The title “Career Development Facilitator” (CDF) is far from mainstream; most people working in the career development field are using the term “Career Coach.”
At this point in time, it appears that these two credentials are being used interchangeably.
To be honest, even I get confused attempting to unravel this “credential” battle.
Making things even more complicated is the fact that there seems to be little to no standardization about what any of these “career people” will do for their clients.
While I could sit here comparing and paraphrasing various certification websites and their unique spin on what a career coach/facilitator is supposed to do, I’d rather just move on to my definition of what I do as a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), yet another breed of “career people” floating around (notice the “G” attached to my “CDF?”).
In the end it’s just semantics anyway, right? If you’re interested in reading the details of the specific program I went through, you can check out this link for the National Career Development Association (NCDA).
After a simple Google search on “Career Coach’s” and “Career Facilitators,” it quickly becomes clear that people in this field seem to fall into one of two categories: the traditionalist that wants to jam resume tips and job search websites down your throat, or the spiritual-guru-wannabes imploring you to follow them on a journey towards your true destiny.
Being blunt here: I am none of the above, nor do I believe that either of those methods is effective in bringing about any type of long-term career fulfillment.
A GCDF (that is what I will call it, since that is the specific credential I earned – even though it permits me to use the title “Career Coach”), in my opinion, is supposed to do just that – facilitate career development. According to Merriam Webster, that means that I am supposed to “make easier” or “help bring about” career development.
To me, that goes beyond buzzwords in a fancy cover letter and knowledge about the latest job search websites; it’s about long-term personal growth and fulfillment throughout the career process.
Interestingly enough, Merriam Webster is clear about what a “coach” does: “one who instructs or trains.”
Perhaps this is why most of the spiritual-guru-wannabes are throwing up their “coaching” shingle. As a facilitator, I “make easier” or “help bring about” – I do not “instruct or train” you to do anything – I give you the tools to “instruct or train” yourself. But again: semantics for which I’m sure could be successfully argued on either front.
I come from a diverse background rooted in Eastern and Western philosophies. I do believe in life purpose, and I do believe in uncovering your true path. But I do not claim to be able to lead you anywhere; all I can do is “facilitate” your process by using the methods and techniques that I have developed based on years of experience working with clients.
As a GCDF, I help you look at your internal world to uncover the blockages that are preventing you from manifesting the life of your dreams in the external world. I “facilitate” this process by providing support, feedback, guidance, and a gentle push in the right direction.
