An important message to CCDA members and career professionals.

Dear Colleagues,

As we listen to the media talk about the current unemployment rate and on-going job loss in the U.S., it is very timely that the results of a new survey have just been released.  The Harris Interactive group has completed a "National Survey of Working America" poll which surveys the perceptions of today's "workforce on the effectiveness of career counselors, the need for expanded workforce training opportunities and the hardships implicit in selecting, changing or getting a job in the current economic climate. The feedback is very clear: career practitioners are a vital resource for the livelihood of our nation's workforce and are underutilized relative to their potential need and value."

Of those 1000 adults (retired excluded) surveyed in the Spring 2011 interview, only 24% of working adults had previously used a career development professional's services, and of those,  86% found them helpful.  At this time, 21% of all those surveyed (working and seeking work) reported needing help in choosing a career, changing career focus, finding opportunities, or selecting a job.  The rate, however, was higher for Hispanics and African Americans (31%, 32%). Overall, only 37% of respondents made a conscious decision when accepting a position.  Perhaps more telling is that 56% reported that, if they were able to make a new start in their careers, they would try to get new or different information about their options.

The conclusion of these responses shows that the time is now for professional career counselors to offer services resulting in a happier, more productive Colorado workforce population.  From helping a person to find their strengths and true interests, to encouraging a skillful job search to match those personal abilities and interests, our profession is poised to have a positive impact.  From helping a person to find their strengths and true interests, to encouraging a skillful job search to match those personal abilities and interests, our profession is poised to have a positive impact. Join us in this mission.

Lin Sherman

Colorado Career Development Association President