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Please note:

This is an eText program. Learn about our eText initiative.

To effectively participate in this program, students must have reliable Internet access and a device that meets these requirements.

About the program

Career Development Professional is a (one-year) two term graduate certificate program that prepares graduates to enter the career development sector. The world of work is rapidly changing and new careers are emerging to meet current and future workforce needs. Career Development Professionals provide information, advice and guidance related to career exploration, human resources, skill acquisition, job search and maintenance.

This program provides training to enter and/or advance in the field of career development such as career and employment advisors, career resource specialists, job developers, or career management professionals.

This program may also appeal to practitioners working in the field who want to gain additional formal training, job coaching experience or attain their Career Development Practitioner designation.

Graduation from the program provides the full academic component and partial fulfillment of work experience hours for certification by the Career Development Practitioners' Certification Board of Ontario (CDPCBO).

This program is offered in full-time and part-time delivery.
Admission to the program is required prior to registration for courses.

Admission requirements

  • An Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent or a minimum of 5 (five) years of full-time work experience, within the past ten years, as an employment counsellor, career advisor, human resources professional or similar role AND
  • Submission of a current resume AND
  • A two to three page double spaced letter of application stating your career goals and indicate how your education and experience to date have prepared you for entry into the program. The letter should also include verifiable details of any volunteer experience.
    • Please use the following questions to complete the letter of application: Why are you interested in this program? Why are you a strong candidate for this program? What personal and/or life experience have impacted your decision to develop your skills and knowledge in the field of career development? What are your long-term career goals?

Note re: admission requirements

  • Applicants possessing degrees/diplomas from institutions where the language of instruction was not English will be required to provide test scores as evidence of their English language proficiency. Test scores, if required, would be a minimum of TOEFL iBT 88; IELTS 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0; CAEL 70 with no sub-test band scores less than 60; PTE Academic 58; Conestoga English Language Test (CELT) Band 6; or equivalent scores in other recognized standard tests of English.

Admission procedures

  • Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
  • Submit proof of Admission Requirements. Review Apply to a Program to learn how.
    • Upload your letter of application and resume to your application form.
    • Request your school email or fax an official copy of your transcript to our office.
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Program requirements

  • Working knowledge of current computer operating systems, office software, and an Internet Browser as well as access to a personal computer and an Internet service account are required.
  • Students must be accepted into the program to be eligible for the Practicum Seminar and Practicum Project courses.

Graduate opportunities

This program will appeal to individuals who are engaged or interested in some form of career development work in professional settings. These include: self employment, working in community-based agencies, multicultural settings, schools, post-secondary and adult learning institutions, labour adjustment contexts, human resource departments and employment-related services programs in all branches of government.

On average, 79% of graduates from the last three years (2018 to 2020) found employment within six months of graduation.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Complete research using various tools and methods in order to analyze trends and current Labour Market Information to be responsive to market changes.
  • Apply self-reflective and critical thinking skills to enhance counselling, teaching, and learning strategies with groups and individuals that meet ethical principles.
  • Apply evidence-based career development practices that incorporate a comprehensive set of tools, techniques, and strategies to support clients with diverse identities.
  • Complete needs assessments with clients to select appropriate approaches for meeting their career and employment goals.
  • Design strategies that incorporate local, national, global, social, economic and political trends to assist clients with career decision-making.
  • Integrate appropriate technologies into the full spectrum of Career Development strategies to maximize service delivery to clients.
  • Source relevant legislation and social policies to plan programs, interventions and referrals for clients.

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
UpcomingRegistrations

Mark your calendar for our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Fall registration: Opens July 24, 2023
Winter registration: Opens November 27, 2023