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Career Paths in Workforce Development

I did not know as a young child I wanted to be a workforce development professional when I grew up. Not only did I not know, I did not even have an idea what workforce development was. Like most people, I ended up in workforce development by accident. I was working for a local social service agency performing enrollment and parent involvement for the child care center. Many of the parents that were enrolling their children were required to participate in employment services because they were receiving TANF assistance. After learning more about this job, I obtained my first position in workforce development, performing case management for job seekers enrolled in TANF and WIA employment services. As a new workforce development processional, I knew I wanted more. I knew I wanted to learn and grow in the industry, but I had no idea how to get to the next step or if there was a next step.
 
Fast forward a few years and a few jobs in the industry. I found a path through the woods on my own. There was not a guide to tell me what was next. As a result, my research was born. I was honored to be chosen for the first New and Emerging Professional cadre of National Association of Workforce Development Professionals. For the program, I completed research and determined what the career paths in workforce development are and how a workforce development professional can navigate them.
 
I will be presenting this research at the 2016 NAWDP Annual Conference in Orlando, FL on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 9:00am in the Lake Eola room. Stop by and learn more about the career paths and how individuals and organizations can use this information for growth.
 
I will also be blogging each day of the conference. Stay tuned to KCSpeaks to follow my journey through out the conference with conference highlights in my three part special edition called “At the Conference.”  You can also follow me on Twitter and Periscope @kcirincione.
 
I would love to meet my readers. If you see me, come and say “hi.” I love to hear from people in the industry and to find out what is most important to you. See you in Orlando! ~ Karen Cirincione

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