Career Development Professional

About the Program:

Career Development Professional is a part-time, online graduate certificate program that will prepare you for the career development sector. The world of work is rapidly changing, and new careers are emerging to meet current and future workforce needs. Career development professionals provide information, advice and guidance related to career exploration, human resources, skills acquisition, job search, and maintenance. This program provides training to enter and/or advance in the field of career development in roles such as employment advisors, career resource specialists, job developers, or career management professionals.

This program may also appeal to practitioners working in the field who want to gain additional formal credentials, job coaching experience or attain their Career Development Practitioner designation. Graduation from the program provides the full academic component and partial fulfillment of work experience hours for certification by the Career Development Practitioners' Certification Board of Ontario (CDPCBO).

This program is offered in full-time and part-time delivery.

Admission requirements

• An Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent or a minimum of 5 (five) years of full-time work experience, within the past ten years, as an employment counsellor, career advisor, human resources professional or similar role AND
• Submission of a current resume AND
• A two to three page double spaced letter of application stating your career goals and indicate how your education and experience to date have prepared you for entry into the program. The letter should also include verifiable details of any volunteer experience.
• Please use the following questions to complete the letter of application: Why are you interested in this program? Why are you a strong candidate for this program? What personal and/or life experience have impacted your decision to develop your skills and knowledge in the field of career development? What are your long-term career goals?

Admission procedures

• Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
• Submit proof of Admission Requirements. Review Apply to a Program to learn how.
• Upload your letter of application and resume to your application form.
• Request your school email or fax an official copy of your transcript to our office.
• Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

• CARD8210  Professional Ethics, Interviewing and Counselling
• CARD8090  Career Counselling And Development
• CARD8180  Group Training And Facilitation
• CARD8190  Career Counselling Techniques
• CARD8220  Trends And Issues In The New Work Dynamic
• CARD8165  Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• CARD8170  Field Placement Seminar
• CARD8145  Technology and Career Development
• CARD8155  Employability Assessment and Case Management
• FPLT8070  Field Placement (Career Development Professional)
• CARD8150  Employment Counselling Techniques
• HEAL8110  Mental Health First Aid
• OHS1320  Safety in the Workplace  

Note: Check with the institution regarding start/ end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.