2009 Conference

Featuring

Keynote: Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, The Honourable Mayann E. Francis, O.N.S., DHumL

Special Guest Lecturer: Roberta Neault

May 27 - May 28, 2009

Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

2009 Conference Wrap Up

In May, career practitioners from across the province (and some from across the country!) came together to network, learn from each other, and celebrate career development. It was an amazing two days, as over 30 extremely talented and knowledgeable individuals faciliated workshops on topics such as, working with people with disabilities, generational differences, new Service Canada programs, and hands on tools .

We were particularly fortunate to have our keynote delivered by the Honourable Mayann Francis, our Lieutenant Governor. Her Honour told the inspiring story of her own career path, all the way from Whitney Pier to Buckingham Palace. Her gentle humour and insightful comments kept the audience enthralled. She finished by stressing the importance of the work of the career practitioner, and the impact we have upon the lives of those we serve.

Our Special Guest Lecturer was Dr. Roberta Neault, PhD, CCC, RRP, GCDF. Dr. Neault brought over three decades of eclectic professional experiences, which include career counselling and coaching, corporate consulting, and counsellor education to our conference. Her session "Beyond Re-Charting the Course: Preparing for Sea Changes in Our Sector and Beyond" was thought-provoking, and warmly received. Dr. Neault was also our closing speaker, where she encouraged attendees to navigate "the course of your own career and also serve as a bright and clear beacon for your clients". Her Post-Conference Workshop entitled "The Ethics of Advocacy" was a wonderful session, which offered "ethical strategies to help clients change the world!"

Once again, our conference had the strong support of the Department of Labour and Workforce Development, as well as the Department of Community Services. This support is the reason we are able to offer such reasonable conference rates to our members, thus making the conference more accessible to those who want to attend.

Thanks go out to all our workshop presenters, special exhibitors, and the many volunteers who assisted with the registration/information table. It is only through the support of our volunteers that we are able to make this event possible. Thank you!!

Speaking of volunteers, I'd like to give my heart-felt thanks to the group of people who made up our 2009 Conference Committee: Cathy Casey (Job Junction), Patrick Brush (Peopleworx), Rob Frost (Job Resource Centre), Tom Griffiths and Chris Bailey (both of the Dept of Community Services), David Eisnor (CEED), Jane Karrel (People Plus Consulting), and Susan Burke (NSCDA). The dedication and hard work they brought to the team was integral to this event. I can’t stress enough that working with such a special group of people is one of the many rewards of serving on this committee. Please think about joining in for 2010!

Sincerely,
Lisa MacDougall (Career & Transition Services, NSCC)
Chair, 2009 Conference Committee

Charting the Course - Focus on the Journey

An Annual Career Development Conference for Practitioners in Nova Scotia

2009 Conference Wrap Up