Careers conference explores ‘Developing Careers, Changing Lives’

“Developing Careers, Changing Lives” will be the focus of the 19th annual Careers Conference sponsored by the Center on Education and Work, a research and service center located at the School of Education.

The conference will be held Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at the Marriott Madison West Hotel and Convention Center.

Nearly 150 sessions will emphasize successful programs, practices and resources for career counselors, teachers, administrators, business and industry representatives, technology trainers, employment specialists and related career professionals. The conference attracts career professionals and educators from around the nation.

The conference’s theme underscores the idea of career development as a lifelong endeavor, as well as the conference’s main goal of providing professional development training, tools and resources to those who work to influence the career decisions of individuals from the very young to senior citizens.

“The 2005 theme emphasizes the important role that sound career decision-making skills and knowledge play in the lives of the students and adults in our communities. Many programs and presentations will address issues related to preparing workers and students for a successful future – even in uncertain economic times,” says conference organizer Carol Edds.

Eleven tours to business, industry and career centers are planned throughout the conference, with participants hopping a bus to go directly to the sites for employer-led tours. The visits provide conference participants the chance to experience and learn about career opportunities firsthand from employers and to gain inside knowledge about jobs and careers that can’t be accessed from a classroom or office.

The event opens with keynote speaker David Zach, one of the few professionally trained futurists in the country. Zach, who has worked with more than 1,000 schools, associations and corporations, offers interesting insights on the impact of today’s trends on the work world.

Keynoter Lynne Bezanson is executive director of the Canadian Career Development Foundation. She will speak on “The Call for Transformation: Implications, Opportunities and Emerging Roles in Career Development.” Bezanson is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s international review of career information, guidance and counseling policies. She will discuss her role as advocate for the advancement of access and quality of career services.

The Careers Conference is approved for continuing education credits, and is designed to provide in-depth training to those new to the field as well as seasoned career professionals.

For a full agenda and registration information, visit the conference Web site or contact Carol Edds, (800) 443-0399 or (608) 263-4779 or cedds@education.wisc.edu.