI Tools and more. This living repository aims to meet the needs of career practitioners across all settings as they shape the future of career development.

Submitted by Logann Todd, AI Taskforce member, logann.todd@usuniversity.edu