Fair warning.
Over the next 6 weeks I am going to be banging the drum pretty loudly for CareerCampLA (and CareerCampSCV and CareerCampSFV). CareerCamp is a pet project of mine and one that I take great joy and interest in. CareerCampLA 2012 will be our 6th CareerCamp overall and I love what it does for people — employed, underemployed or unemployed.
What is CareerCamp?
CareerCamp is a locally organized and locally sponsored unconference dedicated to “helping you build the career you deserve.” Each CareerCamp hosts a series of presentations and break out sessions hosted by the attendees themselves. There is a huge amount of career knowledge in the local community and CareerCamp is designed to bring out and share that knowledge.
Some people will come to listen. Some will come to teach. Some will come to discuss, but all come with an open desire to build their career and help those around them. Often I see people who promise that they are only there to listen take the reins of a discussion or presentation and share their amazing knowledge in a way, perhaps, that they have never done before. CareerCamp provides a safe, supportive and positive environment that leaves people feeling energized at the end of the day — ready to go out and make their career the best it can be.
What is an unconference?
Unconferences are self-organizing conferences, similar to many professional conferences, but instead of hiring well-known, professional speakers, they call on the attendees themselves to provide the content and focus for the event. Every person who attends is highly encouraged to present on some topic deeply important to them or, barring that, to facilitate an open breakout session or round table discussion or even just to engage and converse with their fellow attendees between presentations. A few organizers band together to find a venue for the event, recruit sponsors and invite attendees, but the focus of the unconference is driven solely by the attendees.
Some might question the usefulness of presentations by their peers, but we have found that there is an enormous amount of real-world expertise available in each and every local community. CareerCamp utilizes a format that draws out that expertise and benefits everyone. CareerCamp (and other unconferences) provide a structure and an opportunity to share this expertise in ways that traditional conferences do not. Additionaly, CareerCamps also attract career development professionals who can use CareerCamp as a way of introducing themselves to a new audience of potential clients.
Spread the word
It is on of my greatest desires to spread the good that CareerCamp can offer all around the world. The CareerCamp International web site highlights each local CareerCamp and also provide a bit of info on what CareerCamp is and how it works? Even better, join us for CareerCampLA and see how it all works in person. The best way to understand CareerCamp is to experience first hand. it all becomes clear when you become part of the process and energy of a CareerCamp.
A personal invitation
I want to offer each of you a personal invitation to visit a CareerCamp or, even better, organize one of your own in your local area. I am confident you will be amazed at how productive and energizing your day can be. You can find some examples of the talks given at CareerCamp on both the CareerCamp International and the local CareerCamp sites. Take a moment to watch or listen. I think you will like what you find there.
If you would like to know more about CareerCamp, either attending or organizing your own, add a comment here on this web site, on the CareerCampLA or CareerCamp International sites, on the CareerCamp International Facebook page or our Google+ page. I’d love to hear from you. Bring your questions and ideas. Both help make CareerCamp even better.
