Fall 2009 MCDA Newsletter
Mark Your Calendars for MCDA’s November 17th Fall Event!
Bridget Kenadjian
Kate Schaefers, Ph.D., LP, coach, facilitator and consultant specializing in life transitions at midlife and beyond, along with Jean Tollefson, M.S., NCC, will discuss “Encore Careers: A New Working Identity in the Second Half of Life.” The second half of life is a great time to rethink the role of work. Many people are choosing to launch “encore” careers, shifting to work that may offer more meaning and purpose, and may be paid or unpaid. An encore career can be a vital component to a healthy and fulfilling second half of life.
As ever-growing numbers of baby boomers approach the second half of life, career counselors will increasingly be called upon to help clients explore new career options. This informative and interactive session will focus on the encore career trend, offering practical approaches to working with clients in the second half of life. Presenting a holistic approach to life planning, Kate and Jean will integrate findings about healthy aging and fulfillment in the second half of life that participants will be able to apply in their work with all of their clients.
Many of you know Kate and Jean from some of the work they have done with various organizations in the community and from their extensive involvement in the past with MCDA.
Kate is a licensed psychologist, certified retirement coach, and adjunct faculty member at University of St. Thomas. She has a background in human resource development. She is a member of the Purpose Guild, and a founding board member of SHIFT, a community based nonprofit. Kate served on the MDCA Board for several years, and was president in 2002-2003. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University, and her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Minnesota.
Jean is the owner of VisionQuest Life Planning, a company she founded to help people create more meaning and fulfillment in their work and lives. As a Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Coach and Master Career Counselor, Jean works with clients to clarify purpose, cultivate vision and create effective plans around their most important work and life goals. Her background includes over 14 years experience in the career/life planning field with areas of expertise in life planning, career development, personal and professional renewal and transition management. Jean is a frequent instructor for the University of Minnesota’s Compleat Scholar program, an active member of the Purpose Project Guild and is trained to teach the Working on Purpose ™ workshops. She is a past president and board member of the Minnesota Career Development Association and currently co-facilitates their Second Half of Life SIG. Jean is also a member of SHiFT and the Minnesota Coaches Association.
So when is this great event to take place? The session will be on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at the Ridgedale Library, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Look for more details about cost and registration to be coming to you via e-mail and/or postcard in the near future. We look forward to seeing you in November!
******************************
Fall 2009 Calendar
Oct 2 - CPAD (Career & Professional Adult Development), “Fearbusters.” – Dean DeGroot, MN Teamsters Service Bureau, Mpls, 7:30 to 9 a.m. (www.uwrf.edu/career/sites/cpad/index.htm)
Nov 6 - CPAD (Career & Professional Adult Development), Speaker: Sally Powers (no title available yet) MN Teamsters Service Bureau, Mpls, 7:30 to 9 a.m. (www.uwrf.edu/career/sites/cpad/index.htm)
Nov 17 - MCDA Fall Event, “Encore Careers: A New Working Identity in the Second Half of Life.” – Kate Schaefers, Ph.D., LP, Ridgedale Library, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m, registration info coming soon
Nov 19 - MCDA NCDPA SIG, “Career Development in the High Schools at the Administration Level”, Holiday Inn, Duluth, 8-10 a.m., (www.mcda.net/events/mcdas-special-interest-groups-sigs/northland-sig/)
Dec 4 - CPAD (Career & Professional Adult Development), “Have Your Best Year Yet!” – Carmen Croonquist, MN Teamsters Service Bureau, Mpls, 7:30 to 9 a.m. (www.uwrf.edu/career/sites/cpad/index.htm)
April 22-23, 2010 - Minnesota Careers Conference. Hold the dates!
******************************
The President’s Corner
Irene Rossman
Now that summer is ending and fall has begun to unfold, we turn our thoughts to a new year. It is so exciting to begin a new year with MCDA! MCDA is such an amazing organization, and I am proud to represent the membership as President. I am looking forward to working with our fantastic Board of Directors, and meeting new and existing members. MCDA has truly enhanced my life, and I encourage all of you to get involved in MCDA activities and spread the word regarding our outstanding programs and events.
This past July, I represented MCDA at the National Career Development Association Global Conference in St. Louis. I met career professionals from all over the world and attended seminars on topics including “Cultivating True Livelihood through Passion and Possibility”, “Embracing Chaos in Practice”, “Cultivating the Spirit to Work”, “Mindfulness and Career Counseling”, and “Metaphors in Career Transition.”
The highlight of the conference for me was MCDA receiving for the third year in a row the Outstanding State Division Award for the Midwest region. I was overwhelmed by MCDA’s achievement and the response to Minnesota’s success in career development by the conference attendees. We can be so proud of MCDA’s accomplishments — our outstanding conferences, the mentor program, roundtable events, and all the other activities and opportunities afforded to our members.
It was such a pleasure working with last year’s President, Paul Timmins. Paul inspired all of us with his leadership, vision, and great sense of humor. Paul guided us through a memorable year, helped MCDA grow and thrive, and achieve the state award. Thank you, Paul, and I look forward to working with you again this year.
MCDA’s 2009-2010 calendar is already being planned with the MCDA Fall Event on November 17 with Kate Schaefers presenting on “Encore Careers”. More information will follow regarding this event. I’d love hearing from our members regarding your backgrounds, response to our events, suggestions for continuing development, and inquiries regarding programs and volunteerism. MCDA thrives on involvement from our current and new members. Feel free to call or e-mail me with your questions and concerns.
With everyone’s help, let’s make 2009-2010 another great year for MCDA!!!
Irene Rossman, MCDA President 2009-2010
irene.rossman@cpiedge.com
952-915-7605
******************************
Volunteer Experience = Leadership + Fun!
The MCDA Board is looking for members who want a rewarding volunteer experience. We could always use help on one of MDCA’s working committees including:
- Finance
- Technology
- Professional Development
- Membership or Sponsorship
Another way to get involved is to be on the committee to plan the Fall Event or the Spring Careers Conference.
We could also use your professional skills to write article or a book review for the newsletter.
For further information contact Paul Timmins, (612) 624– 9812 or timmi004@umn.edu.
******************************
Green Careers
Brittany Johnson
The MCDA’s July Roundtable focused on green careers and was co-facilitated by Mike Haugen and Brittany Johnson. For those that are not familiar with the Roundtable, it is a free monthly event open to MCDA members as well as nonmembers.
During the past session, people from a variety of backgrounds shared information about green jobs, resources, and training that are becoming more and more popular.
What is a Green Job?
First, a green job provides a social or environmental benefit. It can be thought of as a way of life rather than a specific industry or career. For example, in order to create green jobs, there needs to be a shift in perception about being eco-friendly from the government, organizations and individuals. There needs to be consumers to buy and invest in green products and services (such as a solar panels for energy).
Second, there are three categories of jobs:
- Green new and emerging
- Green skill enhanced; and
- Green demand increased.
Today, most green jobs fall under green enhanced. A green enhanced job is a position that already exists, but the worker learns new “green” skills. An example of a green enhanced job is a construction worker learning new skills to be able to place solar panels on roofs.
Even though most green jobs are already created, most people mistakenly think new green jobs are emerging. An example of a new and emerging green job is a Wind Turbine Technician, someone who maintains turbines on wind farms. Lastly, a green demand increased job is a job that does not change and no new skills are necessary, for example, a bus driver.
“The Buzz”
There is a buzz around green collar jobs and a new “green economy” that excites people. This “buzz” creates misconceptions about green jobs that we should be aware of. Some misconceptions stem from the amount of money in green jobs and what is really out there.
First, some people believe there is a lot more money in green collar jobs than other more traditional jobs. Although it is true that employees make more money, the amount of money being generated by businesses may not be there yet. As we know, green products and services are more expensive, meaning people may not want to spend extra money, regardless if it helps or hurts the environment.
Second, people looking for work might have misconceptions about how many green jobs are actually available. One suggestion is that companies are not switching to “green” fast enough, therefore, there are not as many jobs right now, but there will be in the future.
There are also different theories being explored about whether or not there will be as many job openings as originally thought. One theory that highlights this proposes that green equals lean, and with six-sigma practices taking place, there will be no shortage of labor. Others believe Obama’s energy plan, funded by billions of dollars, will demand for more workers and create green jobs in many industries. Regardless of which theory is true, there is no doubt a buzz that lingers around green jobs and what’s out there.
Training & Education
Training and educational programs are out there, but the problem is there is not enough available. A lot of programs are two years or less, but there is nothing available for those that want to pursue further e.g. a Bachelor’s program. In addition, there are only a certain number of slots for each program and many are on waiting lists. Schools and training programs are struggling to provide enough programs to fulfill the demand of people that want in.
Implications for Career Development Professionals
Professionals need to be aware of green collar jobs. Moreover, we need to research jobs and know what kinds of education, training, and career options are available for our clients. Ways that we can do this are by conducting informational interviews with people in green jobs of various fields, networking with people in green occupations, and exchanging information with fellow professionals in our own field.
When talking with clients interested in green jobs, it is important to understand their definition of a green job and understand why they are looking for green jobs. When talking with clients job searching or in transition, it is important to share the information we have about green jobs so they know all of the options they have for the future.
Brittany Johnson was a summer intern at the University of Minnesota Law School in the Career & Professional Development Center, bjohns088@gmail.com
******************************
Book Review — The Opt-Out Revolt
Janet Pelto
In trying to attain a healthier work-life balance and more meaning in their work lives, people are “revolting against organizations that don’t permit them to be true to themselves or don’t provide challenging work.” This book gives examples of workers who have created positive alternatives. The authors urge corporations to reconfigure jobs, to “change how work is designed, developed and distributed across the ranks” and “allow project work to take place outside the boundaries of the corporate walls.”
The Opt-Out Revolt
Lisa Mainiero and Sherry Sullivan
Natl Book Network, 2006
($24.99, hardcover)
******************************
Book Review — Rethinking Work
Janet Pelto
This book discusses identifying one’s gifts, turning them into marketable skills and pursuing our dreams. It covers a process of reflection, exploration and engagement to help clients attain more satisfying careers.
Rethinking Work
Cliff Hakim
Intercultural Press, 2007
($18.95, paperback)
Janet Pelto is in the Career & Lifework Planning Services in the College of Continuing Education at the University of Minnesota, pelto001@umn.edu
******************************
Welcome New MCDA Members
From June – August, the following people joined MCDA:
- Joanie Natalizio, Defero Business Coaching, LLC
- Marcia Soto, SOTO Consulting
- Kim Marrone
- Angela Althoff, McNamara Recruiting Group
- Katie Held, SUPERVALU Inc.
- Stan Rosen, Career Lifestyles
- Greg Bill, Hennepn County Work Supports
- Tim Schatz, Minnesota Health Insurance Network
- Melanie Gonzalez, Bethel University
- Anne Pryor, Career Partners International
- Liz Brenner, HIRED
******************************
Meet the New Board of Trustees
President-Elect: Carmen Croonquist
Carmen Croonquist, MS, is a career counselor and certified career/life management coach. For the past 14 years, Carmen has worked at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. In addition, she is President of Life by Design Coaching & Consulting Services, teaches at the Adler Graduate School and Century College, and has presented on an array of career development topics locally, nationally, and internationally.
Carmen served on MCDA’s Board of Trustees several years ago, chaired the planning committee for the 2001 Minnesota Careers Conference, and participated in several other MCDA Board Committees. For the past 10 years, she has assisted with the coordination and facilitation of CPAD’s monthly meetings. Carmen is a recipient of the Marty Dockman Merit Award and the Jules Kerlan Achievement Award.
Treasurer: Angie Schmidt Whitney
Angie has worked in higher education for over nine years. Currently, she is a Career Services Coordinator at the University of Minnesota’s Career & Community Learning Center. Prior to this role, Angie gained experience in undergraduate admission, academic advising, pre-pharmacy advising, and international student advising. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Psychology from U of M’s Counseling & Student Personnel Psychology Program.
Angie has been a member of MCDA since 2005, when she received the Sunny Hansen Graduate Student Award. For the last two years, she has served on the MCDA board. As chair of the Finance Committee, she has overseen the creation of MCDA’s business plan.
Board of Trustees, 2009-2012:
Susan Allen
Susan has been in the field of Human Resources for over 20 years. Her professional background includes leadership HR positions with Northwest Airlines, Ceridian and Medtronic. Currently, she is a Vice President of Human Resources at St. Jude Medical. Susan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Human Resources & Industrial Relations.
In addition to being able to add value to the board by bringing the industry view to the table, she is very interested in gaining a better understanding of the views, issues and challenges faced by other professionals in the career development field.
Marie Carter Brooks
Marie is psychology faculty member at Lake Superior College, Duluth, in the Center for Lifelong Learning as the Director of Re-Careering Services & Credit for Prior Learning. She also teaches an online Career Exploration course each semester. Marie has worked at LSC for over 15 years as a Counselor/Advisor, Transfer Specialist, and High School Connections Coordinator. She has a B.S. in Speech Pathology & Audiology, minor in Psychology and a M.A. in Counseling & Guidance.
Marie earned a “Master Career Development Professional” credential from the National Career Development Association in 2002. She is also a Certified Program Planner (CPP) through the Learning Resources Network (LERN). Marie was the President of the Northland Career Development Association (NCDPA), a special interest group of MCDA, in 2008-09, and is finishing her term as past-president this year. Marie is excited to bring her regional involvement in career development to the state level through MCDA.
Mary Dwyer
Mary has 15 plus years of broad and diverse experiences serving clients’ career needs. She has been a member of MCDA for more than 16 years and has watched it grow into the vibrant, strong association it is today. Mary holds a M.A. degree in Human Resource Development with a concentration in Career Development and a B.A. degree in Psychology.
Mary volunteered at Women Venture and interned at St. Thomas in the Counseling & Career Services office. She worked at the University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts, offering career services to graduate and undergraduate students, coordinating the peer advisor program, mentor program, and advising the pre-law students. She relocated to the west central region of Minnesota where she coordinated and administered a McKnight funded program assisting low income parents and also at a non-profit organization providing career/job services to individuals leaving the welfare system. Mary has returned to the Twin Cities and the University of Minnesota serving the career needs of graduate students in the School of Public Health.
Mike Haugen
Mike is an employment counselor with HIRED’s Dislocated Worker Program at the Workforce Center in Brooklyn Park. He assists dislocated workers by providing job search coaching and advice on short term training options. Mike graduated with a M.A. from the University of Minnesota’s Counseling Student Personnel Psychology (CSPP). Previously, he worked as a career advisor in higher education at EOC (Educational Opportunities Center) TRiO, a program focused on helping low-income, first-generation student’s access college. He also worked as a psychiatric associate at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview.
Mike has been involved in MCDA since 2007 and has participated in the mentor program. He has attended various MCDA conferences including volunteering at the book table of the Spring, 2009 Careers conference. He is led a roundtable discussion about green jobs in this last July.
Mackenzie Sullivan
Mackenzie served on the Board during 2008-2009, where she served as the Legislative Liaison and on the Professional Development Committee, was a part of the MCDA Mentorship Program, and a co-organizer of the break-out presentations for the MCDA Careers conference. She currently is a Career Coach at Undergraduate Business Career Center at the Carlson School of Management where she conducts individual coaching and workshops. She is certified as a Global Career Development Facilitator and has spent many years volunteering in various capacities with WomenVenture.
Prior to her work as a Career Coach, she spent many years working in the government and non-profit sectors, doing advocacy and lobbying. She has a BA in Psychology and a MA from the Humphrey Institute, specializing in community and workforce development.
******************************
Board Members
Executive Board
President — Irene Rossman, Irene.rossman@cpiedge.com
President-Elect — Carmen Croonquist, Carmen.jean.croonquist@uwrf.edu
Past-President — Paul Timmins, timmi004@umn.edu
Treasurer — Angie Schmidt Whitney, whit1008@umn.edu
Secretary — Meghana Shroff, meghanas@rasmussen.edu
Board of Trustees:
- Susan Allen, sallen@sjm.com
- Bill Baldus, william.baldus@metrostate.edu
- Marie Carter Brooks, m.brooks@lsc.edu
- Lisa Cook, Lisa.cook@walden.edu
- Mary Dwyer, Dwyer012@umn.edu
- Denise Felder, Denise.Felder@iseek.org
- Mike Haugen, mikelhaugen@gmail.com
- Bridget Kenadjian, bridgetkenadjian@yahoo.com
- Barb Laporte, blaporte@umn.edu
- Vic Massaglia, victorm@umn.edu
- Janet Pelto, pelto001@umn.edu
- Janet Pribyl, jpribyl@d.umn.edu
- Erin Reichelt, Erin.reichelt@gmail.com
- Scott Simpson, simps132@umn.edu
- Mackenzie Sullivan, Sull0104@umn.edu
******************************
Board Highlights
Highlights from the MCDA Board of Trustees meetings in June 2009:
- Election results were announced. Carmen Croonquist is president-elect and Angie Schmidt Whitney is new treasurer. Members elected to 3-year terms as trustees are Susan Allen, Marie Carter Brooks, Mary Dwyer, Mike Haugen, and Mackenzie Sullivan.
- Sponsorship Committee reported that it had ended the year with $6,500 in sponsorships.
- The Membership Committee has updated, printed, and distributed a new brochure.
- The Professional Development Committee reported on its activities for the year, including the MCDA mentorship program and nine roundtable meetings.
- The Technology Committee is ready to sign a contract with a Web designer who will be creating our new Web site.
- The Finance Committee has finalized a business plan which will be presented to the new board in fall 2009 for approval.
******************************
MCDA Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
Northland Career Development Professionals Association (NCDPA)
Tracy Laughlin, laughlint@co.st-louis.mn.uswitc.edu
Organizational & Career Development SIG
Leslie Philmon, lphilmon@netzero.net
******************************
The MCDA Communique Newsletter is published quarterly by the Minnesota Career Development Association.
Editor: Nancy Fraasch, nfraasch@comcast.net or 952-525-1475, ext 304.
MCDA Adminstrator: Lois Vogt, 2400 Ivy Lane , Bloomington, MN 55431. Phone: 952-217-7711. Fax: 952-884-7234. Email:lois@careerplanningresources.com
Web site: www.mcda.net
MCDA listserv: mcda@topica.com