The School of Psychology at the University of Minho (EPsi) hosted the V International Seminar on Career Development and Counseling on November 28-29, 2024. The event brought together 150 participants from countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Mozambique, and Angola to discuss the central theme: "Health, Career, and Prosperity in an Era of Human Rights." The seminar fostered a space for dialogue and knowledge sharing about the challenges and trends in professional development.
The official opening featured notable personalities, including Pedro Cunha, the Secretary of State for Administration and Educational Innovation; Sofia Ramalho, Vice-President of the Order of Psychologists; Miguel Gonçalves, President of the EPsi at UMinho; and Maria do Céu Taveira, from the event's organizing committee.
The first day included an inaugural conference by Beatriz Malik Liévano from the University of Distance Education (Spain), who discussed topics like eco-justice and human rights within career development. This was followed by the launch of the book "Psicological Assessment of Career Development: Studies and Instruments II" by the Portuguese Association for Career Development (APDC).
The afternoon featured two parallel symposia: one focused on career management in diverse contexts such as hybrid work and military experiences, while the other explored social mobility and changes in emerging professions due to the digital market.
On the second day, the program included four practical workshops covering topics like cultural competencies in the workplace, psychological intervention in educational contexts, vocational training, and human resources management in the military. Additionally, 30 oral presentations, 17 posters, and a webinar with Shékina Rochat, a specialist in psychological counseling, were held.
A special tribute was paid to three professors who made significant contributions to the field: Helena Rebelo Pinto, María Luísa Rodriguez-Moreno, and Lucy Melo Silva. The final conference, led by Luís Sérgio Vieira from the University of Algarve, explored topics related to occupational well-being and career development.
At the closing ceremony, attendees included Hélia Moura, the national coordinator of ReferNet; Eugénia Ribeiro, an EPsi professor; and Ana Daniela Silva, president of the APDC.
Over the two days, various topics were discussed, including transitions between school cycles, the impact of social media on mental health, the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce, and changes in labor markets in areas such as science, technology, and health.
The seminar reaffirmed the role of EPsi as a leader in the field of psychological counseling and career development studies.
For more information about the event: cipsi.uminho.pt/seminariocarreira2024.