Community Insights: The Future of Work
The world of work is changing quickly, and career professionals are at the forefront of helping clients navigate what comes next. As part of CPC’s new Community Insights initiative, we asked members to share their perspectives on the trends shaping our profession and the skills that will matter most in the years ahead. Here are a few of their thoughtful responses on this month’s theme: The Future of Work.
What is one trend career professionals should pay more attention to?
“One trend career professionals should be more aware of is the continuing rise of AI and AI literacy—not only using various AI tools, but learning how to work alongside them effectively and ethically.“
— Lori Jazvac
“A growing number of recruiters and hiring managers are moving away from posting on job boards. More organizations are relying on referrals and direct outreach to identify candidates. We can guide our clients to develop a job search strategy that relies less on online sources and more heavily on networking and informational interviews to uncover opportunities.”
— Michelle Schafer
“Among the many trends shaping our profession, the one career professionals need to watch most closely is the rapid pace of AI advancement. The volume of new AI tools, updates, and applications has become nearly impossible for any one person to keep up with. Staying informed now requires continuous learning, dedicated focus, and time.”
— Cathy Milton
“One trend I think we should pay more attention to is information overload. There is no shortage of advice, tools, or resources, but that doesn’t always make career decisions easier. People still need someone who can listen, ask the right questions, and help them understand what is right for their own situation.”
— Eman Ismail-Elmasri
“I believe career professionals need to be highly attuned to the world, not just the job market. Clients are navigating uncertainty in many areas of life, and our work needs to reflect that reality. Our clients are always more than a category, an assessment, a technique, or a strategy.”
— Britt-Mari Sykes
Which skills will become increasingly important for career practitioners?
“Change management and emotional intelligence (EI) will become increasingly important. As AI transforms the workplace, career professionals will need to help clients adapt, build resilience, and navigate uncertainty. AI literacy will also be valuable, but the ability to skillfully guide people through change with emotional awareness will be a key differentiator.”
— Lori Jazvac
“Relationship building will become one of the most important skills for career practitioners. Technology can support the process, but it cannot replace the confidence and trust that develop through a strong practitioner-client relationship.”
— Cathy Milton
“Listening and asking better questions.“
— Eman Ismail-Elmasri
“We need to cultivate, support, and engage our human skills—being more fully present, encouraging creativity, questioning assumptions, and fostering critical thinking and perspective. These are the capabilities that will help both practitioners and clients thrive alongside technology.”
— Britt-Mari Sykes
What are your thoughts?
Which of these insights resonates most with your experience? Are there other trends or skills you believe career professionals should be paying closer attention to? Add to the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you to CPC members Lori Jazvac, Michelle Schafer, Cathy Milton, Eman Ismail-Elmasri, and Britt-Mari Sykes for contributing their perspectives to this month’s Community Insights. Your willingness to share your expertise helps strengthen our profession and sparks meaningful conversations across the CPC community.
Want to be featured and share your insights?
Our next CPC Community Insights topic is now open on Career Practitioner Well-Being. We’d love to hear your perspective. Simply answer one or two questions, and you could be featured in an upcoming newsletter, on our website, or across CPC’s social media channels. Your experience and ideas can help inform, inspire, and support career professionals across Canada.