2025 OCDA AWARDS

Every year, OCDA recognizes professionals in the field of career development! This year, OCDA is looking for nominations for FOUR different awards.

Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Award Criteria

The Outstanding Graduate Award recognizes outstanding graduate students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, initiative, and achievements in their career development during their academic journey. This award aims to acknowledge individuals who have shown remarkable dedication to preparing themselves for their future professional endeavors while excelling in their academic pursuits. 

Nominees must be full-time students in Ohio, masters or doctoral candidates, and in the field of career counseling, student affairs, college/student personnel, or a related field.

Candidates should show competency in 3-4 of the areas below:

1. Academic Excellence: The nominee must have maintained a strong academic record throughout their graduate studies, demonstrating a commitment to scholarly achievement and intellectual growth.

2. Career Preparation and Development: The nominee should showcase proactive engagement in activities that contribute to their professional growth, such as internships, research projects, workshops, or relevant extracurricular involvement.

3. Leadership and Initiative: Demonstrated leadership qualities, innovation, and initiative in pursuing career-related opportunities, whether within academia, industry, or the community.

4. Impact and Contributions: Evidence of tangible contributions or initiatives that have positively influenced their own career prospects or those of their peers, department, or academic institution.

5. Professional Development Skills: Displaying proficiency in skills crucial for career advancement, including but not limited to networking, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.

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Selection Process: A selection committee will review the applications. The committee will assess each nominee's qualifications based on the outlined criteria and determine the recipient(s) of the award.

Award Benefits: The recipient(s) will receive a $100 honorarium, a commemorative gift, and free registration to the OCDA Conference on Thursday, June 5th 2025 and Friday, June 6th 2025.

Nominate an Outstanding Graduate Student HERE

Career Innovator Award

Award Criteria

This award is presented at the Ohio Career Development Association (OCDA) Conference in recognition of an individual who demonstrates innovation through specialized projects, initiatives, and/or contributions that have made a positive impact on the populations they serve.

Nominees must be professionals with at least two (2) years of experience in career development or a related field.

Candidates should show competency in 3-4 of the areas below:

1. Innovative Practices: Recognition for implementing innovative strategies, programs, or initiatives that have significantly impacted the field of career development.
2. Sustained Impact: Evidence of a sustained and substantial impact on the careers and professional growth of individuals or groups over an extended period.
3. Advocacy and Contribution: Contributions to the advancement of career development through advocacy, research, publications, or active involvement in professional associations and communities.
4. Ethical and Inclusive Practices: Commitment to ethical practices and inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities and advancement for individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.

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Selection Process: A selection committee will review the applications. The committee will assess each nominee's qualifications based on the outlined criteria and determine the recipient(s) of the award.

Award Benefits: The recipient(s) will receive a $100 honorarium, a commemorative gift, and free registration to the OCDA Conference on Thursday, June 5th 2025 and Friday, June 6th 2025.

Nominate a Career Innovator HERE

The Bob Windle Leadership Award

Award Criteria

The Bob Windle Leadership Award recognizes seasoned professionals who have made significant and enduring contributions to the field of career development. This award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in shaping and advancing the careers of others, thereby leaving a lasting legacy within their industry or profession. The award was named in honor of Bob Windle, who won the award in 2011, for his exceptional contributions to OCDA and career counseling, exploration, transition, and resilience.

Nominees must have at least eight (8) years of service in career development or a related field, must demonstrate quality of service (such as innovative programs, recognition by local organizations, publications, awards, etc.), and must serve professional association(s) at the local, state, and/or national levels.

Candidates should show competency in 3-4 of the areas below:

1. Leadership and Mentorship: The nominee should have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and served as an influential mentor or role model, guiding and inspiring others in their career paths.
2. Professional Reputation and Influence: A strong reputation and influence within the field, demonstrated by awards, recognitions, or invitations to speak at conferences and events.
3. Sustained Impact: Evidence of a sustained and substantial impact on the careers and professional growth of individuals or groups over an extended period.
4. Advocacy and Contribution: Contributions to the advancement of career development through advocacy, research, publications, or active involvement in professional associations and communities.
5. Collaboration and Networking: Engagement in collaborative efforts, fostering partnerships, and building networks that have enhanced career opportunities and advancement for others.
6. Ethical and Inclusive Practices: Commitment to ethical practices and inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities and advancement for individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.

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Selection Process: A selection committee will review the applications. The committee will assess each nominee's qualifications based on the outlined criteria and determine the recipient(s) of the award.

Award Benefits: The recipient(s) will receive a $100 honorarium, a commemorative gift, and free registration to the OCDA Conference on Thursday, June 5th 2025 and Friday, June 6th 2025.

Nominate a Career Leader HERE

Conference Themed Award: The Transformational Impact Award

Award Criteria

This year's conference themed award recognizes the contributions and dedication of a team or department.

Candidates should demonstrate leadership and impact in at least two (2) of the following areas:

1. Innovative practices, programs, or initiatives that have had a measurable and meaningful impact on students, alumni, or the career development field during a period of significant change or challenge.

2. Adaptability, creativity, and a commitment to fostering career success despite evolving circumstances

3. Evidence of transformative outcomes, such as increased student engagement, improved career readiness, or expanded access to services.

4. Commitment to fostering and sustaining strong partnerships across departments, industries, or communities to deliver impactful career development initiatives in the spirit of collaboration.

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Selection Process: A selection committee will review the applications. The committee will assess each nominee's qualifications based on the outlined criteria and determine the recipient(s) of the award.

Award Benefits: The winner will receive a commemorative gift, and free registration for one representative from the team or organization to attend the OCDA Conference on Thursday, June 5th 2025 and Friday, June 6th 2025.

Nominate an Impactful Career Services Team or Department HERE