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Six reasons for attending the Career Thought Leaders’ Conference in Baltimore – a British perspective

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The countdown to the second Career Thought Leaders’ Conference (CTL) has started – within less than 48 hours I will be boarding a plane from Newcastle via London Heathrow to Baltimore. You might think that’s a lot of effort, a big expense and not really necessary, considering that there are UK based careers conferences I could attend instead. Admittedly, the first time I attended a US conference (CTL 2010), it did feel slightly extravagant (my accountant certainly thought so!). But it did not take me long to realise what a wonderful experience and wise investment it was.

Here are six reasons why I am returning to Baltimore for the second time:

  1. Relationship building: In a virtual world it is easy to forge relationships over distance. It still amazes me how well you get to know colleagues from across the world through social media or by participating in group training courses over the phone – especially if you get together week after week. But nothing beats meeting people face to face – there is just a different quality about it. During our CCMC and CJSS classes we all kept saying: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have a reunion in Baltimore? And now, at least some of us get the chance!
  2. Serving international clients: Many of our clients are highly mobile professionals. They are keen to seek out new opportunities, often outside their home countries.  They expect you to be knowledgeable about international career management practices. As an example: I just helped an Indian client who I met during a workshop in The Netherlands land a job in the US. I doubt I could have done this without my ongoing interest in international career management topics and an appreciation of how things work in other countries. What I learnt at CTL 2010 paid off very quickly.
  3. Staying ahead of the game: Our industry and practices are changing at such a fast pace. A lot of the new technologies and tools come from the US – whether it’s LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or specific online career management tools such as WinTheView, JibberJobber and others. What happens in the US now is likely to come to the UK and Continental Europe in a short while – all the more reason to check out what innovations you have in stock!
  4. Inspiration: The UK careers industry is going through the greatest shake up in recent history. After years of expansion, we suddenly see a sharp contraction, with thousands of careers advisors losing their (state) jobs, the outplacement industry under severe pressure to lower their fees or do more with less, and private clients hesitant to spend money. Here, the mood in the careers sector is very subdued. In contrast, the US careers industry looks mature yet vibrant, innovative and energetic (at least from a distance). The buzz at CTL alone will help me get back into the spirit of possibility, optimism and decisive action.
  5. Preparation: International conferences can be a bigger investment than attending regional or national ones (okay, this might be different in the US as travel distances are so vast even if you attend a national conference). But because I invest more, I also plan and prepare more. That can only be a good thing!
  6. Sense of adventure: I love going to conferences, wherever they are, but conferences abroad are extra special. The foreign location adds to the excitement and all the new impressions will be food for the soul for the next twelve months. My two “must see attractions” in Baltimore this year are: The American Visionary Art Museum and a return to the National Aquarium, both conveniently located on the Inner Harbour.

Ruth Winden


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