Career Developments Magazine
Career Developments, the NCDA quarterly magazine for members-only, is a themed publication offering articles that balance a broad vision with practical applications. Each issue offers a focused article on a select theme, a feature article on a prominent NCDA event, and specific content for departments that match the work settings of members. Additional regular columns cover such topics as ethics, the state career development associations, leaders' thoughts and more.
In 2025, Career Developments was awarded the APEX Award for Publication Excellence in the category of "Magazines, Journals and Tabloids - Print (issues up to 32 pages)". APEX awards are based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the success of the entry -- in the opinion of the panel of expert judges -- in achieving overall communications effectiveness and excellence. This annual award (which began in 1988) is sponsored by Writer's Web Watch, which is published by Communications Concepts, Inc., providing problem-solving information to professional communicators since 1984.
Self-Care for Career Development Professionals
Summer 2026
As the demands of our work grow, we must stay committed to sustaining our mental and physical health. When we care for ourselves, intentionally and consistently, we strengthen not only ourselves, but also the quality of services we provide to students and clients. Self-care should not be considered a luxury or a side note.
This issue’s insights may include strategies for setting boundaries, cultivating a culture of care, making healthy choices, and managing the often-invisible weight of supporting others’ hopes and challenges. How can career development practitioners redefine their own relationship with rest, reflection, and renewal? What might “sustainable practice” look like in this context? Explore the many techniques, tools and resources provided by our authors.
In a profession centered on guiding others toward clarity, purpose, and possibility, career development professionals often forget that their own well-being is essential. This issue is dedicated to recognizing, and perhaps reclaiming, self-care as a priority.
Table of Contents
Focus
Self-Care in 2026 for Career Practitioners: Using the Cultural Competence Wellness Model
By Natasha Barnes-Gwynn
Feature
Beginner's Mind & Healthy Habits: A Mindful Approach to Self-Care for Career Development Professionals
By Breanne Hiivala Cahoy and August Hiivala
Feature
Bridging Career Development and Mental Health: A Resource for Career Practitioners
By Jennifer Curry & Jodi Manton
Departments
K-12 Career Development
Finding Balance: Making Time for Self-Care
By Jeff Cranmore
Higher Education Highlights
Beyond Burnout: Naming the Dual Depletion of Higher Education Career Professionals
By Heather N. Maietta
Columns
From the President
Finding Your Island of Sanity
By Dirk Matthews
From the Executive Director
A Season of Connection, Learning and Self-Care
By Deneen Pennington
Thought Leaders Insights
A Conversation with Rhonda Norman
By Jenn Leard
CDQ Spotlight
Career Course Intervention for Chinese High School Students
By Jackie Belle
In the States: Michigan & North Carolina
By Markell Morris
Ethics in a Nutshell
Professionalism is a Higher Standard: Career Professionals’ Responsibility in Layered Relationships
By Christopher R. LaFever
On the Web
By Melanie Reinersman
The Marketplace
Worker Stress and Burnout
By Charles Lehman
* The magazine is a members-only benefit - would you like to join now?
Each issue is only available for 3 months (until the next issue is released). Please download now. Issues are not archived, however,
select issues are available in The HUB for obtaining CEs for completing courses.
Beginning with the Winter 2025 issue of Career Developments magazine, NCDA members can earn up to 4 free CEs annually by enrolling in and completing Career Developments courses in The HUB. Each course includes a PDF copy of one issue and a quiz and earns 1 CE. Enroll in these courses on the NCDA website and select “member” to register for free. Enroll now for the Spring issue!
In response to requests for “going green,” the members magazine is available to all NCDA Members in a digital format. We understand that many members enjoy holding the printed magazine in their hands by receiving it their mailbox. The print format is still available as a membership option. Those in the United States may opt to receive the print version for $25 annually. Those from outside of the US may elect to receive a print copy for $75 annually. Please make your selection for print during your membership renewal process by using the membership form or accessing your profile under Members Only.
(print fees effective January 1, 2026)
