I am a Careers Advisor who has worked in the Careers and Education landscape for more than two decades. My services are for anyone at the threshold of making decisions within their career, and making career decisions in a range of contexts. My passion is helping others to navigate any career dilemmas or challenges, at what can sometimes be a daunting (but exciting) time.
My hallmark traits are my approachability, my clear style for explaining what needs to be known, and my ability to co-create plans with you. Coupled with my in-depth knowledge of the tertiary sector, my goal is to get you on a path, with a plan for the future, always keeping in mind a flexible approach.
Education
I was educated in Dublin and London, and studied Social Sciences at University of Liverpool in the UK. I hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Swansea, a Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development and a Graduate Diploma in Careers Education and Development, both from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). I am constantly updating my own skills and I am an advocate of lifelong-learning. My areas of interest include Career Development practices and their function, the changing nature of the world of work and tertiary and industry developments, and especially now with AI infiltration is almost all careers and industries.
I write regularly on career issues, current career trends, wellbeing and neurodivergent implications on career choices (see Blogs).
Accreditations
I am an accredited teacher with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). I am registered with the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) as a Professional Career Development Practitioner and adhere to their professional standards. I am a registered Career Avenues Assessor and can provide assessments and debriefs based on the Career Avenues assessment process. I am a professional member of the Careers Advisors Association of NSW (CAA) and a professional member of the Career Development Advisors Association (CDAA), both of these associations require yearly accreditation and professional development to keep registrations current. I am also currently a member of the UTS Careers Advisors Working Group. I am heavily involved in the Sydney Careers Advisors Group, and regularly contribute to discussions, forums and professional development opportunities.
School Students
I have worked as a Classroom Teacher, a HSC Marker for NESA, a Head of House, a Tutor, an Academic Mentor, a facilitator on the Masters of Teaching Program at Sydney University, and a Careers Advisor.
I have worked in a range of independent and public secondary schools both here and abroad. I draw on my extensive experience with students of diverse backgrounds, to provide comprehensive advice, tailored to the needs and interests of the individual. My specialist area is within the 15-25 year old group: navigating subject selections, exploring tertiary options and providing specialist support for those embarking on their careers’ journey.
I am currently Head of Careers working in an independent school in Sydney. I work with Years 10-12 students and manage the Careers program within the school context. Common areas I consult on:
- Subject selection in the Senior Years
- How to choose when you have no idea (very common)
- Choosing Courses, Universities, Colleges and Pathways
- University Application & Early Entry Application
- EAS/Bonus Points planning & Scholarship Applications
Adults
I also consult under Claire Pech Careers, working with adults on finding solutions to their own career dilemmas. Most often adults I work with tend to be at a careers cross roads and need direction or help planning their next move. I have also consulted for Real Futures, and Careers NSW as part of their NSW Adult Careers model.
As part of my studies, I have researched career-changers, maternity-returners and female participation in the workforce. I consult helping adults to align their skills and interests with careers, particularly if they are navigating a career change. Common areas I consult on:
- Career Re-thinking - Is this it? Am I in the right job, industry, career?
- Career Changing - knowing where to start & how to manage this process
- Resume guidance, Linkedin Profiling and Job Applications
- Interview technique, Communication and Interpersonal skills
Neurodivergent-Specific Practice
I have personal and professional experience with students and adults who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other neurodivergences. I am a passionate neurodivergent advocate and come from a strength-based approach, to help others navigate their futures and careers. I do this by investigating interests, skills and strengths. I also co-create plans, co-design schedules, and assist in the application process and the administration that goes along with both tertiary applications and job applications. Working with anyone with neurodivergent traits (with or without a diagnosis), needs individualised and tailored care to consider a range of implications that can have significant impacts on career plans, progress and situations.
I have studied with Kings College, London on current research and practice associated with the effects of ADHD. I have written and presented on this subject matter and its connections to Career Planning (here). I have also presented for the ADHD Foundation during their speaker series on Career Planning in the Senior Years. I have also presented for ADHD Support Australia, and you can access a clip of that talk here. I am a co-founder of ADHD Webinars and present on a range of topics to students, parents and educators working with ADHD.
I live in Sydney, with my husband and three teenagers.
I look forward to discussing any of your career needs in the future.