Individual Career Mapping: From Exploration to Transformation
Written By: Tammy A. Westergard, MLS, CWDP, Workforce-Librarian-in-Residence
The Individual Career Mapping (ICM) initiative is more than a tool: it’s a pathway for individuals to move from curiosity to action. Over the past year, ICM has expanded its reach, deepened its impact, and demonstrated how immersive experiences and structured coaching can change lives.
Why ICM Matters: Building Confidence Through Practice
ICM equips people not only with awareness but also with practice. The program integrates real-world simulations and credentialing opportunities that help individuals step into their future careers with confidence.
“ICM doesn’t just tell people about opportunities, it lets them try them on. That practice builds belief.” – Michelle Rebaleati, Technical Services Lead
Participants who once hesitated to pursue training or testing now feel prepared to succeed, knowing that their exploration is grounded in real labor-market context.
Serving Difficult to Reach Communities
From high school seniors in rural Nevada to adults navigating reentry to their communities, ICM is proving adaptable across different populations. The structured playbook ensures consistent delivery, but the human touch of trained navigators makes the difference.
“The real impact comes from meeting people where they are. ICM shows that with the right support, everyone has a path forward.” – Kristen Kennedy, Executive Director, Domestic Violence Resource Center https://nevada.libguides.com/c.php?g=1196033&p=10392645
At the Carson City Library, participants described ICM as “the first time career planning felt possible.” In North Las Vegas, youth at HELP of Southern Nevada discovered career pathways in health care and logistics they had never considered: WATCH HERE.
Outcomes That Inspire
The data continues to demonstrate the system’s power. Across multiple ICM sites, participants are not only passing the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) at rates above the state and national average but also using their results to secure jobs or enter training programs.
“When we see 100% pass rates or apprenticeships secured, it tells us ICM is more than an idea, it’s a proven approach.” – Tammy Westergard, MLS, CWDP, ICM Program Officer
ICM outcomes are informing Nevada’s workforce development strategy and gaining attention beyond the state.
What’s Next for ICM?
ICM is entering a new growth phase. In the coming months:
- New VR Field Trips: Seventeen mining industry-focused modules are showcasing everything from safety inspector roles to advanced battery recycling. These experiences will expand career awareness in Nevada’s growing clean-energy sector.
National Engagement: A second iCERi paper, to be published in November, will highlight ICM as a replicable model for embedding labor market literacy into trusted community institutions.
System Integration: Work is underway to align ICM outcomes with workforce boards, employer partners and state training pipelines, assuring the model is not just a pilot, but a scalable system.
Community Partnerships: Phase-two rollouts at the Domestic Violence Resource Center, Friends In Service Helping (F.I.S.H), Jackpot High School are paving the way for deeper integration into schools, shelters, and systems across Nevada.
“ICM has gone from promising practice to a system-level innovation. What’s next is proving that it can scale, sustain, and serve as a blueprint for others.” – Karsten Heise, Senior Director of Strategic Programs and Innovation, GOED