Let’s Thrive Together!

If there is one thing I have learned about this profession, it is this:  We never sit still.  

Fundamentals Director John Suarez has been sharing his thoughts about the evolution of your profession in his recent Insights meetings. The job market changes. Technology changes. Client expectations change. And just when we think we have figured something out, somebody invents a new acronym!

Which is exactly why I am so excited about what is happening at PARWCC – and especially about our upcoming Thrive! 2026 Virtual Conference. 

Thrive: Because it’s important we rise and THRIVE!

Thrive isn’t intended to be another conference where you sit in front of your computer, listen to a speaker for an hour, download a handout and then promptly forget where you saved it.

We’ve all done that. 

Instead, even though Thrive is virtual, we want this to be an opportunity to learn, connect, hopefully enjoy some laughs, and leave with something useful, no matter what YOUR practice looks like. 

But there’s another reason I’m excited about Thrive. Our people.  

One of the best things about PARWCC has always been the people who make up this organization. We have an incredible range of experience, specialties, backgrounds and perspectives represented in our membership.

And sometimes the person who can help you solve a problem isn’t the person standing at the front of the virtual room.

It’s the person sitting in the virtual room with you.

That’s the magic of an association. There’s still time to register!

And Thrive Is Only the Beginning

We have a lot happening at PARWCC beyond Thrive.

Our programming continues to evolve around the three areas at the heart of our new Institute model: Interviewing, Coaching, and Writing.

We’re also expanding opportunities to explore digital career strategy, coaching, interviewing, technology, business development and the many other issues affecting career professionals today.

We’re looking at what our members need now – and maybe even tomorrow – not what they needed five years ago.

Because let’s be honest: five years ago, none of us had quite the same conversations about AI that we’re having today!

It isn’t the time to wring our hands and proclaim the sky is falling. It’s time to do what you’ve always done – learn about the trends, determine what your practice needs, and magnify your value as a human with expertise, skill and importantly . . . judgement. 

Are You Getting Everything Out of Your Membership?

This is where I am going to put on my Executive Director hat for just a minute. I’m a consumer too! My Mom was raised during the Depression and I had a lot of lessons about “value” as I was growing up and some of those I bring with me to PARWCC.  

Are you using your PARWCC membership resources?

Because you have access to a lot more than a credential and a nice logo!

Go check the calendar and see if you want to register for upcoming live events. Live events don’t work for you? Check the Video Library.

IMPORTANTLY – have you updated your member profile? Your profile can be an important way for potential clients to learn more about you and your business. Job seekers want to affirm a real person is the right person to work with as they navigate a complicated job search. Make it easier for them to find you!

Have you attended an Insights meeting?

Have you connected with another member?

Have you taken advantage of one of our educational programs?

And, most importantly, have you registered for Thrive?

If the answer to some of those questions is, “Um…no?”

I get it. You’re busy – no one in this industry isn’t hustling to help clients and improve your practice. But it’s worth it to go poke around parwcc.com. Your membership is an investment. I want you to use it.

We Are Better Together  (I didn’t say this first, but I do say it a lot!)

Running a career services business can be wonderfully rewarding.

It can also be isolating.

Many of us work independently – even if you are part of a team. And sometimes we need someone who understands exactly what we’re talking about when we say, “My client wants to put 47 skills on the first page of the résumé.”  

That’s where community matters.

PARWCC gives you a place to find people who understand the work—not just the résumé, not just the coaching, not just the interview, but the profession that is behind it all. That is what I want PARWCC to continue to be: a place where you can learn something new, find your people, get a little inspiration, and occasionally say, “Oh good. It’s not just me!”

Join us for the conference. Take a look at the programming coming up. Explore the resources that are already part of your membership.

And if you haven’t been taking full advantage of PARWCC, there’s no better time to start.

And I promise—we’re not going to make you memorize another acronym.

At least not this month.

See you at Thrive!

Margaret
Executive Director
PARWCC