2025 Summer Career Development Skills Conference
Secure Your Seat at the CDS 2025 Career Development Skills Conference!
Summer CDS 2025 Focus: Digital Career Counselling (Technology & Tools)
Fridays in the 😎 Summer just got more exciting for Career Development Practitioners!
With youth unemployment rates making headlines, we have chosen to center our CDS 2025 conference topics on innovative ways to make the job search process more engaging and digitally advanced. By focusing on gamification and other forward-thinking strategies, we aim to support young job seekers in Canada and beyond, as well as anyone interested in making job searching more appealing and impactful.
This summer, we’re thrilled to present a series of six 1-hour webinars designed to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of career advising. Tailored to meet the needs of Career Development Practitioners balancing client work, family commitments, and continuous learning, these webinars will provide practical strategies, actionable tools, and insights to enhance effectiveness and confidence in the digital age. Summer is also the perfect time for professional development as employment offices tend to be less busy, allowing you to focus on your growth!
This isn’t just another webinar series — our virtual and interactive conference puts you at the centre of the career development learning experience.
- Engage with Speaker: Live Q&A sessions after every webinar allows you to ask questions and gain tailored insights.
- Flexibility: To support participants with unpredictable schedules, each session will be recorded and available for a limited 72-hour window afterwards (until Monday night PST). For privacy and to encourage open discussions, the Q&A portion will not be recorded.
- Collaborate and Network: Participate in a free post-conference networking event to discuss topics with peers and share ideas in real-time (Package registrants)
- Customize Your Learning: Start each session with quick audience polls to guide the content, ensuring your questions and learning goals are addressed.
- Practical Takeaways: Walk away with actionable tools, strategies, and presentation slides designed to elevate your career advising effectiveness.
- Receive a Certificate of Completion: Adding proof of dedication to industry learning and the career development field! (Package registrants)
This career development training is offered online at 10:00-11:00 AM PST (1:00-2:00 PM EST|11:00-12:00 MST) from June 27 until Aug 15, 2025. Package & Group rates (3 or more) are available. You can book online using a credit card or PayPal towards the bottom of this page. Please email info@growcd.ca directly for group bookings and invoicing.
BONUS FOR PACKAGE REGISTRANTS: Exclusive Free Access to GrowCD’s Virtual Discussion & Networking event on Aug 22, 2025 at 10:00-11:00 AM PST (1:00-2:00 PM EST). Past attendees from across Canada (BC, YT, AB, ON) have described CDS webinars as being practical, insightful, informative, well-researched, not boring 😂 and fun!
Registration open now! 🎉
Want to see what we did last year? CDS 2024
Digital Career Counselling (Technology & Tools)
1. Gamifying the Job Search Process
2. AI Work Simulations to Prepare for Testing During Interviews
2. AI Work Simulations to Prepare for Testing During Interviews
Fri, June 27, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST
Transform job search into a thrilling quest where every step brings your clients closer to their goals! Discover creative strategies to turn applications, networking, and skill-building into an adventure using gamified techniques like point systems, streaks, and achievement bad
Fri, June 27, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST
Transform job search into a thrilling quest where every step brings your clients closer to their goals! Discover creative strategies to turn applications, networking, and skill-building into an adventure using gamified techniques like point systems, streaks, and achievement badges. Learn how to leverage digital tools for tracking progress and visualizing goals, alongside customizable scorecards and milestone charts, to make job searching motivating, rewarding, and fun!
2. AI Work Simulations to Prepare for Testing During Interviews
2. AI Work Simulations to Prepare for Testing During Interviews
2. AI Work Simulations to Prepare for Testing During Interviews
Fri, July 11, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST
Step into the future of interview preparation with AI-powered work simulations that feel like the real thing! Learn how to create digital scenarios that replicate on-the-job tasks and testing exercises commonly used in interviews. This session explores how to combine digital to
Fri, July 11, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST
Step into the future of interview preparation with AI-powered work simulations that feel like the real thing! Learn how to create digital scenarios that replicate on-the-job tasks and testing exercises commonly used in interviews. This session explores how to combine digital tools with personalized mock projects to build client confidence and readiness for competency-based assessments.
3. Networking Bingo for Building Professional Connections
2. AI Work Simulations to Prepare for Testing During Interviews
3. Networking Bingo for Building Professional Connections
Fri, July 18, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST
Say goodbye to awkward networking! This session brings a playful twist to professional relationship-building with gamified strategies like “Networking Bingo.” Help clients turn traditional tasks like connecting online or attending events into a fun, trackable activity. Discover
Fri, July 18, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST
Say goodbye to awkward networking! This session brings a playful twist to professional relationship-building with gamified strategies like “Networking Bingo.” Help clients turn traditional tasks like connecting online or attending events into a fun, trackable activity. Discover how to use digital platforms to organize, track, and reward networking milestones, or create simple, customizable physical alternatives for clients who prefer analog methods.
4. Developing Digital Career Personas for Clients
6. Escape Room Strategies to Solve Career Challenges
3. Networking Bingo for Building Professional Connections
Fri, July 25, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST
Unlock the power of imagination and strategy with digital career personas! This session shows how to create vivid, tailored profiles that visualize client career options, integrating data insights and skill mapping tools. Learn how to incorporate digital platforms for dynamic,
Fri, July 25, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST
Unlock the power of imagination and strategy with digital career personas! This session shows how to create vivid, tailored profiles that visualize client career options, integrating data insights and skill mapping tools. Learn how to incorporate digital platforms for dynamic, interactive career personas, or use hands-on templates for clients who prefer physical tools. It’s all about empowering clients to dream big while planning for achievable goals.
5. Interactive Roadmaps for Career Transitions
6. Escape Room Strategies to Solve Career Challenges
6. Escape Room Strategies to Solve Career Challenges
Fri, Aug 1, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST
Turn the daunting challenge of career transitions into a dynamic, game-like experience! Learn how to create interactive digital roadmaps that break transitions into bite-sized steps, track progress with digital dashboards, and celebrate client wins with creative visuals. Particip
Fri, Aug 1, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST
Turn the daunting challenge of career transitions into a dynamic, game-like experience! Learn how to create interactive digital roadmaps that break transitions into bite-sized steps, track progress with digital dashboards, and celebrate client wins with creative visuals. Participants will also explore low-tech alternatives like printed charts and progress trackers, making this method adaptable for any client’s preferences.
6. Escape Room Strategies to Solve Career Challenges
6. Escape Room Strategies to Solve Career Challenges
6. Escape Room Strategies to Solve Career Challenges
Fri, Aug 15, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST
Who says career coaching can’t be fun? Step into the world of escape rooms to teach critical skills. Learn how to design interactive digital puzzles and challenges that build client confidence and creativity. This session also includes tips for creating hands-on escape room acti
Fri, Aug 15, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST
Who says career coaching can’t be fun? Step into the world of escape rooms to teach critical skills. Learn how to design interactive digital puzzles and challenges that build client confidence and creativity. This session also includes tips for creating hands-on escape room activities for clients who thrive with physical, tangible experiences.
Pricing & Registration for CDS 2025 Conference
✨ CDS 2025 Full Experience Package
Regular Package Rate at $190 per person after April 15, 2025. Access all 6 of the topics at CDS 2025 in one convenient bundle:
- Gamifying the Job Search Process (Fri, June 27, 2025)
- AI Work Simulations to Prepare for Testing During Interviews (Fri, July 11, 2025)
- Networking Bingo for Building Professional Connections (Fri, July 18, 2025)
- Developing Digital Career Personas for Clients (Fri, July 25, 2025)
- Interactive Roadmaps for Career Transitions (Fri, Aug 1, 2025)
- Escape Room Strategies to Solve Career Challenges (Fri, Aug 15, 2025)
- Note: these webinars are not weekly from June 27-Aug 15, 2025; there are 2 break weeks, during the week of Canada Day and BC Day.
Not sure about your summer schedule? Each session will be recorded and available for a limited 72-hour window afterwards (until Monday night PST). For privacy and to encourage open discussions, the Q&A portion will not be recorded.
BONUS:
- Exclusive Free access to to GrowCD’s Virtual Discussion & Networking event on Aug 22, 2025 at 10:00-11:00 AM PST (1:00-2:00 PM EST)
- Receive a Certificate of Completion, adding proof of dedication to industry learning and the career development field!
Toward the bottom of this page, you can book online using a credit card or PayPal.
NOTE: Those who register for the Full Package will not need to register for individual sessions. They will be automatically registered for all sessions and will be sent online links before each session.
🚀 Individual Topics
Individual Topics at $45 per person. Booking for individual topics is now available!
Note: To support participants with unpredictable schedules, each live session will be recorded and available for a limited 72-hour window afterwards (until Monday night PST). For privacy and to encourage open discussions, the Q&A portion will not be recorded.
👥👥 Group Rates & Invoices
Reduced rates are available for group bookings of 3 people or more. Please email info@growcd.ca directly for group bookings and invoicing or complete the 'CDS 2025 Contact Form' below.
🐥 Early Bird Rate for Full Package Feb 16 - April 15, 2025 - CLOSED
Did you miss the Mega Early Bird Rate? Or did program budgeting not allow for registration that early?
There is still another chance to register at a lower rate in advance: 30% off the Full Experience Package at $133 per person (Regular Rate $190) That's approximately $22 per session!
BONUS: Exclusive Free access to to GrowCD’s Virtual Discussion & Networking event on Aug 22, 2025 at 10:00-11:00 AM PST (1:00-2:00 PM EST)
Not sure about your summer schedule? Each session will be recorded and available for a limited 72-hour window afterwards (until Monday night PST). For privacy and to encourage open discussions, the Q&A portion will not be recorded.
🐣 Mega Early Bird Rate 50% off the Full Experience - CLOSED
Mega Early Bird Rate: Full Experience Package at $95 per person which is 50% off the Regular Package Rate of $190!
Do some advance planning for 2025 Professional Development and Career Development training now; $95 that's approximately $15 per session! Offer ends on February 15, 2025.
BONUS: Exclusive Free access to to GrowCD’s Virtual Discussion & Networking event on Aug 22, 2025 at 10:00-11:00 AM PST (1:00-2:00 PM EST)
Not sure about your summer schedule? Each session will be recorded and available for a limited 72-hour window afterwards (until Monday night PST). For privacy and to encourage open discussions, the Q&A portion will not be recorded.
Those who register for the Full Package will not need to register for individual sessions. They will be automatically registered for all sessions and will be sent online links before each session.
Testimonials
"I learned more at the CDS 2024 sessions than I learned taking courses at a college Career Development program"
"Great content, the facilitator provided experiential examples."
"This is possibly the best webinar I've been in. So informative, very insightful. Thank you Wanda!"
"The most important part I wasn't feeling bored. The presenter shared the information with knowledge and LOVE to share :) "
"Wanda has an enthusiastic, streamlined and fun approach to her training sessions! You always walk away having learned something new."
“Wanda, your presentation was professional, well presented, well planned, well timed and something for everyone to learn. Thank you.”
Career Advisor Courses | Basic to Intermediate
Career Advising Essentials I & II
Would you like to become a Career Advisor or are you already a Career Practitioner but do not have formal education or training? Join this practical skills course in September 2025!
Past Online Sessions
Leveraging AI for Career Advancement in Nonprofits Webinar
May 9, 2024, CharityVillage LIVE Webinar
706 attendees! Explored innovative ways to unlock the potential of AI in propelling careers within the nonprofit sector.
Virtual Session Coaching Clients on Salary Negotiation
Jan 29, 2024, CANNEXUS24 by CERIC Canada’s Largest Bilingual Career Development Conference. This 30-minute on-demand virtual session covers ways to prepare our clients for salary negotiation as well as strategies related to the current economic climate.
Speaking LIVE at the 2023 Career Development Conference
Salary Negotiation 101 - CDS2023 Career Development Skills Webinar
May 30, 2023 BCCDA CDC Web Conference
1-hour Webinar to explore 8 Self-Employment Options for Career Development Development Practitioners at the 2023 Career Development Conference
Salary Negotiation 101 - CDS2023 Career Development Skills Webinar
Salary Negotiation 101 - CDS2023 Career Development Skills Webinar
CDS 2023 Aug 25 - 9:30 AM-12:30 PM PST
This 3-hour online workshop covers basic to intermediate salary and benefits negotiation information and strategies.
LIVE 3-Hr Coaching Clients on Salary Negotiation Workshop
BCCDA Webinar Dec 2, 2022 - 1 to 4 PM PST
Explores salary negotiation at 3 key stages of employment i.e., at the interview (pre-employment), while employed for salary increases (during employment) and ‘last resort’ salary negotiation with employer before deciding to seek other employment (pre-departure).
LIVE Innovative & Effective Strategies for Coaching Clients on Salary Negotiation Webinar
May 3, 2022, BCCDA CDC Web Conference
A 1.5-hour webinar about salary negotiation techniques with 139 attendees and 16 questions answered during the session
Specialized and Customized Webinars
Webinar Services
We specialize in creating customized webinars for employers wanting to provide specialized training their team and also employment programs wanting to supplement their topic offerings to clients (AI use, digital options etc.)
Career Development Content & Articles
Article Featured in the Canadian Immigrant Magazine
Article Featured in the Canadian Immigrant Magazine
Article Featured in the Canadian Immigrant Magazine
Tues, Apr 11, 2023
Check out my article in the latest April 2023 edition of the Canadian Immigrant magazine about successfully passing the work probationary period "You've landed your first job in Canada, what next?"
Article on the Charity Village Website
Article Featured in the Canadian Immigrant Magazine
Article Featured in the Canadian Immigrant Magazine
Wed, Sep 7, 2022
People often think that those who work in nonprofit organizations are not able to earn comfortable living wages. This is not true. The recognition of skills and employee experience still applies here. Salary negotiation can happen anywhere, nonprofit organizations included.
Article on the CareerWise by CERIC Website
Article Featured in the Canadian Immigrant Magazine
Article on the CareerWise by CERIC Website
Tues, July 12, 2022
When there is a high demand for skilled workers, such as during the current major labour shortage, skilled job applicants can happily flex their salary negotiation muscles. However, while it is an accepted practice for people to negotiate their salaries upon hiring, statistics show that very few people do it in Canada.