E-portfolio of a Career Developmet Practioner

1. Kim
Bolger
E-Portfolio
of a
Career Development
Practitioner

2. Table of Contents
 Slide 3-5……………………………………………………………………
Who I Am
 Slide 6……………………………………..…………………………….. Calling Card
 Slide 7-14……………………………………………………………………. Résumé
 Slide 15…………………………...……………………………
Diploma Social Service
 Slide 16…………………………………………………………Diploma High School
 Slide 17…………………………………………Article
“Supporting Our Changing
Community”
 Slide 18…………………………………………………………...….Ramadan Photos
 Slide 19-25………………………….…………………………...
Student Achievement
 Slide 26………………………………...…………………………
Character Reference
 Slide 27-31……………………………….……………………..….Recommendations
 Slide 32-38..…………………………………………………….
Fundraising Initiatives
 Slide 39…………………………………..…………………………Closing Statement
 Slide 40………………………………………………………
Thank you, Statement of

3. Who I Am
I am currently engaged in my third and final semester of the Career Development Practitioner
Program offered through Conestoga College. The skills that I have developed through my studies thus
far in my current program in addition to my Social Services Program education at Conestoga College
coupled with my work experience in Community Development have indeed contributed to my strong
interest in this area of employment.
My research into the field of Career Development has revealed that Conestoga College is
renowned for its Career Development Practitioner Program. In fact I have discovered that most local
employers in Cambridge and Kitchener list this program as a requirement for a position as Career
Counsellor within their agency. I believe this, complemented with my diploma in Social Services can
make me a valuable asset to your agency.
As highlighted in my resume, the work experience that I have obtained in the career
development and the social service sector has provided me an opportunity to gain a genuine
understanding of people whom are struggling with employment as well as other social factors in their
lives. One aspect of my job as a Family Outreach Co-ordinator was to assist individuals in achieving
goals set in areas such as obtaining employment or furthering their education. I found this facet of my
job very rewarding and it most certainly produced successful outcomes for entire families. An
additional, part of my role as Family Outreach Co-ordinator was maintaining statistics and monthly
reporting to the Region of Waterloo National Child Tax Benefit Program. I also kept confidential case
files on all family outreach clients.
During my employment history I worked with a diverse population of people and gained an
understanding of many different cultures. I understand the impact cultural differences has in
relationships with others as well as how culture plays a role in your delivery of service to individuals.
My work at Southwood Community Centre, in Cambridge allowed me the opportunity to
develop outstanding relationships with many co-workers, funders, community partners and
community members. As a result I have obtained a depth of knowledge in the dynamics of
relationships, more specifically the “working relationship” with a client. I have a broad understanding
of the importance of boundaries when working with clients. I have a growing understanding of my
personal values and morals as an individual and as professional.

4. I have also developed a considerable comprehension of the correlations between funders and
agencies. I have independently developed funding proposals to obtain funding dollars for
programming. I have learned to chart and map statistics and outcomes in easy to understand formats
in order to secure continued funding dollars.
My volunteer work with Families and Schools Together assisted me in developing a clear
understanding of the family unit and how extremely important the mental health and emotional well
being of a parent is. I recognize that these factors have a direct impact on the family as a whole.
Financial strain in a family, or even an individual, has a profound impact on an individual’s mental
and emotional constituent. To be able to effectively assist individuals in achieving career goals would
indeed be a rewarding experience for me. The number one question people ask upon meeting an
individual, after your name is “What do you do”. We are a society who places a lot of value on how we
earn our living. To be able to assist an individual to be able to say with pride “I am a …..” would be
an exceptionally rewarding component of my work.
I also have experience in planning, implementing and evaluating group work as well as
fundraising committee work. I am certain that these skills will be vital during workshop facilitation,
staff team meetings, committee work and overall working relationships with supervisors and all staff
members.
My employment with Southwood Community Centre proved to be a wonderful learning
opportunity for myself. The “team”, at Southwood as well as its funders and community partners
pulled together to ensure that the community centre serviced its high needs community members.
After 5 years with the centre it was concluded that it was time for me to re-evaluate my career. I
determined that the best way for me to do so was to enhance and develop further, my innate skills as a
people person. Through a variety of assessments such as Careers Occupational Preference System,
research on careercruising.com and JobFuture.ca, and with the help of a career counsellor I have
determined that the field of career counselling is indeed where I belong.

5. Most recently my practicum with Cambridge Career Counselling Services Inc. has provided
me with an opportunity to utilize a wide variety of skills in many forms of application.
My hope is to one day work in a college setting and assist people of all walks of life in
choosing a career that will provide them a lifetime of success and happiness. Additionally if one day,
they decide that it is a time for change; I will be able to share with them that I too have made changes
in my career (s) throughout my life, and that change can sometimes seem scary and daunting but,
with change can come happiness and fulfilment.
My employment history has not only contributed to my strong interpersonal skills and
indispensable multitasking skills, but it has also helped shape me into the individual that I am today.
I am a person who believes that all people have value. I believe strongly that…
“all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Please feel free to contact me at any time at kimabolger@hotmail.com
Sincerely,
Kim Bolger
Kimberly A. Bolger

6. Self Marketing Card
REVERSE

7. Kim Bolger
kimabolger@hotmail.com
810 Clyde Road
Cambridge, ON N1R 5S7
519-267-3090
OBJECTIVE: To secure a position in the Career Services sector as a dynamic
Career Development Practitioner
SUMMARY
 Vast skills in the area of active engagement
 Dedicated employee that displays a non-judgemental attitude
 Possess excellent organizational, communication and problem solving skills
 Flexible individual who is capable of reassessing priorities and planning
 Receptive to cultural differences in which I demonstrate outstanding
understanding and knowledgeable skills
 Acquiring skills in completing multiple tasks under both collaborative and
individual approach
 Creative and resourceful individual
 I believe a strengths based approach with individuals is the most effective
 Currently in my second semester of Conestoga’s CDP program learning the
additional essential skills of my profession

8. WORK EXPERIENCE
Cambridge Career Counselling Services Inc, Cambridge, ON March –June 2009
Assessment Coordinator
 Facilitate groups of up to 20 individuals
 Walk clients through the Career Occupational Preference System; CAPS
 Provided essential service in assisting individuals in determining educational and career goals
 Participate in active listening in regards to clients anxieties, question and or concerns
 Ensure follow up appointments have been scheduled
 Evaluate each assessment determining client skills, values and interests
 Provide counsellors with clear concise documentation outlining clients skills, values and interests
 Designed statistical document to track assessments to assist co-workers

9. Practicum ~ Cambridge Career Counselling Services Inc.
Support Staff Position Group Work
 Administrative Assistant  “Fast Track” (Ministry of Training Colleges and
 Operating multiple line phone system; redirecting Universities) funding applicants
calls, message taking  Reviewed referrals P.I.F’s (personal information
 Collection and protection of personal information forms) screening for group readiness.
 Scheduling referred client appointments  Schedule clients into groups
 Scheduling follow up appointments  Audited groups and created notes/process for
 Scheduling assessment appointments future facilitators.
 Group planning including administrative tasks
 Photocopying
 Prepare MTCU templates
 Faxing
 Prepare client worksheets for meeting funding
requirements
One on One  Involved in the steps in preparing a MTCU
 Job shadowed six Career Counsellors application
 Review P.I.F’s (personal information forms)  Follow up meetings with client and facilitator in a
referral documents to gain an understanding of group setting
the clients needs etc.
 Discuss potential barriers and areas of concern Contribution to The Agency
with counsellors
 Created electronic & hard copy resource binder
 Attended initial client interviews for new Career Counsellors
 Debrief with counsellor regarding meeting  Sources of vital LMI information
outcomes and next steps
 Community College & Private Career College
 Developed case notes contact information
 Participated in budget review of the Ministry of  Outline of requirements for funding
Training Colleges and
 Samples and procedures for counsellors assisting
 Universities (MTCU) application clients moving through the decision making
process and developing a career plan.

10. Southwood Community Centre, Cambridge, ON 2003-2007
Family Outreach Co-ordinator
 Developed working helping relationships with vulnerable families, community organizations and
systems to reduce the barriers to services
 Provided direct assistance to low income families through the Community Outreach Basic
Need Fund (NCB)
 Linked families and children to appropriate resources, services and supports within their
community both formal and informal
 Provided support in the contexts of referral making, problem solving, advocacy and exploring
options for families in need of assistance from outside agencies
 Provided bridging and follow-up services for families as they connected with mainstream services in
order to support the individual and facilitate family capacity building
 Developed a depth of knowledge of community resources and an understanding of how they
work in particular Ontario Works, Ontario Disability and Support Services, community housing &
shelter services, food assistance programs and recreational agencies

11. Southwood Community Centre, Cambridge, ON 2003-2007
Program Coordinator
 Responsible for securing funds, developing, implementing
and evaluating all programming
 Administered all phases of volunteer management
 Responsible for hiring, supervising and evaluating staff
 Responsible for reporting to the Region of Waterloo and the agencies Board
of Directors
 Worked closely with Community Members in developing healthy working
relationships that promoted growth within the community
 Qualified in neighbourhood conflict / crisis resolution

12. EDUCATION
Career Development Practitioner, Conestoga College,
Kitchener, ON 2008- 2009
 Excelling in programs focusing on areas such as: Interviewing, Mentoring, and
coaching, Trends and Issues in The New Work Dynamic, Career Counselling and
Development, Career Consulting Techniques, Group Training and Facilitation, Career
Development with Special Needs Groups and the CDP course Practicum Seminar
Social Services Diploma, Conestoga College,
Kitchener, ON 2001-2003
 Excelled in programs focusing on areas such as: community organization, group
process and dynamics, group populations and programming, techniques of
interviewing and assessment, social service/client and family systems
 Participated in two years of field work in community based organizations

13. VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Southwood Community Centre, Cambridge, ON
 Organized and facilitated special events
 Facilitated various groups for adults, children and youth
 Provided administrative support
 Fostered relationship with local school through the Families and Schools
Together Program A group intervention designed to build protective factors for children and
empower parents to be the primary prevention agents
 Selected as an outstanding volunteer by the City of Cambridge ~ MPP
St. Joseph Catholic School, Cambridge, ON
 Worked one on one with students to improve literacy skills
 Offered one on one and group support, tutoring students in math & computer
skills
 Provide one on one and group support, to students developing appropriate social
skills
 Supported delivery of Anti Bully Program & Mediation Training Program

14. ADDITIONAL SKILLS
 Experience with various computer software programs
 Diverse population experience
 Proven to excel in all positions
 Exceptional multitasking skills
 Developed excellent working relationships with faculty and clients
Thank you,
Kim Bolger
Please feel free to view my Linked-in Profile at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kimbolger
References Available Upon Request

17. “Supporting Our Changing Community” an Article from The Cambridge
& North Dumfries Community Foundation 2004 Annual Report
Imagine moving into a community where your culture was
mostly misunderstood. No one seems to care or know why you The second phase of this project was to actually host a
wear different clothes, eat different foods and certainly, your Ramadan celebration. Robbin and her staff shopped,
traditions are a mystery at best. Our own Muslim community cooked and dressed with Muslim customs in mind. Just
faces these barriers everyday. According to Immigrant Services, shopping proved to be a challenge and a younger member
we have the highest rate of immigrants now calling Cambridge of the community had to accompany her to ensure that she
“home” and many of them are Muslim. With language barriers would make the correct purchases. Everyone received an
and cultural differences, how do we reach across and make these invitation and one day during Ramadan over 40 members of
newcomers not feel like strangers in a strange land. One such the Muslim community crowded into the townhouse that
agency has taken great pains to start a process that can only be holds the community centre. After prayers, traditional dishes
called amazing. With a grant from the Cambridge & North and fellowship, it was decided that the evening was enjoyed
Dumfries Community Foundation, the Southwood by all. More importantly, it was considered by Southwood
Community Centre has implemented the “Building Bridges”
“Building Bridges” Community Centre to be invaluable in the efforts to Build
project. This is a three-part project that has at the heart of it a the Bridges needed to assist people of Muslim culture
need to understand and envelope residents into a caring society. become part of the community. Plans are already in place to
Robbin Sterzer, the Community Development Co-ordinator and host
her staff bring enthusiasm and a desire to assist people through another Ramadan
a difficult transition. “There truly is a lot of support in this celebration next
community for most people who need it. It became apparent to year. As one young staff
Southwood Community Centre that in their catchment’s area,
there was little support for the Muslim community, and with member voiced “this was
language and cultural barriers, they could not even take truly the most
advantage of what is meant to be available for everyone.” extraordinary experience
Building Bridges created the opportunity to first learn about this of my life!”
very distinct culture. A lot of research was done to make sure
that any attempt to connect with people of Muslim culture The third and final phase
would not be taken as offensive. In the research phase, they is quite possibly the most
learned a great deal about the most important occasion in important. Robbin and
Muslim society, Ramadan. This is the Muslim community’s most
holy time of year and great pains were taken to try to understand her staff will be involved in training and workshops that will
the traditions and customs of this occasion. The Centre also further develop the level of understanding that they have
took on the advice of a local gentleman, who was considered a already worked so hard to achieve. Once the training is
leader within the Muslim society. Having not been raised in this complete, they will then be able to take this knowledge back
culture, the team knew that they were bound to make mistakes to the mainstream community at large. The grant and
however, every step of the way, this gentleman acted as their support for Building Bridges was provided by the
liaison to ensure that whatever they did would be met with Arriscraft International Inc. Flow Through Fund.
patience and understanding.

18. Ramadan Photos
Staff and Community Members of Southwood Community Centre

19. Conestoga Institute of Technology
and Advanced Learning
Student Achievement
Social Services
Fall 2001
 AN INTRODUCTION TO HELPING B+
 SOCIAL WORK AND THE LAW B+
 GROUP PROCESS AND DYNAMICS A
 SOCIOLOGY I B+
 MODERN ISSUES AND THEORIES IN
CRIMINOLOGY A

20. Conestoga Institute of Technology
and Advanced Learning
Student Achievement
Social Services
Winter 2002
 FIELD WORK SEMINAR Pass
 TECHNIQUES OF INTERVIEWING & ASSESSMENT A+
 SOCIAL SERVICE SYSTEMS B+
 GROUP WORK: POPULATIONS AND
PROGRAMMING A
 FIELD WORK I Pass
 CLIENT SYSTEMS A-
 PSYCHOLOGY: BASIC PROCESSES OF BEHAVIOUR B+

21. Conestoga Institute of Technology
and Advanced Learning
Student Achievement
Social Services
Fall 2002
 SOCIAL WORK VALUES AND ETHICS A+
 COUNSELLING INTERVENTIONS B+
 GROUP WORK: ASSESSMENT, INTERVENTION
AND EVALUATION B
 UNDERSTANDING FAMILIES: A SYSTEMS
APPROACH B+
 COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION I B

22. Conestoga Institute of Technology
and Advanced Learning
Student Achievement
Social Services
Winter 2003
 VIOLENCE/ABUSE/NEGLECT A-
 GROUP WORK: PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS A
 FIELD WORK SEMINARS, SIMULATIONS AND A.V.
TAPING Pass
 FIELD WORK II Pass
 HELPING FAMILIES: SUPPORTING THE SYSTEM A+
 COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION II A

23. Conestoga Institute of Technology
and Advanced Learning
Student Achievement
Career Development Practitioner
Fall 2008
 INTERVIEWING, MENTORING, AND COACHING A+
 TRENDS AND ISSUES IN THE NEW WORK DYNAMIC B
 CAREER COUNSELLING AND DEVELOPMENT A
 CAREER CONSULTING TECHNIQUES I: PRINCIPLES
AND PRACTICES A

24. Conestoga Institute of Technology
and Advanced Learning
Student Achievement
Career Development Practitioner
Winter 2009
 GROUP TRAINING AND FACILITATION: PRINCIPLES
AND PRACTICES A+
 CAREER DEVELOPMENT WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
GROUPS A+
 CAREER CONSULTING TECHNIQUES II: PRINCIPLES
AND PRACTICES A
 PRACTICUM SEMINAR/FIELD PLACEMENT B+

25. Conestoga Institute of Technology
and Advanced Learning
Currently Enrolled Career Development
Practitioner
Spring 2009
 Consulting In Career Development:
Entrepreneurial & Intrapreneurial Roles
 Assessment In Career Development: Formal
Instruments
 Practicum Project

26. Character Reference from Robert S. Weisler- Owner/Operator
Advance Pump and Tank Ltd
Cambridge and Surrounding Areas
During the 10 years of our acquaintance, I have known Kim in many capacities. I have seen her at
community functions, in our church and in the company of family and friends. Having gotten to know Kim
very well over the last several years, I believe this puts me in a position to provide you with a pretty accurate
character assessment of Kim.
Kim has always been a highly committed and hard working individual. This is evident through her
commitment to her family, friends, the church and her educational goals. Kim always finds time to get
involved in life around her. When Kim adopts a cause, she is guaranteed to be highly committed and
dedicated. I have seen Kim take on very time invasive projects in our church with great passion and desire for
excellence. Kim is highly organized and extremely competent. Her knowledge of community resources is
astounding. This is evident through her daily acquaintances and her desire to help those around her. She is
always opening her home and offering advice to those in our community who require help, assistance or just a
friendly ear. Kim is extremely personable and very friendly to everyone she interacts with.
I feel confident in saying that she is capable of handling any situation with great thoughtfulness and
maturity. I could continue with descriptions of Kim’s many other good qualities such as her strong sense of
ethics, her strong sense of what is right and her creativeness - to name a few. Instead, I am honoured to have
been asked to share how much I think of Kim and how strongly I would recommend her for any task or job
that requires a higher level of problem solving, professionalism and commitment. Kim is highly enthusiastic,
reliable, hard working and trustworthy.
If you would any further details about Kim Bolger, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Robert Weisler
Robert Weisler
Advance Pump and Tank – Owner/Operator
519)249-9122

27. Recommendations
 “Kim is bright, capable and talented, an absolute
delight to teach. She has a natural aptitude for
guiding others in their career ambitions and I'm
confident she will continue to touch many
lives.” February 26, 2009
Elizabeth M. Lengyel, Faculty Member , Conestoga
College
Elizabeth taught Kim at Conestoga College

28.  “Kim was always professional in her position of Family
Outreach Worker at Southwood Community Centre.
Kim was dedicated, showed compassion for the
families she worked with and had a caring attitude every
day. Kim would be an asset to any agency looking to
hire her. As a team player and someone who is always
willing to give that "extra" Kim would bring a positive
attitude to any work environment.” February 27, 2009
Jaye Kuntz, Executive Director , Greenway Chaplin
Community Centre
Jaye was with another company when working with
Kim at SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE

29.  “Kim is a very hard working, dedicated
individual who puts a lot of passion into her
work. She is organized, empathetic and works in
harmony with all types of people. Kim
exemplifies excellent communication and
interpersonal skills and she is an absolute
pleasure to work along side.” March 2, 2009
Kelly Mills, Recreation Assistant , Lanark Place
Retirement Residence
Kelly worked with Kim at Southwood
Community Centre

30.  “Kim is an enthusiastic and organized student
dedicated to achieving both individual and group
goals. I recommend Kim as a dependable team
member who works well with others, has
passion and motivation to succeed. I have
enjoyed working with Kim and look forward to
continuing group work with her.” February 24,
2009
Julie White, student full time , Conestoga College
Julie studied with Kim at Conestoga College

31.  Kim was always available to help. She arranged
sponsorship for my family for Christmas 2006. We
where sponsored by the Cambridge Memorial Hospital.
It was a wonderful Christmas for me and my six
children that would not have been possible if it where
not for Kim.
NCB Client
 Kim was a great volunteer coordinator. I always
enjoyed going to volunteer at Southwood Community
Center. Kim always had kind words, a listening ear and
a big smile.
Bill Whalen

32. Fundraising Initiatives

33. Fundraising Initiatives
BIDS
FOR
KIDS
DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION
April 17, 2006

34. BIDS FOR KIDS

35. BIDS FOR KIDS

36. BIDS FOR KIDS

37. BIDS FOR KIDS

38. BIDS FOR KIDS

39.  If you believe as strongly as I
do that I would be an asset to
your agency, please do not
hesitate to contact me to set
up a meeting
kimabolger@hotmail.com

40. Thank You
Kim Bolger
Student, Career Development Practitioner
Conestoga College
I certify that this e-portfolio and its contents are factual and are the results of my own work
Kim Bolger