UW conference to focus on career development, counseling

Tuesday, January 20, 2009 -

Career development and counseling can provide the best defense in times of economic instability.  With the current recession as a backdrop, preeminent experts and practitioners are convening in Madison January 26-28 to share the latest strategies, programs, and best practices in the field of career development. 

More than 1,000 educators and career development practitioners from across the United States and abroad are expected to attend the 23^rd annual Careers Conference, sponsored by the Center on Education and Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  One of the most comprehensive forums of its kind, the conference attracts professionals who work in a broad range of settings, including secondary schools, colleges and universities, and adult career service providers. 

At this year’s gathering, From Inspiration to Application, experts and practitioners will lead more than 150 sessions that showcase the important role of career development during times of economic uncertainty. These sessions, plus workplace tours, speakers and workshops, provide professional development that helps educators, counselors, and practitioners to better engage youth and adults in career development that leads to productive careers.

Workplace tours allow participants to learn firsthand from employers about the skills and training needed for tomorrow’s careers.  This year’s sites represent the best of Madison in business, medicine, industry, education, communications, and successful entrepreneurship.

In this year’s opening address, Tama J. Kieves, best-selling author of This Time I Dance! Creating the Work You Love, will talk about strategies that have helped thousands worldwide discover their inner passion and stay true to their career and life paths.

In the general keynote, John D. Krumboltz, professor of education and psychology at Stanford University and the author of Luck Is No Accident: Making the Most of Happenstance in Your Life and Career, will talk about his work on the power of “happenstance” in career exploration and ways to empower students and clients to create good luck and capitalize on unexpected events.        

For complete details about the conference, to be held at the Madison Concourse Hotel, visit the Careers Conference website, www.cew.wisc.edu/careers, or contact Carol Edds by email at cedds@education.wisc.edu or by phone at (608) 263-4779.

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