Developing your career
Career development is more than just knowing what job you would like to do. It is about identifying your values, recognising your skills and interests, and creating opportunities for learning, employment and career growth. In short, career development is a lifelong journey of self-discovery, reflection, and improvement.
Through my Master of Professional Practice, I have developed a model for understanding how career clarity in adolescents is achieved, and I utilise this with each person I work with. My approach is informed by several career theories.
How I help you find career clarity
Below is an overview of the model I have developed, which shows what you can expect during the consultation.
“Why”
Phase one – finding your purpose
Using structured and open-ended questions, we will start by exploring your “why” - discovering your purpose and uncovering life themes that have influenced your career thinking. It is vital to explore and challenge pre-existing beliefs and perceptions about careers in a safe environment to ensure that you are opening up every door, every possibility available to you. This includes consideration of the following: experiences in the world of work and school, current career thinking, interests and hobbies, critical issues, role models, likes and dislikes, values, ideal work environment, must-haves, deal breakers and additional career criteria.
“How”
Phase two - your plan for action
Now I will help you to determine what actions you will take within the world of work to help you fulfil your purpose. We work together to consider the skills you would like to utilise and how your interests and personality preferences come into play.
“What”
Phase three – your career exploration list
I will provide you with various career resources based on your interests, skills and personality preferences. You will then identify careers and create a list of options that align with your unique talents, interests, values, ideals, must haves and deal-breakers. Ideas and suggestions may come from various sources, including family careers, your initial career thinking and my guidance. You will then be encouraged to shortlist four possible pathways for further exploration.
Group kōrero
Phase four - group discussion
Once you have identified 3-4 potential careers, an informal round table discussion commences with your support person (parent, caregiver, whānau) also present. Here, I will outline a career development plan, including how to conduct career-related research, explore and create career opportunities, and position oneself successfully in the world of work, training, and education options. Whānau will be given real, tangible ideas to best support their rangtahi in their career development.
Working Together
Step 1: Book a consultation
Your journey starts by booking an consultation using our simple booking system below to select a convenient date and time.
Step 2: Pre-consultation questionnaire
Before coming to see me, I ask that all my clients complete a questionnaire. This questionnaire helps me get a snapshot of who you are and tailor the consultation to you. Completely confidential, this takes 30-60 minutes to complete and asks questions about your likes, dislikes, interests, values, school results, subjects, personality, etc.
Step 3: career consultation
We meet either in person or remotely for 2 hours and 30 minutes. We will go through the process outlined above.
Step 4: self-research
After our time together, I encourage you to explore potential career options. You can do this in several ways - research, job shadowing, talking to professionals in relevant careers, volunteer work, visiting relevant tertiary education providers, etc.
Step 5: follow-up support
Feel free to send me questions via email about assistance with university entrance, halls of residence, scholarship applications and other services providers that could be of use, i.e. resume support and job interview coaching.
Step 6: follow-up appointments
These are available at an additional cost as needed. Follow-up appointments are most suitable for clients who have reached a critical stage in decision-making, e.g. Year 13 and first-year of tertiary education for students who remain unsure of their direction. These consultations can last from 60 to 90 minutes as needed.