MARIA CHISAMORE
Manager
Calgary,AB
Summary
Dynamic career services manager with over 11 years at Columbia College, achieving a 90% student employment rate. Expert in conflict resolution and workshop facilitation, I successfully enhanced employability through innovative training programs and strategic partnerships, empowering individuals to overcome barriers and secure meaningful employment.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Career and Employment Services
Columbia College
Calgary, AB
05.2015 - Current
- Lead a team of career and employment professionals, achieving a 90% average student employment rate over 11 years, consistently demonstrating excellence in enhancing employability
- Design and deliver career workshops to 300+ Albertans annually, connecting job seekers to employment opportunities and supporting their career development
- Secured approval for an updated Integrated Training Program, helping individuals facing employment barriers secure employment; increased enrollment by 20% over 3 years
- Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to schedule 100+ recruitment and marketing activities annually, strengthening relationships with local community agencies and training providers
- Collaborate with employers to deliver programs and services that support Alberta’s labour market priorities, addressing hiring demands and fostering successful employer-employee connections
- Monitored local labour market trends, employment readiness supports, and training programs to enhance workforce integration and client success
- Facilitated conflict resolution and problem-solving to address challenges and de-escalate barriers to employment, helping clients stay on track towards achieving self-sufficiency
Coordinator, Employment Training
Columbia College
Calgary, AB
11.2012 - 10.2016
- Developed relationships with 127+ employers to address labour needs, guiding individuals into meaningful employment and contributing to a stronger Alberta labour market
- Supported 300+ Albertans with job search activities and professional skills development, helping them work towards self-sufficiency in securing and maintaining employment
- Monitored and supported action plans to foster accountability and ensure consistent progress toward employment goals
- Facilitated practicum placements and provided employment supports to enhance employability and help individuals overcome workforce barriers
Career and Employment Advisor/Life Skills Coach
Columbia College
Calgary, AB
09.2009 - 10.2013
- Guided 200+ individuals and alumni annually in informed career choices, enhancing their employability.
- Supported Albertans in career and educational planning, ensuring goals were realistic, achievable, and aligned with local labour market trends
- Linked job seekers with employers via internal job board and recruitment events, facilitating successful job matches and increasing employment opportunities.
- Stayed informed about labor market trends and employment readiness programs to assist Albertans' attachment to employment
Admissions Advisor
Columbia College
Calgary, AB
07.2009 - 08.2011
- Managed caseload of 50-100 adult, multicultural learners, developing and monitoring individualized plans to enhance progress toward educational and employment goals
- Conducted assessments and determined eligibility for grant-funded programs through personal consultations, facilitating access to essential learner supports
- Assessed individual needs and developed tailored action plans, providing case management support to ensure timely access to critical services and resources
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date records in Mobius, including employment readiness assessments, supports provided, action plans, career goals, and follow-up outcomes
Education
Certificate - Career Development Practitioner
06-2021
Certificate - Career Strategist
04-2021
Certificate - Human Resources Management
10-2006
Diploma - Child and Youth Worker
05-1998
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
06-1995
Affiliations
- Career Professionals of Canada (CPC), 09/01/21, Present
- Career Development Association of Alberta (CDAA), 10/01/16, Present
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Events Volunteer, Columbia College, Calgary, AB, 06/01/10, Present
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Cannexus25, CERIC, 01/01/25
- How to Write Resumes that Impress Recruiters and ATS, Talent Pool, 01/01/25
- Master AI-Powered Job Search Strategies, Talent Pool, 11/01/24
- Leveraging AI in Career Development, Career Professionals of Canada, 11/01/24
- Fairness to Newcomers, Premier’s Summit, 10/01/24
- Workplace Violence and Harassment Training, Columbia College, 10/01/24
- Managing Challenging Behaviours, Alberta Health Services, 02/01/24
Timeline
Manager, Career and Employment Services - Columbia College
05.2015 - Current
Coordinator, Employment Training - Columbia College
11.2012 - 10.2016
Career and Employment Advisor/Life Skills Coach - Columbia College
09.2009 - 10.2013
Admissions Advisor - Columbia College
07.2009 - 08.2011
Career Development Association of Alberta - Certificate, Career Development Practitioner
Career Professionals of Canada - Certificate, Career Strategist
Algonquin College - Certificate, Human Resources Management
Algonquin College - Diploma, Child and Youth Worker
Brock University - Bachelor of Arts, Psychology