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At the Conference: Day 3

Time at conferences goes fast and the final day of the 2016 NAWDP Annual Conference was not any different. I began day three in presenter mode, rather than attendee mode. My session called "Follow the Yellow Brick Road: Career Paths in Workforce Development" was well attended, despite its placement on the last day. Attendees learned about positions in workforce development, the skills, education, and experience necessary to obtain each position. Additionally, attendees learned ways to use the research in organizational and individual development.
 
The next highlight was the luncheon. The last day of the conference always has a NAWDP business meeting with the lunch. My boss, a member of the NAWDP executive committee, was celebrating her birthday and I was able to interrupt her very important message about membership with a group birthday song.  It was also announced at this luncheon that the 2017 annual conference would be in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The unexpected wishes were a light hearted and fun turn to the usual business meeting agenda.
 
In the last breakout session, I attended a session about certifications. This certification discussed not only some organizations that have certifications applicable to workforce development, but how professionals can determine which certification is the right choice for them. There are so many options available and having guidance is key. Professional certification is not only a professional choice, but a personal choice.
 
Finally, the closing key note speaker was amazing. Eric Rowles entertained and allowed the crowd to move and network with one another, but he also reminded the crowd about their important career choice. The speaker was previously a youth customer of the workforce development system. He explained how one workforce professional took an interest in him and changed his life's perspective from the destructive path he was on.  It was a great way to end an amazing three days at the conference.  ~Karen Cirincione

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