- Minnesota Career Development Association
Minnesota Careers Conference 2025
Join MCDA and Normandale Community College at the Minnesota Careers Conference
Friday, April 25th, 8am-3:45pm
Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN
Keynote: Dr. Kareem Watts
We’re thrilled to welcome keynote speaker Dr. Kareem Watts, also known as Kareem Elevated. A Hip Hop Artist, Poet, Educator, and Diversity Practitioner. Through resilience in the face of adversity, Kareem became Dr. Watts in May 2024, proving that reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s necessary for growth. His arts-based research focuses on hip-hop pedagogy (HHP) for Black college student success.
Dr. Kareem Watts (aka Kareem Elevated) is a Hip Hop Artist & Poet, Educator, and Diversity Practitioner with over 16 years of experience as a musician and higher education administrator, including his work as an adjunct professor. He currently serves as the Director of the Hedgeman Center at Hamline University and is the former President of the Minnesota Chapter of the American College Personnel Association (MN ACPA). Through resilience in the face of adversity, Kareem became Dr. Watts in May 2024, proving that reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s necessary for growth. His arts-based research focuses on hip hop pedagogy (HHP) for Black college student success. In 2024, Dr. Watts had the privilege of presenting his research at his first international conference, the 7th Annual European Hip Hop Studies Network in Ireland. The final chapter of his dissertation study features his new album, Flo-etic Storytelling Mixtape Ch.5. A poet and storyteller at heart, Kareem aims to decolonize higher education, promoting equity and inclusion to empower marginalized students and professionals for success and belonging.
More highlights:
This year’s conference will include a panel of employers discussing what makes an effective application and how rapidly changing technology is impacting the recruiting and hiring process. The morning session includes a panel on careers in career development, and several breakout sessions related to career resilience.
Please note that capacity is limited. Please register ASAP to secure your spot.
Priority registration (for MCDA members) will open on March 7th. General registration will open on March 15th.
Minnesota Careers Conference
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.
MCDA and NCC’s Career Development Conference
Friday, April 26 | In-Person | @ Normandale Community College
Co-sponsored by the MCDA & Normandale Community College GCDF
Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Program is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Keynote Speaker – Jeremy Schifeling, “ChatGTP for Career Coaches”
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.
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.
Breakout Sessions
- Putting Your “Counselor Feet” into a Client’s Shoes
- Putting Your “Counselor Feet” into a Client’s Shoes
- Navigating Career Shocks
- What Employers Want in A Job Candidate
- Generative AI: Tool for Equity
- Firing Up Client Motivation Through Neuroscience
- Professional Development by the University for Hiring Organization Recruiters
World Café Experience
Facilitated by Vic Massaglia and Rachel Nihart, this interactive session offers an opportunity to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and explore solutions to real-world career development issues.
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.
REGISTRATION Deadline April 19
Registration Fees and Membership Options
• $59 Current MCDA Members
• $49 Students, Retirees and Career Professionals in transition
• $89 Non-MCDA Members
Consider being an MCDA member
• $70 Annually for Regular Membership
• $35 for Graduate Students and Retirees
Great Savings!
• If you become a member or renew prior to and register for the conference, your total cost for membership and the conference is $70 + $59 = $129 (a $30 saving on the membership fee)
• If you become a member as a retiree, student or professional in transition, your total cost for membership and the conference is $35 + $49 = $84
All payments must be made via credit card
