Careers conference to focus on ‘Futures that Work’

Most people entering the workforce today can expect to change jobs and careers many times.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s annual Careers Conference brings counselors, educators and other professionals together to consider how best to prepare students and adults to make sound career decisions and develop the necessary skills to navigate their working lives.

Sponsored by the Center on Education and Work (CEW) in the UW–Madison School of Education, the Careers Conference, now in its 21st year, has grown into one of the most comprehensive gatherings to focus on the design and delivery of career-development programs and services.

“Careers Conference 2007: Building Futures that Work” – to be held Jan. 29-31 at the Marriott Madison West – is expected to draw 1,200 participants from across the United States and abroad, mostly professionals who work in a variety of settings and with audiences from elementary school children through adults and retirees.

With more than 150 sessions – from presentations by nationally recognized experts to discussions on innovative ideas, best practices, and quality programs – the conference is designed to cover all aspects of career development and education for work.

Nationally known author, speaker, and trainer Darrell “Coach D” Andrews will open the conference with a keynote address on “Building Futures, Breaking Barriers, and Connecting Dreams to Careers.” David Blustein, an expert on career development education and school-to-work transitions from Boston College, will speak on “Exploring an Inclusive Psychology of Work.”

Participants also may tour a variety of workplaces to learn about the skills and training needed for tomorrow’s careers. Sites include the UW–Madison food science department, Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Henry Vilas Zoo, WKOW Channel 27, Middleton Fire Department, East High School Career Center, Cedar Grove Cheese Company, the Overture Center for the Arts, and the Bruce Company.

Scheduled workshops include: Education and Business Partnerships; Retirement and Re-Careering; First-Year Experiences in Higher Education; Branding, Blogging and Self-Marketing; Partnering with Parents; Career Intervention Strategies; and Job Search Success for Introverts.

For details and registration, visit http://www.cew.wisc.edu/careers, or contact Carol Edds at cedds@education.wisc.edu, (608) 263-4779.