2011

This paper seeks further alignment with Patterson‘s (2004) commentary on multicultural competencies which suggests a movement towards universality versus competency-specific from culture to culture. Why this movement? Essentially the authors posit that, withstanding these diverse social contexts, the questions we pose and our need to examine meaning are universally forged in the human experience. These shared inquiries and the cycles of our life roles and career passages are explored through the introduction of the Centerpoint model. It is often assumed that practice emerges out of theory; the application from the theoretical. What if we approached it from the other way around? How can we mine the many methodologies that have developed from career development practice and the exigencies of being in the field? This very question was furthered by Savickas (2003) in moving to advance the field. The presenters foresee a bright future where theory and practice can inform, support, and enlighten each other, thus providing a structural model for others to follow suit in this practice. By sharing the Centerpoint model to a larger audience the authors hope to share insights on its universal application (both to individuals and within global contexts). In doing so, this may help to advance the field and to act as a bridge to a futuristic vision of career development and spark the fire of inspiration in other career practitioners and theorists who are seeking to explain the processes of a larger inclusive population.