Become a qualified Career Practitioner
with a Graduate Certificate of Career Development
Email me the brochure
Course Overview


Location
Fully Online


Duration
8 months part-time
Complete one subject
every 8 weeks


Next Intake
2022: January,
March, May, July,
August and October


Fees
Course Versions
Did you know that we have developed three versions of the Graduate Certificate of Career Development? We currently offer a General Program (current page), a version specifically adapted for Secondary Educators, and a Tailored Workforce Development version. Follow the relevant links below to find out more.
Do you currently
work in Secondary
Education?
Do you want to develop your
workforce to become qualified
Career Practitioners?
needs of your organisation?
Academic Excellence and Industry Relevance
Through an innovative partnership between James Cook University and Career Ahead, the Graduate Certificate of Career Development curriculum was fully redesigned in 2020, integrating leading academic theory with elements of industry best practice.
This Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) endorsed course contains four subjects, completed one at a time, to optimise learning immersion. These subjects explore career development theories, provide the opportunity for applied professional practice and regularly include workshops with subject matter and industry experts.
The learning experience is designed so that students engage in interactive and evidence based activities, to enhance their knowledge, skills and professional practice capabilities.


Course Highlights
Subjects
Career Development
Theories and Tools
A critical pillar of career development professional practice is foundational knowledge in career counselling theory. Building on leading theoretical frameworks, students work with a range of career development tools, including psychometric instruments, career choice diagnostics and skills inventories.
Career Development
Professional Practice
Aligned to the understanding and application of the CICA Professional Standards, this subject builds students’ capability to work as a professional Career Practitioner. This subject includes an online intensive workshop where students translate learnings into practical experiences, applying the knowledge and skills acquired to ‘real-plays’ and complex career development case studies.
The Labour Market and
the Future of Work
Given rapid changes in the world of work, students build their knowledge of current and future workplace trends. The focus is on the development of substantial expertise in accessing, analysing and applying labour market data, allowing students to generate critical career management insights to apply in their practice.
Career
Counselling
A ‘hands-on’ subject, providing students with the opportunity to develop counselling micro skills through applied learning activities. This subject involves translating learnings into practical experiences, ensuring that students are ready to apply counselling models to a range of career development scenarios.
We’d love to hear from you
How are we different?


Partnership
The partnership between James Cook University and Career Ahead offers future career practitioners a contemporary, academically rigorous and applied learning experience.
The course combines the academic excellence of JCU, with the ‘real world’ experience of Career Ahead. Graduates benefit from this partnership beyond graduation, with ongoing access to resources and support from the highly qualified JCU and Career Ahead teams.


Learning
We understand that attending lectures and completing study tasks can be challenging with busy lives. To create flexibility for students, this course is delivered fully online.
The learning experience offers engaging and practical weekly tutorials, self-paced learning activities, informative industry seminars and intensive skill development workshops. We want our students to be present, engaged and importantly ‘work ready’ at the end of the program.


Curriculum
Our course produces highly skilled, work ready practitioners, who can ‘hit the ground running’; capable of supporting clients in the achievement of their career goals. The practical learning approach equips students with the skills and knowledge required for contemporary professional practice.
Students graduate with highly developed capabilities, expert knowledge and a portfolio of resources, enabling them to succeed in a range of work environments.
Unique Course Delivery Mode
Student Testimonials
CICA Endorsed
JCU has received endorsement from the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) for the Graduate Certificate of Career Development. This means the curriculum aligns to the professional, ethical and educational standards of the peak professional body. Graduates are eligible for professional membership of a CICA Member Association and have the ability to use the title of Career Practitioner.
Career Opportunities
JCU Career Development Graduates are highly sought after for rewarding positions including:







Private career guidance and coaching







Education based career development roles







Outplacement or career transition consulting







Wellbeing or career advisory roles in professional sport







Career guidance in disability or employment services







Career counselling for community or government programs
Students may also go on to study the Master of Guidance and Counselling. Receive a two subject credit for this course when you complete your Graduate Certificate of Career Development.
When can I start?
We teach one of the Graduate Certificate’s four subjects every 8 weeks, meaning that you have six opportunities each year to get started.
Study Period | Subject Code | Start Date | Subject |
---|---|---|---|
81 | ED5910 | 10th January 2022 | Career Counselling |
82 | ED5907 | 7th March 2022 | Career Development Tools and Theories |
83 | ED5908 | 2nd May 20222 | Career Development Professional Practice |
84 | ED5909 | 4th July 2022 | The Labour Market and the Future of Work |
85 | ED5910 | 29th August 2022 | Career Counselling |
86 | ED5907 | 24th October 2022 | Career Development Tools and Theories |
Email me the brochure
Course Fees
Fees are based on 2021 figures and are subject to change. Plus Student Services and Amenities fee.
How can I apply?
Additional information, including application criteria and fees can also be found on the JCU website.