Career Development Forum

November 19 & 20, 2025 | Online

Learning and collaboration for professionals supporting
student career development.

Gain Insights and Build Meaningful Connections

Live presentations by industry experts

Collaborative roundtable discussions

Engaging discussion boards

Interactive networking opportunities 

Affordable professional development for anyone who talks to students about their future.

The Career Development Forum offers a virtual conference and collaboration platform for professionals in co-op, WIL, EL, career services, and other campus departments that respond to students’ career questions and concerns.

With a particular focus on individuals and teams who are newer to the field or working directly with students, the Career Development Forum provides an affordable learning and networking opportunity for all.

Why should I attend?

Grow your confidence when addressing students questions and concerns

Discover the “big picture” when it comes to students’ career development

Understand co-op, WIL, EL and students’ other developmental options

Participate in discussions with like-minded individuals

Hear about new approaches to help students discover their future

Build a network of peers at schools across Canada and the US

Discover areas of the profession for your own career growth

Learn techniques and practices to improve your work

Access resources and session recordings for six months

2024 Presenters

2025 presenters will be added soon.

Blessie Mathew

University of Alberta

Assistant Dean, Student Success, Careers, and Experiential Learning

Brenda Badgero

Simon Fraser University

Career Education Manager, Career & Volunteer Services

Cara Krezek

The Talent Strategy Collective

Chief Purpose Officer & Founder

Dr. Jennifer Browne

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Director, Student Life

Graham Donald

Brainstorm Strategy Group

Founder & President

Greta Heathcote

University of Calgary

Associate Director, Work-Integrated Learning & Neurodiversity Initiative, Taylor Institute for Teaching & Learning

J.J. Kemlo

Ontario Tech University

Strategic Partnership Officer & Program Manager, Student Enrichment Program - Partnership Office

Jeanelle Desjarlais

University of Saskatchewan

Indigenous Experiential Learning Coordinator

JP Michel

SparkPath

Founder

Katherine St. Louis

Wilfrid Laurier University

Associate Director, Operations & Experiential Learning – Career Development Centre

Kimberley Rawes

UBC

Manager, Career and Professional Development

Matt Purdey

RRC Polytech

Career Advisor, Work-Integrated Learning and Career Services

Melanie Richardson

Centennial College

Coordinator, Cooperative Education Career Services & Cooperative Education

Melissa McNown-Smith

Conestoga College

Manager, Career Services

Roberta Braid

University of Saskatchewan

Career Educator, Career Services, Teaching, Learning and Student Experience

Shenelle Payne Cuffy

Ontario Tech University

Manager, Career Centre

Sheri Browne

University of Toronto Mississauga

Assistant Director, Career Development, Career Centre

Stephanie Harper

McMaster University

Associate Director, Centre for Career Growth & Experience, Faculty of Engineering

Tristyn Sachkowski

University of Saskatchewan

ScotiaRISE Indigenous Student Employment Readiness Program Lead

Program will be added soon.

We’re currently building the 2025 program—stay tuned for updates!

To give you a sense of what to expect, here’s a sample of last year’s sessions:

Understanding the Career Interests and Intentions of Today’s Students
Guiding and Supporting Students from the Front Line
Indigenous Career Education
Incorporating Diversity and Equity Principles into Front Line Service
Understanding Employers’ Challenges and Goals
Supporting Neurodivergent Students

This year’s program will continue to focus on practical, collaborative approaches to student career development—and may include new topics such as:

Making AI Work for Career Services
Innovative Programming on a Shoestring Budget
Employer Engagement Without a Dedicated Team
Strengthening Career Conversations Across Campus

Program Highlights

Day One

November 26th, 2024

Opening Plenary

Understanding the Career Interests and Intentions of Today’s Students

11:30am - 12:15pm EST

Be among the first to gain insights from the 2024 edition of Canada's national study of students' career and employer interests – The Brainstorm Report. Based on a...

Be among the first to gain insights from the 2024 edition of Canada's national study of students' career and employer interests – The Brainstorm Report.

Based on a survey of more than 24,000 university and college students, this presentation will explore how students' preferences and attitudes are evolving and what that means for those who support their career development.

What kinds of support do students want? What are their greatest challenges? How do they feel about the current job market? Are they using AI in their job search... and are they worried about AI's impact on their employment prospects?

Don't miss your opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the students you support!

Hide Description

Graham Donald

Founder & President, Brainstorm Strategy Group

Concurrent Workshops

Guiding and Supporting Students from the Front Line

12:30 - 1:15 pm EST

Students often ask questions like “what do you do here?” or “can someone help me to…?”. As front-line professionals, we are typically the first point of contact for...

Students often ask questions like “what do you do here?” or “can someone help me to…?”. As front-line professionals, we are typically the first point of contact for students, and we play a pivotal role in making them feel welcome on campus. We also inform, support, and connect students to the resources that will shape their career journey.

Join us for an engaging workshop designed for front-line professionals where we will explore the underlying theories that influence student development during the degree experience. Whether you're new to the field or looking to refresh your knowledge, this workshop will enhance your ability to support student career development in meaningful ways.

Hide Description

Kimberley Rawes

Manager, Career and Professional Development, UBC

Concurrent Workshops

Incorporating Diversity and Equity Principles into Front Line Service

12:30pm - 1:15pm EST

DEI is an ongoing process of learning and improvement. Evidence shows that inclusive workplaces see higher levels of meaningful engagement by employees and clients. In this...

DEI is an ongoing process of learning and improvement. Evidence shows that inclusive workplaces see higher levels of meaningful engagement by employees and clients. In this session, you will learn about a tool that will help you integrate equitable and inclusive practices into your daily work.

Hide Description

Blessie Mathew

Assistant Dean, Student Success, Careers, and Experiential Learning, University of Alberta

Concurrent Workshops

Understanding Students’ Options & A World of Acronyms: Careers, Co-op, WIL, EL and More!

1:30pm - 2:15pm EST

In this session, participants will explore the diverse ways post-secondary education approaches career education and experience exploration available to students today....

In this session, participants will explore the diverse ways post-secondary education approaches career education and experience exploration available to students today. Exploring key terms and acronyms shaping students' educational and professional journeys to be equipped to navigate your own career within the field. We will cover the fundamentals of various pathways, including:

Career: Overview of career education terminology and pathways regarding how students navigate their career opportunities.
Co-op (Cooperative Education): An introduction to co-op programs, their structure, and the benefits they offer for gaining practical experience while studying.
WIL (Work-Integrated Learning): Explanation of work-integrated learning initiatives, highlighting the importance of hands-on experience in enhancing employability and student learning and development.
EL (Experiential Learning): Discussion on experiential learning principles, emphasizing the value of active participation and real-world applications in the learning process.

The session will provide practical insights into how these options benefit students' academic and career development. Participants will also discuss the importance of understanding these acronyms and concepts to support students better as they navigate their career journeys. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape of career development options and resources available to students.

Hide Description

Cara Krezek

Chief Purpose Officer & Founder, The Talent Strategy Collective

Concurrent Workshops

Indigenous Career Education

1:30pm - 2:15 pm EST

Indigenous Career Education offers opportunity to provide meaningful, culturally responsive, and inclusive programming to help address the systemic inequities in degree...

Indigenous Career Education offers opportunity to provide meaningful, culturally responsive, and inclusive programming to help address the systemic inequities in degree completion and employment outcomes historically faced by Indigenous students.

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) Career Services offers two programs that support Indigenous students’ career success through a focus on four key elements: community building, Traditional & Land-based teachings, supporting pathways to employment, and addressing Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. These four elements follow the Medicine Wheel and its four quadrants to represent a wholistic view of well-being in Indigenous principles.

In this session, the presenters will speak to how each of these four key elements play such a pivotal role in ensuring Indigenous students have the opportunity to come together in community as they identify, develop, and articulate their employment-related skills.

At the end of this session, attendees will:

Understand why Indigenous Career Education is important
Be able to articulate the key elements to consider when developing Indigenous students’ Career Education programming
Be able to identify different strategies to ensure programming is culturally sensitive and responsive
Understand local context when preparing to develop Indigenous Career Education

Hide Description

Jeanelle Desjarlais

Indigenous Experiential Learning Coordinator, University of Saskatchewan

Tristyn Sachkowski

ScotiaRISE Indigenous Student Employment Readiness Program Lead, University of Saskatchewan

Concurrent Workshops

Leveraging Peer Programs for Optimal Impact

2:30pm - 3:15 pm EST

This session will delve into the world of peer programs and explore the critical aspects of establishing and maintaining effective peer roles. We will explore the key components...

This session will delve into the world of peer programs and explore the critical aspects of establishing and maintaining effective peer roles. We will explore the key components that make peer programs successful, including the purpose of peer roles, strategies to obtain buy-in, recruitment and onboarding of peers, the importance of ongoing supervision, effective methods for promotion and outreach, and how to measure program impact.

Hide Description

Melissa McNown-Smith

Manager, Career Services, Conestoga College

Concurrent Workshops

Embracing the Challenge Mindset in Student Career Development

2:30pm - 3:15pm EST

The question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Is no longer serving students. For too long, we’ve encouraged them to prepare for their future by choosing a job...

The question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Is no longer serving students. For too long, we’ve encouraged them to prepare for their future by choosing a job title. This approach is causing anxiety and not preparing them for a complex, rapidly changing world.

Career services can change the world by helping young people look beyond job titles to find important challenges to solve. This new approach is called the Challenge mindset, and it is igniting a sense of purpose in youth. Come discover the difference it can make on your campus.

Hide Description

JP Michel

Founder, SparkPath

Day Two

November 27th, 2024

Concurrent Workshops

Understanding Employers’ Challenges and Goals

11:30am - 12:15pm EST

Based on Brainstorm's research and work with employers, this presentation will explore the challenges and goals that organizations face when recruiting new talent, particularly...

Based on Brainstorm's research and work with employers, this presentation will explore the challenges and goals that organizations face when recruiting new talent, particularly from universities and colleges.

By understanding the employer’s perspective, professionals supporting students’ career development will be better equipped to guide students in their job search and career preparation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into what employers prioritize, the hurdles they encounter, and how this knowledge can be used to enhance student-employer alignment, ultimately leading to more successful career outcomes for students.

Hide Description

Graham Donald

Founder & President, Brainstorm Strategy Group

Concurrent Workshops

Career Development for Career Developers

11:30am - 12:15pm EST

As career development professionals, we spend our days guiding others through the complexities of job search and navigating career paths. However, our own career growth often...

As career development professionals, we spend our days guiding others through the complexities of job search and navigating career paths. However, our own career growth often takes a back seat. In this presentation, learn how career development professionals can actively advance their own careers through deliberate strategies and actions.

We will explore 11 strategies for professional growth:

Setting and Reviewing Career Goals
Continuous Learning
Developing Technological Proficiency
Reflective Practice
Seeking Mentorship and Coaching
Personal Branding
Networking and Collaboration
Diversifying Experience
Pursuing Leadership Opportunities
Engaging in Research and Publishing
Engaging in Cross-Disciplinary Learning

This presentation will provide practical insights into these strategies, empowering career development professionals to invest in their own journey while continuing to support the aspirations of others.

Hide Description

Matt Purdey

Career Advisor, Work-Integrated Learning and Career Services, RRC Polytech

Concurrent Workshops

Competency Frameworks – Case Study on Implementation at Wilfrid Laurier University

12:30pm - 1:15pm EST

This session will discuss the concept of competency frameworks and their application in post-secondary career services. Learn about the development and implementation of the...

This session will discuss the concept of competency frameworks and their application in post-secondary career services. Learn about the development and implementation of the Laurier Competency Framework and how the framework is integrated across the Career Centre, Career-Integrated Learning, courses with a WIL/EL experience, co-curricular opportunities and Co-operative Education. In addition, information will be shared on how the Laurier Experience Record is a tool used by the Experiential Learning & Career Development team to assist students in articulating the transferrable skills and experience they are gaining throughout their post-secondary journey, while also providing rich data for institutional metrics and assessment.

Hide Description

Katherine St. Louis

Associate Director, Operations & Experiential Learning – Career Development Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University

Concurrent Workshops

Supporting Neurodivergent Students

12:30pm - 1:15pm EST

As staff in WIL, experiential learning, career development, and student services, our workday calendar is filled with student interactions including meetings, email...

As staff in WIL, experiential learning, career development, and student services, our workday calendar is filled with student interactions including meetings, email communications, advising appointments and small/large group workshops. Each student has unique needs and may require different adjustments and support throughout their journey.

This session will explore different ways of being and doing for our neurodivergent student population. We will explore UDL strategies that can help create accessible/inclusive systems and practices into your interactions with students. This session will be framed through a strengths-based approach, and you will leave with practical strategies that you can implement right away into your best practices toolbox.

Hide Description

Greta Heathcote

Associate Director, Work-Integrated Learning & Neurodiversity Initiative, Taylor Institute for Teaching & Learning, University of Calgary

Concurrent Workshops

Collaborative Programming: How Career Services Support Cross-Departmental Initiatives

1:30pm - 2:15pm EST

Framed around a recent collaborative project, Ontario Tech University’s Career Centre and External Relations department will highlight how they came together to streamline how...

Framed around a recent collaborative project, Ontario Tech University’s Career Centre and External Relations department will highlight how they came together to streamline how organizations access the university’s diverse resources and support their talent recruitment initiatives. This project demonstrates that we work better together to support our students rather than apart.

Hide Description

Shenelle Payne Cuffy

Manager, Career Centre, Ontario Tech University

J.J. Kemlo

Strategic Partnership Officer & Program Manager, Student Enrichment Program - Partnership Office, Ontario Tech University

Concurrent Workshops

Listening for Understanding When You Have Lots to Do

1:30pm - 2:15pm EST

We talk to people all day but how do we make sure we really hear them? In this session we'll talk about and try out active listening technique for improving verbal and non verbal...

We talk to people all day but how do we make sure we really hear them? In this session we'll talk about and try out active listening technique for improving verbal and non verbal communication, including staying present when you have a million things to do, changing hats depending on who you are talking to, prioritizing by nipping and pruning and making sure you look after yourself in difficult conversations.

Hide Description

Sheri Browne

Assistant Director, Career Development, Career Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga

Closing Plenary

Career Development Unplugged: Ask the Experts

2:30pm - 3:15pm EST

Join this interactive panel where professionals from co-op, WIL, EL, career services, and other campus departments answer your burning questions about supporting students’...

Join this interactive panel where professionals from co-op, WIL, EL, career services, and other campus departments answer your burning questions about supporting students’ career development. Whether you're curious about the career options available to students, strategies for fostering their success, or the latest tools and programs being used in career services, this is your chance to gain insights and practical advice from experts in the field. If you work with students as they navigate their future, this session is designed for you!

Hide Description

Stephanie Harper

Associate Director, Centre for Career Growth & Experience, Faculty of Engineering, McMaster University

Graham Donald

Founder & President, Brainstorm Strategy Group

Brenda Badgero

Career Education Manager, Career & Volunteer Services, Simon Fraser University

Dr. Jennifer Browne

Director, Student Life, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Roberta Braid

Career Educator, Career Services, Teaching, Learning and Student Experience, University of Saskatchewan

Melanie Richardson

Coordinator, Cooperative Education Career Services & Cooperative Education, Centennial College

Have something to share?

We’re now accepting proposals for sessions, panels, or case studies that offer useful tools, fresh insights, or creative campus collaborations.

Deadline: June 20, 2025

Submit A Session Proposal

More than a Virtual Conference

Virtual conferences offer the benefits of being more affordable and more accessible,
but the Forum offers even more than that.

For six months, all registrants will have access to:

A networking platform to connect with other participants

A discussion board for posting topics, engaging in conversations, and sharing

A resource centre for accessing materials and presentation recordings

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Who is this for?

If you interact with students who are trying to figure out their future, then this event is for you. Whether you want a better understanding of how career development works; what all the available options are for students; or what techniques, tools, or programs, schools are using to support students' successful transition into careers, then this will be a great place to start.

(Note: if you’re already an “expert” in the field or working at a manager level or higher, then much of this program may be a review/refresher for you. Everyone is welcome.)

Can we share one registration?

No. The Forum is priced, and the learning platform is designed, to make it accessible for everyone and for each participant to have their own profile. The discussion boards, networking, and chat functions are all dependent on each participant having their own registration.

If you choose to watch sessions as a group, please ensure that everyone in the room has registered to attend.

Why is it SO inexpensive?

Post-secondary institutions in Canada and the US are under some level of financial pressure right now and in many cases student support offices have been hit the worst. Brainstorm’s mission is to support the people who support student success. We hope this program will help you do that.

What happens after the event dates?

The Forum will take place in our interactive learning platform. While the actual sessions will be hosted in Zoom (because almost everyone is accustomed to Zoom), the learning platform will offer a means to network with all of the participants; a discussion board to continue the conversations and sharing; and, a resources section where we will post recordings of all the sessions and other materials.

All registrants will have access to the platform to continue the learning and collaboration for six months after the event dates!

What if I have to miss my favourite session?

All sessions – with the exception of some roundtable discussions – will be recorded and available for access in the learning platform for all registrants for six months after the event dates.

Interested only in 2 or 3 sessions?

The Forum is priced to ensure you get great value for your investment even if you attend only a few sessions. Plus, recordings will be available for six months so you can catch up on what you miss.

Registration Rates

Discounts are available for small, medium, large and very large groups!

If you'd like to hold these rates while you secure the budget needed to attend,
please email Julie Rahmer at julie@brainstorm.ca.