Victoria Edwards

Background

About Victoria Edwards

WHY CAREER DEVELOPMENT? Employment is about more than just money. Careers are a vital piece of each person's health. Meaningful work increases confidence, builds skills and strengths, and provides community. I've witnessed the positive changes employment, and better understanding your career, makes to one's social, mental, and physical health. Even if someone doesn't have a job, feeling empowered and having a sense of direction in their career makes a huge difference in someone's long-term prospects and labour market attachment. WHAT MAKES MY APPROACH UNIQUE? I use counselling techniques, career development theories, and business strategies to help my clients reach their goals. I give clients time and space to create a vision for the future they want, and once that vision is in place I support them to reach their goals by breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps. Counselling Techniques: I listen to my client's stories. By actively listening, using counselling microskills and the Basic Listening Sequence, I help my clients feel heard, respected, and valued. I create a non-judgemental environment with my clients and highly value their trust. I also build trust by being accessible and responsive to my clients emails and phone calls. I always prioritize my client's needs. Career Development Theories: Having a strong background in the theoretical knowledge around career development enables me to better understand my client's stories, and draw upon various tools to navigate the different factors that impact people's careers (socio-economic, cultural, psychological, etc.). Business Strategies: I help my clients see their career as a personal "business," equipped with their very-own mission, vision, values statements and marketing plans! I help my clients shift their focus during the job search from "what I need" to "what the BUSINESS needs," making them more interesting for prospective employers. I use my love of marketing to help my clients create their own personal brand. I am skilled in: Resume & Cover Letter Writing Interview Preparation Personal Branding Workshop Facilitation Job Coaching Job Development Diversity & Cross-Cultural Competence Client Assessment Documentation and Administration Social Media Marketing Program Development Currently I have the honour of supporting the In Motion & Momentum+(IM & M+) program on a national level through the Canadian Career Development Foundation. IM & M+ is a program that focuses on empowering individuals using strength-based and person-centred approaches.