Career Developments Magazine
Career Developments, the NCDA quarterly magazine for members-only, is a themed publication offering articles that balance a broad vision with practical applications. Each issue offers a focused article on a select theme, a feature article on a prominent NCDA event, and specific content for departments that match the work settings of members. Additional regular columns cover such topics as ethics, the state career development associations, leaders' thoughts and more.
In 2025, Career Developments was awarded the APEX Award for Publication Excellence in the category of "Magazines, Journals and Tabloids - Print (issues up to 32 pages)". APEX awards are based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the success of the entry -- in the opinion of the panel of expert judges -- in achieving overall communications effectiveness and excellence. This annual award (which began in 1988) is sponsored by Writer's Web Watch, which is published by Communications Concepts, Inc., providing problem-solving information to professional communicators since 1984.
Navigating Toxic Workplaces
Fall 2026
Harmful work environments carry real mental, emotional, and physical health costs, and the decision of whether to stay, push back, or leave is rarely as simple as it looks from the outside. Your role as a career development professional involves working with clients and students who may be in these environments to see clearly when clarity feels impossible. This issue is dedicated to that work. The theme reflects both the urgency and the complexity of what so many people are facing right now.
Table of Contents
Focus
The Hidden Cost of Toxic Workplaces: Understanding and Overcoming Workplace Trauma
By Lisa Cardello and Galaxina G. Wright
Feature
Navigating Career Confusion: Reframing Uncertainty as a Developmental Process
By Bret Anderson
Feature
The 2025-2026 NCDA Awards
By Delasia Rice, Emily Gomez and Brianna Navarro
Departments
Higher Education Highlights
Like Your Job, Love Your Life
By Jordan Maness
Columns
From the President
Building Resilience Amidst Organizational Trauma
By Dirk Matthews
From the Executive Director
NCDA - The Best Place to Work
By Deneen Pennington
Thought Leaders Insights
A Conversation with Marty Apodaca
By Jenn Leard
CDQ Spotlight
Reimagining Veteran Reintegration
By Amber Hargrave
In the States: Minnesota Welcomes NCDA 2026
By Markell Morris
Ethics in a Nutshell
Navigating Toxic Work Environments with the Guidance of an Ethical Decision-Making Model
By Jillian Schiller and Jake Bucher
On the Web
By Melanie Reinersman
The Marketplace
Toxic Workplaces are a Major Concern in the American Economy
By Charles Lehman
* The magazine is a members-only benefit - would you like to join now?
Each issue is only available for 3 months (until the next issue is released). Please download now. Issues are not archived, however,
select issues are available in The HUB for obtaining CEs for completing courses.
Beginning with the Winter 2025 issue of Career Developments magazine, NCDA members can earn up to 4 free CEs annually by enrolling in and completing Career Developments courses in The HUB. Each course includes a PDF copy of one issue and a quiz and earns 1 CE. Enroll in these courses on the NCDA website and select “member” to register for free. Enroll now for the Spring issue!
In response to requests for “going green,” the members magazine is available to all NCDA Members in a digital format. We understand that many members enjoy holding the printed magazine in their hands by receiving it their mailbox. The print format is still available as a membership option. Those in the United States may opt to receive the print version for $25 annually. Those from outside of the US may elect to receive a print copy for $75 annually. Please make your selection for print during your membership renewal process by using the membership form or accessing your profile under Members Only.
(print fees effective January 1, 2026)
