prodevwed

The new Professional Development Lounge at Congress this week is giving attendees the chance for a quick professional makeover. At the Lounge, Congress attendees are given the opportunity to gain valuable, professional insight from career experts, take professional portraits to update their APA profiles, and more, throughout the week.

The Bogart & Co. lounge at the Long Beach Convention Center is a place where attendees can relax, mingle and engage in a game of pool or foosball. In addition, for the first time, the APA is providing career experts who are available to talk about enhancing résumés and social media presence and updating member profiles.

Another popular feature is a photo studio set up inside the lounge, where attendees can get professional headshots taken, complete with quick hair and makeup provided by a professional stylist. They can then upload the photos directly online.

"A lot of people don't recognize the importance of a professional headshot," said Carl York, CPP, a Solution Consultant for Workday who took advantage of the service. "You can put it up with your LinkedIn profile. It allows you to put forward your best, umm ..."

"Face," interjected Linda Dailey, CPP, Payroll Manager for Vortex Aerospace, of Madison, Mississippi. "Your best face forward." 

Across the hall, another photo station with banners proclaiming levels of payroll certification was available for "selfies" that could also be uploaded to APA profiles.

"Having a certification is a big deal," said Ginnette Clark, CPP, an Implementation Consultant for Wise Consulting. "Being able to take that photo back to your wall of fame is nice. A lot of work goes into the exams and studying and preparation."

Deborah Laidler, CPP, Payroll Supervisor at CF North America, stopped by to have her picture taken in front of the Certified Payroll Professional banner.

"I came by for the doggie cuddle," she joked, referring to a service being offered later in the week at the lounge.

On a more serious note she said, "I came by because I'm proud of my CPP."

Hours for the Professional Development Lounge are as follows:

  • Wednesday, May 15 from 1 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 16 from 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
  • Friday, May 17 from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Be sure to sign up for your sessions at www.APACongress.com.