Program Overview

Career Development Certificate (CDC)

Introduction

The Career Development Certificate (CDC) is a program designed to provide students with the self-understanding and necessary tools to establish a meaningful career. The program is offered by the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa.

Program Overview

The CDC is a series of career-related activities that help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen career. The program is open to undergraduate students and can be completed at their own pace, either in one year or over the course of their four years at Telfer.

Program Requirements

To obtain the Career Development Certificate, students must complete 10 Career Centre activities, including:

• 9 Career Centre workshops or services
• A series of reflection exercises to solidify what they have learned throughout the program The required activities include:
  • Who Am I: Self-assessment and Career Testing (or 2 individual results sessions)
  • Jump Start Your Job Search (or an individual appointment titled Jump Start Your Job Search replacement workshop)
  • Rock Your Resumé (or an individual appointment titled Lets Talk Resumés replacement workshop)
  • Ace Your Interview (or an individual appointment titled Lets Talk Interviews replacement workshop)
  • Network Like a Pro (or an individual appointment titled Lets Talk Networking replacement workshop)
  • General resumé critique (with the Professional Development Coordinator or Career Counsellor)
  • LinkedIn profile critique (with the Professional Development Coordinator or Career Counsellor)
  • Individual practice interview (with the Career Counsellor) Students must also attend at least one of the following two networking events:
  • Telfer Connects (TC), held in September for 3rd- and 4th-year students only
  • Telfer Networks (TN), held in January for all undergraduate students

Reflection Exercises

The reflection exercises are designed to help students solidify what they have learned throughout the program. The exercises are related to three "pillars of career development":

• Career Development Pillar #1: Self-Understanding
• Career Development Pillar #2: Self-Promotion
• Career Development Pillar #3: Relationship Building and Job Search Students must also complete a final reflection exercise related to the "uOCompetencies" created by the University of Ottawa.

Benefits of the Program

The CDC provides students with the tools and skills needed to find meaningful work and market themselves effectively to employers. The program also helps students develop their career management skills and boosts their confidence and job search readiness.

Program Structure

The program is structured to allow students to complete the activities at their own pace. Students can enroll in the program using the Career Launch platform, and their activities will be tracked automatically. The program includes a series of workshops, services, and reflection exercises, as well as two networking events.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Career Development Certificate (CDC)? The CDC is a program designed to provide students with the self-understanding and necessary tools to establish a meaningful career.
• How do I register for the CDC? Students can register for the CDC by enrolling in the program using the Career Launch platform.
• Can I complete the CDC in one year? Yes, students can complete the CDC in one year, or they can complete it over the course of their four years at Telfer.
• Do I need to re-register each year? No, students only need to register for the CDC once.
• Are the mandatory CDC activities offered each term? Yes, the mandatory activities are offered in both the fall and winter terms.