Career Forum 2025
Spring Edition
Online
April 11th
Dear Colleagues!
SCHOOL STUDENT GUIDANCE • MARKETING • FAMILY AND VALUES • GAMIFIED CAREER TOOLS • NARRATIVE CAREER COUNSELING • AI IN CAREER DEVELOPMENT • GLOBAL RESEARCH PERSPECTIVES • SOFT SKILLS • CROSS-CULTURAL STUDIES •
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 14 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-IoBM. Impactful Global Trainer / Speaker. Focal Point-UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education Network- Pakistan Chapter
  • Lili Kuznetsova (Сyprus)
    Global Talent Development Director
  • Francesca Scelsi (Italy)
    Co-founder of Azione IKIGAI and founder of Jobscouting.it. Professor at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
  • Marta Forai (Serbia)
    Expert in HRM and coaching, PCC. Member of Serbian Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapists
  • Tristram Hooley (UK)
    Professor at the University of Derby. Chief Editor at the National Institute for Career Education and Counselling
  • Ana Barrera Gutiérrez (Ecuador)
    Founder & CEO of Arentto of de Arentto, a talent incubator; Creator of the Vocational DNA Method; Founder of Build You Up Congress
  • Britt-Mari Sykes (Canada)
    Founder of Canvas Career Counselling. Sessional Lecturer at the University of Ottawa, PhD
  • Nadya Semenova (Spain)
    International Career Coach; Speaker at International IT Forums, Global Mobility & Relocation Curator
  • Becky Heidesch (USA)
    Founder of two online career centers and WSS Executive Search, Author of The Career Masterclass for Women and creator of the STEEP Qualifications® framework for navigating modern career development.
  • Marilyn Atkinson (Canada)
    A luminary in coaching and psychology, has shaped the landscape of Solution-Focused Coaching Psychology, NLP, and Meta Program Analysis.
  • Mihaela Stroe (Romania)
    Profiler & Performance Coach, PhD in Nonverbal Communication, Author of four books
  • Sujin Kim (Australia)
    Lecturer in James Cook University, PhD. Consulting 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 AM
About the School
Aigun Kurbanova (Poland), founder of Career Management School

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09:30 – 10:00 AM
Understanding & Assessing Hope in the Context of Career & Work
Raza Abbas (Pakistan), head of Shahjehan Syed Karim Incubation Centre-IoBM. Impactful Global Trainer / Speaker. Focal Point-UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education Network- Pakistan Chapter

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  • Understanding and assessing hope in the context of career and work.
  • What is hope? An introduction to the interdisciplinary M.A.S.S. model
  • Components and Expressions of Hope
  • Sample from the Hope Institute – Hopefulness Assessment Tool
10:00 – 10:30 AM
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 AM
Career Attitudes and Values – What is Important to Young Adults? Stories from Australian University Students

Sujin Kim (Australia), lecturer in James Cook University, PhD.  Consulting 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 AM
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 AM
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 AM –12:15 PM
Career counselling in organisation. "Listening, Guiding, Growing"
Lili Kuznetsova (Сyprus), global Talent Development Director

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01:15 – 01:45 PM
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
01:45 – 02:15 PM
Multi-Career Paths as a Way to Overcome Burnout or Navigate Career Stagnation
Nadya Semenova (Spain), International Career Coach; Speaker at International IT Forums, Global Mobility & Relocation Curator

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02:15 – 02:45 PM
Empowering Job Seekers Through AI: A Human-Centered, Ethical, and Future-Focused Approach
Marta Forai (Serbia), expert in HRM and coaching, PCC. Member of Serbian Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapists

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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
03:00 – 03:30 PM
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
  • Why Career Guidance Matters: helping young people make informed decisions about education and work in a fast-changing world.
  • Effective Program Models: the Gatsby Benchmarks and Theory of Change for structuring impactful school-based guidance.
  • Whole-School Engagement: the importance of leadership and involving all staff in supporting students’ career development.
  • Clear Roles and Collaboration: shared responsibility of leaders, teachers, and advisers in delivering career education across the curriculum
03:30 – 04:00 PM
The Power of First Impressions: How to Be Seen as Trustworthy and Credible in Any Job Interview
Mihaela Stroe (Romania), profiler & Performance Coach, PhD in Nonverbal Communication, Author of four books

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  • 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.
04:00 – 04:30 PM
Beyond Passion: Helping Students Make Smart Career Choices
Ana Barrera Gutiérrez (Ecuador), founder & CEO of Arentto of de Arentto, a talent incubator; Creator of the Vocational DNA Method; Founder of Build You Up Congress

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  • Helping students move beyond passion toward fulfilling, long-term career choices.
  • A structured approach: guiding students through three key questions – What do I want? What can I do? Who am I?
  • Supporting students in aligning their aspirations with their skills, personality, and realistic opportunities
04:30 – 04:45 PM
Young Leader Generation
Dr. Marilyn Atkinson, a luminary in coaching and psychology, has shaped the landscape of Solution-Focused Coaching Psychology, NLP, and Meta Program Analysis

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  • Defining young leaders
  • Challenges faced by young leaders
  • Career Coaching for young leaders: key features
04:45 – 05:15 PM
Mitigating Career Risks in a Rapidly Changing Marketplace and World
Becky Heidesch (USA), founder of two online career centers and WSS Executive Search, Author of The Career Masterclass for Women and creator of the STEEP Qualifications® framework for navigating modern career development.

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  • Understanding the modern career landscape – How rapid changes in technology, economy, and global trends are increasing career-related stress and uncertainty.
  • Recognizing career vulnerabilities – Exploring key risks such as job insecurity, industry disruption, and professional instability.
  • Mitigating risks both online and offline – Practical tools and strategies for safeguarding your career presence and adaptability in a digital world.
  • The “Think 3” career strategy – A proactive approach to maintaining flexibility and resilience in a changing market.
  • Using the STEEP Qualifications® model – How to stay in control of your career path by assessing and enhancing your skills, tools, education, experience, and personal qualities.
05:15 – 05:45 PM
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.
05:45 – 06:15 PM
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
  • 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"
  • Sujin Kim. A curated selection of original articles on career and vocational guidance.
  • Raza Abbas. A Chapter 26 from The Oxford Compendium of Hope: Hope in Emotion and Basic Needs
  • Britt-Mari Sykes. Reflecting on our Experiences of Work and Career: A Written Exercise
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS