Reflecting on CPC’s 2023 Milestones: A Journey of Innovation and Inclusivity

It’s a time of celebration at Career Professionals of Canada (CPC) as we mark our significant milestones of 2023. We are thrilled to share with you the remarkable progress we’ve made as we continue to foster a community of purposeful kindness and professional growth. These milestones are not mere markers in time. They are tangible evidence of our dedication to career development and our relentless pursuit of a culture defined by innovation and inclusivity. CPC has been, and continues to be, an unwavering source of inspiration and support for career professionals across the nation. Throughout our journey, we have consistently upheld a steadfast commitment to providing our members with the support and tools they need to advance their career, business, and professional development goals. This seems like a good time to reflect on some of the amazing accomplishments of our leadership team, volunteers, and members in 2023.

CPC’s Not-for-Profit Transformation

One of our most significant milestones has been the transformation of CPC into a not-for-profit association. This transition seamlessly aligns with our vision of supporting our members and the profession while emphasizing our consistent focus on quality, ethics, and expertise. This transformative step underscores our determination to create a lasting impact and shape the future of career development in harmony with CPC’s inclusive, supportive, and collaborative ethos.

Membership Price Reduction

In an era where costs everywhere seem to be on the rise, CPC took a significant step in the opposite direction. As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting accessibility and inclusivity within our community, we initiated a reduction in the professional membership price for individual members. This bold move means that all members pay a low rate of $150 with an additional $50 discount for the first year. We encourage anyone interested in joining our caring and sharing community of career professionals to take advantage of this offer.

New CPC Leadership

This year, we were thrilled to introduce Christine (Chris) Ball as our new Executive Director. Chris brings extensive experience and a strong background in executive leadership, with expertise in strategic planning and collaborative team management that aligns seamlessly with CPC’s mission. With a career spanning various sectors, Chris brings a unique blend of valuable qualifications and skills to her new role. She is the ideal leader to steer our association toward a future of growth and excellence. Furthermore, we are delighted to share the outstanding news of the appointment of Ayesha Bhikha and Brad Whitehorn as members of our Board of Directors. Their acceptance was met with unanimous celebration during a recent board vote, a testament to their profound expertise and genuine passion for the profession.

Member of the Week Program

In January 2023, we successfully launched our Member of the Week program, which has already showcased 60 outstanding members. This initiative provided a great opportunity for members to shine a spotlight on their accomplishments and share insights about themselves with our community. Each members’ post features their headshot and a brief bio highlighting one of their most valued achievements.

The Career Professional’s Creed

In March 2023, we established The Career Professional’s Creed, a declaration of our Code of Professional Conduct in straightforward language: “I take pride in being part of a helping profession. In all interactions with clients and colleagues, I uphold unwavering ethics, integrity, and purposeful kindness. I consistently act with professionalism, working strictly within the boundaries of my qualifications. I actively seek opportunities for learning and growth to provide leading-edge support to my clients. I wholeheartedly embrace the values of diversity and inclusion, showing respect to all clients by meeting their unique needs and preserving their dignity. The members of my community of practice are my most trusted allies and collaborators. Together, we foster strong, trustworthy relationships with the individuals we are privileged to serve.” Members are encouraged to demonstrate your commitment to the creed by adding it to their website.

Member Portal for Career Professionals

We celebrated our first year as a not-for-profit by introducing a revolutionary member portal. CPC’s new member portal is a testament to our dedication to innovation. This dynamic platform offers a treasure trove of resources and a supportive community of like-minded professionals. You’ll find an exclusive content library to keep you informed about industry trends. The portal offers a one-stop-shop for all your membership needs, featuring a user-friendly interface that makes navigation a breeze.

Résumé and Cover Letter Showcase

Our brand-new Résumé and Cover Letter Showcase is a searchable repository of exceptional résumés and cover letters, fostering CPC’s commitment to sharing and learning. It is a place where members can view the written work of fellow CPC members and submit samples of their own. The showcase is designed to elevate the professional profile of members, while also enhancing their skills. Showcased samples offer valuable insights into successful approaches, industry-specific terminology, and emerging trends.

Special Interest Groups

This year marked a significant achievement as we introduced four Special Interest Groups (SIGs), which have quickly become a cornerstone of our community. These SIGs have proven to be in high demand, fostering relevant and meaningful discussions among professionals who possess the background and qualifications that align with the target population of each group.

Career Development Practitioner (CDP) Course Updates

In our commitment to accessible education for all career professionals, CPC has made remarkable strides in enhancing our educational offerings. We’ve revamped and updated our range of instructor-led Career Development Practitioner (CDP) courses. This program is designed to empower career practitioners for professional excellence in our current labour market.

Embracing the Future of Learning with New Self-Directed Courses

CPC’s dedication to continuous learning ensures that career professionals have the tools they need to thrive in their ever-evolving careers. Our Self-Directed Learning (SDL) courses, now established with unlimited access, allow learners to explore and acquire knowledge at their own pace. This offers the flexibility of balancing studies with other commitments. SDL courses are exclusively available to CPC members at an affordable rate of just $75 per course. Students will have unlimited access to course material for as long as they maintain their CPC membership.

CPC’s 1000th Newsletter Edition

CPC’s 1000th newsletter edition, released in August 2023, was a remarkable milestone, showcasing our steadfast commitment to keeping our members informed, engaged, and connected to their community. The newsletter is a valuable resource, offering insights, updates, and success stories to inspire career development professionals working in a wide variety of roles.

New Beginnings for CPC

CPC’s journey is not just about the past; it’s about the remarkable future we’re shaping together, where kindness, inclusivity, and engagement will continue to guide us. CPC’s culture of purposeful kindness goes beyond words; it’s a way of life.

As we celebrate our milestones, including the introduction of our new executive director and two new board directors, we are on the cusp of an exciting chapter in our journey. These visionary leaders will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of career development in Canada. They will strengthen CPC’s mission and further support our members.

In an ever-changing world, we continue to move forward, guided by a commitment to kindness, inclusivity, and excellence. Our milestones serve as evidence of our dedication to advancing careers and the career development profession. They are a testament to the values that define us.

Your number one fan,

Sharon

Outgoing Executive Director, Career Professionals of Canada

Sharon Graham is founder, outgoing executive director, and current chair of Career Professionals of Canada. Committed to setting the standard for excellence in the career development profession, Sharon has authored top selling paperback publications and textbooks, and has established a range of certification, professional development, community development, mentoring, and award programs. As chair of the board of CPC, she provides foresight and leadership within the sector and ensures that the mandate of this national organization is upheld with integrity.