MODULE
3
CAREER PLANNING WORKSHOPS
BEFORE YOU START: CHECKLIST 
Purpose
The career planning workshops focus on group or individual counselling to
help participants develop an optimal career plan. This plan will consist of specific
career goals: career path, short and long term objectives, upgrading through education and
training (strategies), skills development though volunteer and/or paid work. Participants
will be encouraged to develop a career portfolio, where all the information about their
career development can be organized for easy access. Group work allows for information
sharing and mutual support. Individual work offers a more in-depth and client-centered
approach.
Expectations from the Workshops
Participants will:
 | Develop a career plan |
| Chalk out a career path |
| Develop short/long term goals |
| Know their education and training upgrading options |
| Plan their volunteer and paid job strategies to focus on skills and transferable
skills |
| Have a career development portfolio styled somewhat on the Conference Board of
Canada’s "Career Development Portfolio" |
Cross-Cultural Notes
| If newcomers are unsure about their career future, try to find out as many
details as possible about their previous experience since this is a necessary starting
point for self-assessment and career planning |
| Discuss the importance of language improvement, if necessary. Some newcomers are
under high pressure to find general labour employment. Acknowledge their choices but
remind them that this might put them in a vulnerable situation unless they learn language
and prepare themselves for some upgrading in case those positions became unavailable in
the future-or if their career aspirations change. Learning language even on a part-time
basis in combination with employment guarantees more choices later on. |
| Point out the experiences and successes of other newcomers when trying to
encourage positive thinking and optimism. |
| Encourage newcomers to consider upgrading skills/knowledge, and explain various
affordable training opportunities or a combination of training and transitional employment
as a way of overcoming financial barriers. |
| Explain to newcomers how to develop a resume that will effectively sell their
skills in the process of looking for a job |
| Explain and try to de-mystify the notion of "Canadian experience".
Discuss the ways of overcoming this obstacle. Expand this topic to a discussion on the
importance of exposure to a new work environment. Point out that there are many advantages
to gaining experience through volunteering or transitional employment (learning about the
Canadian work environment, getting positive references, learning new skills, getting
financial or other support for possible training, etc). |
| Talk about entry level, transitional and jobs of choices. Point out the various
paths to successful employment and relate that information to the corresponding activity.
Discuss the importance of setting realistic goals and persistently working toward them. |
| Talk openly about licensing and certification issues. Discuss timing and other
issues if necessary. Ensure that a newcomer is aware of the process and what it involves.
Discuss transitional strategies. Arrange for a newcomer to hear first hand experiences of
those who went through the process. |
| Share your own experiences and/or those of other newcomers when discussing the
various choices. |
| Review or discuss the Canadian work environment (customs, values, behaviours,
age, gender or work ethic issues) if pertinent to the career decision making. |
Objective
To assist newcomers in the determination of realistic short and
long-term goals by demonstrating and utilizing career decision-making tools adapted for
newcomers.
Outcome Indicators
Newcomers are able to determine their "career path" as a
result of attendance of the "career workshop" or individual counselling.
Methods
Group sessions, individual counselling.
Techniques
Existing career materials, culturally anchored techniques,
interactive exercises, videos, sources available through the internet, career tracking
tools, counselling and mentoring. As in Module 2, an Informational
Interview is an excellent technique. It can be used both in an individual exercise, or
in a group setting as a guideline for the discussion with resource people. Please refer to
the following sections: "Action Plan" (under
"Group Workshops", the second segment of this module) and "Career Path" (the third segment of this module).
Evaluation
Outcome evaluation to be collected from the participants at the end
of the session, or upon completion of the individualized support.
Length
Three hours, morning or afternoon, or individual meetings; one to
three meetings, to a maximum of six hours.
Participation
Maximum of 10 participants.
Individual counselling as per availability of supports.
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