CDA - Devon

We offer a specialised service helping you to become clearer about:

your hidden talents and abilities
your career options
how to apply for appropriate posts with confidence and enthusiasm
how to build on potential
how to create goals and follow them through
as an employer improving relations and getting the best from your employees while helping them to fulfill their potential

Case History:

Craig is a young man aged 23 who left school at 18 after doing ‘A’ levels. He followed the advice of his parents and teachers and became an administrator in Local Government – a ‘safe’ job with good prospects – and Craig was doing well. However, he is becoming increasingly unhappy in this work environment and longs to change to a more practical career which he feels would be much more fulfilling. Where would he find the right advice and support to make a career change?

Many people work in jobs they do not feel they are suited to – but they fail to seek the help they need to improve things because they do not know how much is available for them. Instead of continuing to work at jobs which are unsatisfying, or with people they don’t get on with, they can take action to change things.

A study by Lancaster University Management School found that dissatisfaction at work has serious mental and physical health implications.

Your work life has a direct influence on your personal well-being.

Do you want to change your career, but not know how to do it?

• Do you know which of your skills, talents and special qualities are needed in the changing job market?

• Have you reached a milestone in your life or been made redundant and need to re-assess your career/life balance?

• Do you want help in deciding your priorities and planning the next move?

• Would you like to move beyond your perceived limitations and explore some interesting new ideas?

In today’s climate of constant change in the world of employment, training and education, people often need a guiding hand. Students, graduates, those looking for career progression or change of job – even those who have recently retired and want help in planning the next few years in a fulfilling and useful way – can all benefit from a face-to-face discussion with a Careers Adviser.

The Career Development Associates (CDA), a small group of professional Careers Advisers, has been set up to provide a service in Devon which could help you in some of the following ways:

You need to know exactly what you have to offer – your experience, skills and willingness to do further training. You may find that psychometric testing will produce ideas you’ve never thought of before. In a confidential, in-depth interview, you will be guided in considering your career options in order to clarify your goals and the specific steps that will meet your needs. An adviser will suggest jobs suitable for you. If you need encouragement and on-going support in making career changes, you may choose to have some career coaching.

Couldn’t I do this on my own?

Talking to someone else helps to clarify your thoughts. You are more likely to be successful in your search for the right career if you talk to a professional who understands people and jobs, who has experience of the world of work, and can guide you in making choices.

You will benefit by having a better understanding of yourself and your skills and how they match available jobs. You will become more aware of what is most important to you. By exploring ideas beyond your normal boundaries you may be surprised at what you could do!

If this is just what you need take this opportunity now and see what a difference it makes to your life!