03/10/2025
Professional Development Institutes offer a more in-depth look into a career topic. Register early, as space is limited!
Choose up to two of nine PDIs for a 4-hour session, scheduled prior to the start of the conference in Atlanta. Space is limited, so early registration is advised.
Registration rates for Professional Development Institutes range from $100 to $200 and do not include conference registration fees. See the Registration and Agenda sections for details.
PDIs #1-5
Tuesday, June 17; 7:45 am - 12:00 pm
PDI #1 From Job Searcher to Career Creator: Career Skills for Autonomy
An interactive session exploring the importance of changing client mindset from second industrial factory thinking to adaptive problem solving fourth industrial thinking. In using work trend information and hands on activities, practitioners will experience the need for clients to adopt a (Global, Entrepreneurial and Technological) future mindset.
Presenters: Ann Nakaska, Constructive Career and Life Designs; JP Michel, SparkPath
PDI #2 Career Advocacy in Action: Tools and Resources from CERIC
This session explores the role of advocacy in shaping the future of career development. Participants will gain insights from a new Canadian advocacy campaign, research on the evolving career development landscape, and a sector-wide mapping report. Attendees will learn about tools and strategies to effectively advocate for career development and navigate the changes expected by 2040. Practical resources and takeaways will empower career professionals to influence policy and service delivery.
Presenters: Candy Ho, Kwantlen Polytechnic University; Kay Castelle, CERIC
PDI #3 Coaching with Hope: The Fusion of Career Coaching and the Science of Hope
The pace and complexities of daily life can often feel overwhelming. Add in common fears, perceived obstacles, and self-defeating beliefs surrounding one's career and the result can be disorienting. What if we could measure and elevate the level of hope experienced by our students/clients? We can boost hope and outcomes through career coaching fueled by evidence-based hope theories.
Presenter: John Long, Two Roads Resources, Inc.
PDI #4 Breaking Down Barriers: Overcoming Resistance to Change with LEGO SERIOUS PLAY®
Today, many organizations face a common challenge: resistance to change. Enter LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP), an approach that transforms how teams think, communicate, and problem-solve. LSP leverages the power of play to dismantle barriers to change by engaging multiple senses, materializing abstract concepts, fostering psychological safety, and building shared understanding.
Presenter: Katie O’Malley, (en)Courage Coaching
PDI #5 Cultivating Creativity and Problem-Solving During Chaotic Career Times: A Hands-On Exploration
PDI participants will engage in hands-on creative activities designed to foster practitioner self-awareness and empathy for clients experiencing desired or unexpected career transitions. Additionally, participants will explore creative strategies to assist clients in identifying thoughts, resources, and problem-solving skills that can be applied to career transformations. Materials will be provided.
Presenters: Barbara Parker-Bell and Debra Osborn, Florida State University
PDIs #6-9
Tuesday, June 17; 1:15 - 5:30 pm
PDI #6 Career Construction Counseling Principles and Practice
Career construction counseling provides a means for people across life's diverse spectrum to use work to actively master what they passively suffer. Integrating theory and practice, this session engages participants in learning and practicing career construction counseling and its core method of the career construction interview to increase their knowledge and skills in its use. Designed for a general audience.
Presenters: Paul J. Hartung, Northeast Ohio Medical University; Mark L. Savickas, Northeast Ohio Medical University; Jackie Peila-Shuster, Colorado State University; Hande Sensoy-Briddick, South Dakota State University; Julie Hill, University of Arkansas; Chris Briddick, South Dakota State University; Kevin Glavin, Create Your Why; Brian J. Taber, Oakland University
PDI #7 Freedom to Evolve: Racial Battle Fatigue in a Disruptive Era: Fostering Adaptability and Resilience
Explore the impact of Racial-Battle-Fatigue on career advancement and identity development, particularly for People of Color in educational and training institutions. Learn actionable strategies that promote self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth. Attendees will gain culturally responsive techniques to support clients in navigating career transitions and building authentic professional identities.
Presenters: Stephanie Bluth, George Mason University; Ryia Steps, Sam Houston State University
PDI #8 Overlooked: The Psychosocial Aspects of Military-to-Civilian Transition
This engaging workshop explores what is rarely discussed: the complex and deeply personal experience of separating from military service and entering the civilian world of work. Behavioral scientist/executive coach Emily King Grandinetta, and disabled veteran/corporate recruiter Michael Pett lead you on a journey to understanding of this valued talent segment.
Presenters: Emily Grandinetta, Grandinetta Group LLC; Michael Pett, Uber
PDI #9 Integrating Career Development Into Advising
Scholars offer evidence that institutions often provide fragmented educational and vocational planning programs. Isolated conversations create redundancies, delays, or omissions in support. In response, Tarrant County College has adopted new structures to integrate career topics into academic advising and maximize students' career development.
Presenters: Ronda Isaaca and Condoa Parrent, Tarrant County College
