As we developed this glossary, we learned that we have many differences in the terms we use for career development. Some words, like “Career,” have a different meaning in each of our countries. In fact, this is the only term that we redefined between each version. We continue to maintain two definitions of that word because of the important differences in the way it is used in different countries. Other terms are used primarily in certain countries with different terms used in certain other countries. For example, some countries have Guidance Counselors and others have School Counselors. Some countries have Early School Leavers and others have School Dropouts. Developing these definitions was enlightening for those of us who worked on it, and we hope reading them will be enlightening for you.

Our members have found many other creative uses for the Glossary of Career Development Terminology. Here are a few:

• Online information Service: If you maintain a website with information about careers, consider adding the Glossary as a useful service.
• Use in Translating: When working with clients whose native language is not English, the definitions in the Glossary can be helpful for them to understand what you are saying to them.
• Clarify services offered: When you are explaining your services to your consumers, consider finding definitions of some of the concepts you are explaining and use the definitions in the explanation.
• Training career development professionals: People entering our field need in-depth understanding of the terminology. A “word a day” might be helpful. It is also possible to delve into various aspects of our field and compare terms. For example, in the newly released version, we include definitions of the many words for work: job, occupation, vocation, career, etc. Comparing these words and definitions can be insightful. We also include the many words used in the field of credentialing – which could also help students understand nuances that are often confused. There are many clusters of similar types of terms in this Glossary that can be helpful for understanding the differences between concepts that seem similar.
• Parent/student communication: when speaking to clients or parents, providing a list of selected terms you use often might help them to understand the goals of the process, and preventing unrealistic expectations.
• Clarify where parents/students need help: To be sure clients understand the meaning of the words in the same way you are using them may allow better communication.
• Supervisors of counselors in training: If you are supervising counselors in training, asking them to review these definitions may assure they understand the situation in the same way you do.
• A few words in publications, such as the APCDA newsletter: We have considered publishing a definition in each of our weekly News Blogs. Please feel free to use this idea for your regular news communications.
• The terms can act as keywords and phrases that can be used to search relevant databases of academic literature.
• Glossary can also be used for building a user-friendly AI-based Terminology Management System that can be viewed, edited and updated by those who access it.
• Terms can be useful for helping university students identify and acquire the vocabulary of the field of career development.
• APCDA Glossary can be used as a reference source for researchers and professionals.

Please let us know other ways that you use this glossary. Send your ideas to Glossary@AsiaPacificCDA.org and qcdc@qf.org.qa.