10 Essential Resources for Canadian Career Strategists

As a career strategist in Canada, staying up to date with the latest trends, techniques, and resources can benefit you and your clients. To assist you in your professional development, I’ve compiled a list of ten essential resources that every Canadian career strategist should know about. By using these resources, career professionals can expand their knowledge, stay current with industry trends, and provide better support for their clients. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or have years of experience, these resources can help you achieve your professional goals.

10 Essential Resources for Canadian Career Strategists

CareerWise – This online portal, created and maintained by CERIC, offers a wealth of career-related resources, including articles, tools, and job postings.

LinkedIn Learning – With over 16,000 courses covering a wide range of topics, LinkedIn Learning is a great resource for continuing education.

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) – This resource provides a comprehensive list of occupations in Canada and their corresponding job descriptions and skill requirements.

The Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) – Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) uses the models of the Canadian Occupational Projection System and the National Occupational Classification (NOC) to develop Canada-wide projections of future trends in the numbers of job openings and job seekers by occupation. The projections help career strategists stay informed about which industries are growing and which are declining.

Work BC – This government-run program provides career resources, thousands of job postings, and job search assistance for residents of British Columbia.

Ontario’s Labour Market – Maintained by the Ontario provincial government, this website provides a detailed analysis of job trends and prospects in the province to help individuals with their career planning. It also identifies the education and training needed for jobs today and in the future.

Job Bank – This federal government-run website offers thousands of job postings from across the country, labour market information, and career resources for job seekers in Canadian.

The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association – Established in 1965, this professional association provides career development resources and training for counsellors and psychotherapists. Members of CCPA work in diverse fields including career development, education, social work, health, and government-funded and private practices.

The Canadian Career Development Foundation – This non-profit organization provides career development resources, research, and training to career professionals across Canada.

Career Professionals of Canada – Membership in this national association offers professional development resources, multiple networking opportunities, and certification programs for a wide variety of career professionals.

Know Your Client

For college and university students, developing effective career strategies is crucial for their future success. By learning how to create a strong résumé, develop interview skills, and network effectively, students can better position themselves for job opportunities after graduation. In addition, learning how to set realistic career goals and develop a plan to achieve them can help students feel more confident and empowered as they navigate the transition from student to professional.

On the other hand, for those who have been in the same job or organization for a long time and might be afraid of change, developing a career strategy can be a transformative experience. By assessing their strengths, weaknesses, and career goals, these individuals can gain a clearer sense of what they want to achieve and what steps they need to take to get there. Additionally, by exploring new career opportunities and taking risks, they may discover new passions and interests that they never knew existed, leading them to greater personal and professional fulfillment.

As career strategists, not only do we directly support the needs of the different types of clients we meet, but we also have a duty to educate and empower these individuals to take charge of their own careers. The resources listed above can be invaluable to both career pros and the clients we are privileged to serve.

We Have an Important Role to Play

Remember, as a career strategist, your success depends on your ability to provide valuable insights and resources to your clients. By investing in your own professional development, you’ll be better equipped to help your clients achieve their career goals and succeed in the Canadian job market.

As Canadian workplaces continue to evolve and adapt to new technologies, career strategists will play an increasingly vital role in helping individuals navigate these changes and stay ahead of the curve. By staying up to date with the latest trends and tools, and by leveraging the resources and insights available to them, career strategists can help their clients achieve their goals and find meaningful work in the ever-changing landscape of the Canadian job market. So, keep learning, keep growing, and keep exploring the wealth of resources available to you – the possibilities are endless!

Milic Kovacevic, a seasoned career educator, has over 12 years of experience at McMaster University, serving in various roles such as Employer Development Officer and Career Development and Relationship Manager. Before joining the university, he worked as a Program Manager, assisting foreign-trained engineers in adapting to the Canadian system. He also spent two years in the aerospace industry’s human resources department, gaining valuable insights into the sector’s hiring practices.