Career Counseling for Teenagers and Adults
Career Forum
Online
April 11th
Dear Colleagues!
Career Counseling • Career Guidance • Soft Skill • Vocation • Career choice • Gaming Practice • Career 50+ • Artificial intelligence in career counseling • Trends in professions • Mature career guidance •
Best regards,
Aigiun Kurbanova
I hope this conference will bring you valuable insights, encourage you to reflect on your role, provide useful knowledge and new tools, and connect you with a warm, supportive community. Invite your colleagues—let's make the Career Forum the best event for career professionals worldwide!
  • We want to show that despite being in different parts of the world, we have much in common—we are united by our values, mission, and tools.
  • As the founder of a school dedicated to training career professionals, I feel a deep responsibility and see my mission as ensuring the professional growth of our community. This means sharing the most up-to-date information, the latest scientific research in career studies, new methodologies, and effective tools.
Why do we do this?
My name is Aigiun Kurbanova, and I am the founder of the Career Management School and the organizer of the Career Forum conferences. For the past three years, we have been hosting events for career professionals—career counselors, coaches, career guidance specialists, HR professionals, and researchers. Each time, we bring together the most outstanding, insightful, and unique speakers from around the globe.
What can you expect at the conference?
Presentations by leading experts of global renown on career counseling and vocational guidance.
Practical tools, case studies, and methodologies that have been tested in the field.
An international panel of speakers from over 15 countries.
Integrating theory and practice: presentations and studies on career topics, along with workshops and real-life cases from career consultants.
Complimentary online attendance at the conference – you will receive the latest insights on career management.
Speakers
  • Aygun Kurbanova (Poland)
    Founder of Career Management School
  • Rutuja Kulkarni (Japan)
    Founder of Beyond The Obvious and a clinical member of the International Mental Health Professionals Japan
  • Sophia Morgan (China)
    Principal at China Maple Leaf Educational Systems, member of the International Association for College Admission Counseling
  • Raza Abbas (Pakistan)
    Head of Shahjehan Syed Karim Incubation Centre. Focal point at the UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education Network. Editorial board member of the International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance
  • Andreea Szilagyi (Romania)
    Associate Professor at University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, Romania and ANTIOCH University New England, USA. Founder and Vice President of the Romanian Counselors Association
  • Francesca Scelsi (Italy)
    Co-founder of Azione IKIGAI and founder of Jobscouting.it. Professor at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
  • Veneta Uzunova (Bulgaria)
    PhD, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Humanities at Trakia University, Stara Zagora, specializing in Social-Emotional Learning and Career Counseling, Global Career Development Facilitator
  • Marta Forai (Serbia)
    Expert in HRM and coaching, PCC. Member of Psi Chi – The International Honor Society in Psychology
  • Tristram Hooley (UK)
    Professor at the University of Derby. Chief Editor at the National Institute for Career Education and Counselling
  • Krishnaveni Thamarai Selvan (Canada)
    Founder of Career Youniverse, Career Reinvention Specialist, certified Career Strategist & Analyst and a member of Career Professionals of Canada
  • Britt-Mari Sykes (Canada)
    Founder of Canvas Career Counselling. Sessional Lecturer at the University of Ottawa, PhD
  • Mihaela Stroe (Romania)
    Expert in Nonverbal Intelligence, PhD in Nonverbal Communication. Author of four books
  • Sujin Kim (Australia)
    Professor in James Cook University, PhD. Editor in Journal of Career Assessment, Сareer development researcher and educator
  • Marlo Lyons (USA)
    Globally Certified Coach, Award-Winning Author, Host of Work Unscripted Podcast, Organizational Effectiveness Strategist, Higher Ed Consultant
  • Pavel Kiselev (Russia)
    Architect of HR software, co-author of the Digital Human® methodology
Target Audience for the Forum
For those eyeing roles as career counselors, child or adult vocational counselors, or career coaches within the helping professions.
For support specialists eager to stay updated with the most recent studies in career and vocational guidance, and to discover new methodologies and tools.
For HR professionals and leaders interested in discovering new trends in career and vocational guidance.
Program Overview
DEAR FORUM PARTICIPANTS, PLEASE NOTE: THE TIMES LISTED ON THE WEBSITE ARE IN CENTRAL EUROPEAN SUMMER TIME (UTC+2). PLEASE CONSIDER THE TIME ZONE DIFFERENCE WHEN PLANNING
09:00-09:30
About the School
Aigun Kurbanova (Poland), founder of Career Management School

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09:30-10:00
Igniting & Cultivating Hope
Raza Abbas (Pakistan), head of Shahjehan Syed Karim Incubation Centre. Focal point at the UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education Network. Editorial board member of the International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance

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  • Let’s Build Hope: understanding the science behind hope
  • How we can develop an Internal Reservoir of Hope?
  • How to ignite the Hope Reservoir trough Self-Reflection Activity
  • How to determine Hope Scale Activity
  • Exploring of how Fostering Your Own Hope begins with Roots & Wings
10:00-10:30
Navigating Academic Pressure and Career Choices in Japan: The Role of Schools and Families
Rutuja Kulkarni (Japan), founder of Beyond The Obvious and a clinical member of the International Mental Health Professionals Japan

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  • The pressure students face in Japan: academic stress, career choices, and how schools & families can help
  • Importance of education and exams in Japan
  • How stress, competition, and expectations affect students’ mental health
  • Why career decisions feel overwhelming for students
  • The influence of tradition and family expectations on career paths
  • The emotional and psychological challenges students go throug
  • Career counseling guidance mental health support in schools
  • Support of parents, supportive environment
  • Ways to reduce stress while planning for the future
  • Encouraging self-exploration and flexible career paths
  • Why mental health awareness is important in schools and families
10:30-11:00
Career Attitudes and Values – What is Important to Young Adults? Stories from Australian University Students

Sujin Kim (Australia), professor in James Cook University, PhD. Editor in Journal of Career Assessment, Сareer development researcher and educator

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  • How career values shape career paths and influence career trajectories.
  • Shifting priorities in young adults – how much do they really differ from traditional values?
  • Key insights & takeaways from interviews with 24 Australian university students.
  • Freedom, autonomy, self-fit, and other core values identified.
  • How to transform these findings into valuable insights for HR professionals and career practitioners.
11:00-11:15
Advancing Holland’s Career Choice Theory for a Post-Industrial Economy
Pavel Kiselev (Russia), Architect of HR software, co-author of the Digital Human® methodology

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11:15-11:45
Specifics of Career Guidance for Teenagers in China
Sophia Morgan (China), principal at China Maple Leaf Educational Systems, member of the International Association for College Admission Counseling

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  • An interactive and engaging presentation on career guidance for teenagers in China
  • The impact of academic pressure, parental expectations, and limited career exposure on decision-making
  • Comparison of China’s approach with global practices
  • Learning from each other: structured career counseling, real-world learning opportunities
  • Practical strategies for students, parents, and educators
  • Supporting informed and flexible career choices
11:45 – 12:15
The Dynamic Interplay: Singularity and Career Development in the Quest for Meaning and Purpose
Andreea Szilagyi (Romania), Associate Professor at University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, Romania and ANTIOCH University New England, USA. Founder and Vice President of the Romanian Counselors Association
  • Singularity, as a catalyst for change: exploring how the potential surpass of human intelligence could redefine the world of work.
  • Navigating uncertainty and rediscovering of meaning: the human element in a tech-driven age.
  • Empowering counselors: navigating with clients through transition and transformation.
13:15 – 13:45
The C.R.E.E.A. Model - a Unique Approach to Career Guidance
Francesca Scelsi (Italy), co-founder of Azione IKIGAI and founder of Jobscouting.it. Professor at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

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  • How visualizing the future, rethinking limiting beliefs, and expanding career possibilities can profoundly transform a professional path
  • The C.R.E.E.A.® method and the IKIGAI model – how they emphasize the importance of focusing on desires rather than fears
  • How to structure change into clear, concrete steps and make career transitions more achievable
  • Aligning personal aspirations with market opportunities as a way to sustain motivation, authenticity, and professional growth
  • How to maintain competitiveness in a job market increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence using these methods
13:45 – 14:15
Beyond Technical Skills: Developing Self-Awareness and Career Thinking
Veneta Uzunova (Bulgaria), PhD, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Humanities at Trakia University, Stara Zagora, specializing in Social-Emotional Learning and Career Counseling, Global Career Development Facilitator

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  • The success of young people in VET today is not solely defined by technical skills but by their ability to develop self-awareness, understand their values, and navigate their careers with confidence and vision
  • How the workshop guided students on a journey of self-discovery, helping them recognize opportunities and learn how to maximize them
  • Self-awareness as a key strength—transforming knowledge into wisdom, ambition into achievements, and dreams into reality
  • Observing growth in essential soft skills, the ability to overcome challenges, and the realization that a career is a purposeful and dynamic journey rather than just choosing a profession
  • The role of mentors and consultants in inspiring, supporting, and guiding students—helping them unlock and harness the most valuable tool for success: their own minds and hearts
  • Presentation of the programme, methods, process, challenges, turning points, and feedback, along with visual documentation
14:15 – 14:45
Empowering Job Seekers Through AI: A Human-Centered, Ethical, and Future-Focused Approach
Marta Forai (Serbia), expert in HRM and coaching, PCC. Member of Psi Chi – The International Honor Society in Psychology

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  • How career counselors can strategically leverage AI-driven tools to enhance key aspects of the job search—optimizing ATS-friendly resumes, refining LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for interviews while preserving each client’s unique voice
  • Emotional and ethical dimensions of AI adoption—how to navigate common fears while maintaining transparency and authenticity
  • Ways to stay current with emerging AI trends and guide clients toward future-proof career strategies
15:00 – 15:30
Leading Good Careers Programmes in Schools'
Tristram Hooley (UK), professor at the University of Derby. Chief Editor at the National Institute for Career Education and Counselling
15:30 – 16:00
The Power of First Impressions: How to Be Seen as Trustworthy and Credible in Any Job Interview
Mihaela Stroe (Romania), expert in Nonverbal Intelligence, PhD in Nonverbal Communication. Author of four books
  • The science behind credibility and trust – key nonverbal cues that shape an interviewer’s perception.
  • Assessing trustworthiness – practical insights for both candidates and interviewers.
  • The role of professional appearance, body language, and impression management – how they enhance or undermine credibility.
  • Confidence and authenticity – strategies from PhD research to help candidates leave a lasting positive impression.
  • Standing out in a competitive job market – mastering nonverbal elements to increase job interview success.
16:00 – 16:30
Topic and speaker for approval
16:45 – 17:15
Your Career is a Story: Rewrite, Reframe and Reinvent with Narrative Counseling
Krishnaveni Thamarai Selvan (Canada), founder of Career Youniverse, Career Reinvention Specialist, certified Career Strategist & Analyst and a member of Career Professionals of Canada

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17:15 – 17:45
Working with Clients from an Experiential and Existential Perspective
Britt-Mari Sykes (Canada), founder of Canvas Career Counselling. Sessional Lecturer at the University of Ottawa, PhD

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  • Explanation of why the way we perceive work, the meaning we attach to career, and access to opportunities are deeply existential aspects of life.
  • How work provides a space to develop skills, contribute to communities, and sustain life.
  • How addressing career challenges through a contextual and experiential approach enables a deeper and more holistic perspective.
  • Exploring clients’ expectations and aspirations to help integrate their personal definitions of stability and success.
  • Understanding the fulfillment derived from work and strategies for navigating inevitable career transitions, disengagement, and burnout.
17:45 – 18:15
How to Help a Client Land Their First Job
Marlo Lyons (USA), Globally Certified Coach, Award-Winning Author, Host of Work Unscripted Podcast, Organizational Effectiveness Strategist, Higher Ed Consultant

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  • Beyond resumes and interviews — helping clients discover their «why» and build a standout personal brand.
  • Targeted job search strategies — how to approach job hunting with focus and efficiency.
  • The power of networking — leveraging connections to uncover hidden opportunities.
  • Effective interview preparation — equipping clients with confidence and the right mindset.
  • Long-term career success — turning the first job into a stepping stone for a fulfilling, purpose-driven future.
Participation Options
100 EUR
«STANDARD»
Live viewing of speaker presentations on April 11
300 EUR
  • Recordings of the presentations
  • Speakers' presentations
  • Additional materials
  • Participation certificate
Discount available until April 11
0 EUR
«FREE»
Live viewing of speaker presentations on April 11
  • Additional materials
  • Participation certificate
  • Recordings of the presentations
  • Speakers' presentations
Discount available until April 11
  • Sophia Morgan. Workbook "The Specifics of Career Guidance for Teenagers in China"
  • Mihaela Stroe. A chapter from the book "Put Yourself First in Your Life!" with the title BUILD YOUR MINDSET FOR SUCCESS
  • Sophia Morgan. Guide "Career and College Blueprint: A Three-Year Advising Curriculum for High School Students" and 30% discount on the workbook "The High Schooler's Guide to College and Career Planning"
For «FREE» and «STANDARD»
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS