Who is MCDA?

The Minnesota Career Development Association (MCDA) is a state affiliate of the National Career Development Association (NCDA). Our Mission is to provide professional growth and community, and to promote the field of career development. We do this by engaging our diverse membership through professional development events and by providing benefits like our Mentor Program and career exploration tools for our clients.

Jeremy is a job search expert, national speaker, and bestselling author. His presentation will focus on the AI tool ChatGPT and how career coaches can utilize and leverage its capabilities for identifying a career path, building resumes/cover letters, and interviewing prep. He is Marketing Director for Khan Academy, previously a Product Marketing Manager for Google Maps, and a LinkedIn for Education leader.

Registration for the 2024 Career Conference is now closed. Due to overwhelming interest, we have reached our maximum capacity for attendees. Thank you for your interest!

Additional Information

Coffee and pastries will be provided in the morning and lunch will be served midday. CEU’s will be awarded for this conference.

MCDA Members are employed in the following settings and practice areas:

Get Involved!

  • Become a Member of MCDA
  • Attend professional development events
  • Join the Minnesota Career Development LinkedIn Group and start a conversation!
  • Join the Mentor Program as a mentor or mentee
  • Participate on a committee
  • Run for a Board position
latest events

What we have planned this year…

 New Case Consultation professional development series!

Created by popular demand, this virtual series is intended to provide a space for career professionals to discuss current clients they serve and challenging situations. Participants will support each other in navigating these cases. Expand your network here! Register here and save the date for the following times:

  • Friday, October 17, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
  • January 16th, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
  • March 20th, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
  • May 15th, 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Online Webinar February 25, 2026

Discover (or Re-discover) CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop offers free tools and resources for your work with job seekers, students, and targeted audiences. Get the latest scoop on assessments, job market information, How-to Guides, videos, short-term credentials for in-demand occupations, and more. Includes an introduction to specialized content for youth and young adults with barriers, veterans, and justice-impacted job seekers.

This is a chance to get answers to your questions, including “how is CareerOneStop different from O*NET?” and “Why is a federal website based in St Paul, MN?” Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop is available at no cost, with APIs to bring content onto your own website.

Come and find out what’s here, and what’s new! See our Events page to register. 

latest events

What we have planned this year…

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MN Labor Market Insights & AI’s Potential Impact

Date: Friday, November 22, 2024

Time: 8:30 – 11 AM (first 30 minutes for check-in and Continental Breakfast)

Location: St. Paul College, 235 Marshall Ave, St Paul, MN 55102

Event Name for Next Event

MN Labor Market Insights & AI’s Potential Impact Date: Friday, November 22, 2024 Time: 8:30 – 11 AM (first 30 minutes for check-in and Continental Breakfast) Location: St. Paul College, 235 Marshall Ave, St Paul, MN 55102

Past MCDA Events

MCDA Events are both in-person and online. Sample of past event topics below.

Membership Fees

Become a Member

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Regular

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Students

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Retired

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Organizational Membership: Up to 3 staff members

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Organizational Membership: 4 to 7 staff members

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Organizational Membership: 8 to 10 staff members

Great Savings!

All payments must be made via credit card

Engage in a Supportive Community

We believe in continuous learning, growth and professional development!

Expert Panel –

“Resilience and Renewal: Career Coaching the Experienced Workforce”

George Dow, Denise Felder, Kate Schaefers, and Mary Jo Schifsky will share practical advice, anecdotes, and strategies to empower older workers in their journey towards resilience and renewal in the ever-evolving career landscape. Rebecca Dordel will moderate the panel.

Our testimonials

What people are saying about us…

latest events

What we have planned this year…

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Latest News & Articles From the Blog

  • Motivational Interviewing: A Holistic Tool for Career Counselors

    The Minnesota Career Development Association (MCDA) hosted the professional development event Motivational Interviewing: A Holistic Tool for Career Counselors on November 7th, 2025. Three workforce development staff from Goodwill-Easter Seals presented: Presenters introduced the concept of Motivational Interviewing (MI)....

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  • Virtual Case Consultation, Oct. 2025

    On October 17, 2025, the Minnesota Career Development Association had its 1st Virtual Case Consultation as part of a series happening in 2025-2026.  After each MCDA event, within a feedback form we include space for people to suggest topics...

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