| Ohio CareerDevelopment Association |
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National Career Development Month 2025
DID YOU KNOW? November is National Career Development Month!
OCDA is hosting a number of exciting virtual presentations, trainings, and self-care opportunities! OCDA is also excited to be promoting the NCDA Annual Poster and Poetry Contest! Find out more information, submit your art, and register for the events below!
Poetry & Art Contest
Have you been writing poetry, creating art, or just looking for some inspiration to be artistic? We have officially opened up our process for accepting entries for NCDA's 60th Annual National Poetry and Art Contest! Below are the steps to participate.
STEPS FOR ENTRY:
- Reflect on the theme: The Evolution of Work: Careers in the Past, Present and Future.
- View the brochure for more information on requirements for entry and inspiration.
- Share with anyone in your network who may also want to participate (students, coworkers, family) -- the contest is open to the public!
- Create your piece of art!
- Submit your art and poetry State contest entries HERE by December 20th at 11:59pm.
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Events Overview
"Self-Care Using Art and Expression" with Barbara Allen Attendees joined OCDA for a virtual, creative lunch session for career and school counseling professionals. In "Self-Care Using Art and Expression," Barbara Allen shared how art can inspire reflection, compassion, and renewed energy to better support students and clients. Event Date: Monday, November 3rd 2025, 12:00pm - 1:00pm Eastern Time via Zoom - |
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| Pause & Reflect: A Midday Mindfulness Chat with Earl Nichols Attendees took a moment to slow down, breathe, and connect. Attendees joined OCDA for a relaxing lunchtime session focused on mindfulness, reflection, and self-care. Event Date: Wednesday, November 12th from 12:00pm - 1:00pm Eastern Time By the end of the session, attendees left with: 1. Practical mindfulness strategies they can easily incorporate into their workday 2. A renewed sense of calm and focus through guided reflection and discussion 3. Tools for self-care that support balance and reduce burnout 4. A sense of connection with individuals who share a commitment to personal and professional well-being |
Navigating OhioMeansJobs Presenter: Matthew Renison, Workforce Specialist, Office of Workforce Development, Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Presentation Date: Tuesday, November 18th 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm Eastern Time Goal: Provide an overview of OhioMeansJobs career resources to support exploration of pathways, use of tools, and preparation for the job search process. Objectives: 1. Navigate the OhioMeansJobs Backpack, including resume upload and job search filters 2. Utilize the Career Pathways tool to understand entry-level, intermediate, and advanced roles 3. Identify additional resources such as the scholarship search tool, test prep site, and budgeting/lifestyle calculator. 4. Access a wide range of OhioMeansJobs resources to enhance career exploration and job readiness. **Zoom information will be sent to registrants via email** |
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| Invisible Disabilities - Ethics and Advocacy in Counseling Eligible for 1 CSWMFT Ethics CEU Cost: $5 for OCDA members, $7 for partner associations, $10 for non-members Presentation Date: Tuesday, November 20th at 12:00pm-1:00pm Eastern Time on Zoom Presenter: Allison Jones, LPC, Career Development Specialist, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) This session explores the experiences of individuals with invisible disabilities such as mental health conditions, traumatic brain injury, and intellectual differences. Mental health providers will examine how stigma, misunderstanding, and systemic barriers affect inclusion and client well-being. With a focus on ethics, advocacy, and cultural competence, participants will learn practical strategies for accommodations and inclusive language use. This training prepares professionals to integrate strengths-based, ethical approaches into counseling and workplace advocacy. **Zoom information will be sent to registrants via email.** |
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