Could you tell us more about your self?

My favourite colour is purple. I have a gorgeous dog called Ella – a labradoodle – and live in Brisbane.

You are very active in the CDAA, could you tell us more about that?

I have been a member of the CDAA since 1997 – I joined so that I could get a discount to the conference that year, which was in Brisbane. I was a very inactive member until 2008, when I decided the best way to improve the services the CDAA delivers to members like me, who are in private practice, was to get involved. I joined the Qld committee that year, and then in 2009 I was elected to the National Executive Committee, as Membership Chair.

How many years have you been a career advisor?

I’ve been working as a career counsellor and practitioner since 1990, when I trained to work in secondary schools as a Guidance Officer. I left the school system at the end of 1996, and have been working with adults and organisations ever since.

Why did you decide to become a career advisor?

The role of Guidance Officer in Qld is a multi-faceted one. Career counselling was the bit that I liked best. I really believe work is an important part of our lives, and I get real satisfaction from helping people find a way to make their own work more satisfying and fulfilling.

What sets you apart from other career advisors?

That’s a tough one. I’m not sure I have any individual qualities that other career advisors don’t have. What I have is a unique combination of qualities. I have real passion and enthusiasm for my work, and I’m told that’s infectious. Life’s too short not to have a good time! I’ve also been told I have a talent for analysing and feeding back what I hear in such a way that it helps people to see things more clearly. But I’m not sure how I do that!

What is your approach to career development?

I always start by encouraging people to think about the role work plays in their lives. Why do they work – really? It’s hardly ever just about the money, when you really think about it. Knowing what you work for is an important first step to finding the right work for you.

What single event had the most impact on your career?

Getting an opportunity to work in a small business, with someone who had been working alone for several years. It helped me see how I could set myself up in business.

How do you stay up to date with new trends?

That’s one of the best things about being a CDAA member – I get access to good quality professional development. The annual conference would be the main way I keep up to date with what’s happening in career development. I go every year, even though it’s a big cost to my business.

How did the Career GPS assist you in providing career advice?

The Career GPS is a great tool to provide virtual advice, and makes the whole career process so much easier. It includes comprehensive tools and information and helps people to follow a structured process before their meeting with a career advisor.

How is the current economic situation impacting on your career advisory work?

The last couple of years have been really tough. But business is picking up again now.

Are you starting to see more people thinking of making a career change?

There are always people looking for a career change. The only difference is that when the employment landscape is a bit tight, people are more cautious about how and when they make their move.

What advice would you offer someone that is stuck in their career?

Do some serious thinking about what you want from work. Talk to someone else about it, because when you’re in a rut, it’s often hard to see the way out on your own.

If you had to start your career over again, what would you do differently?

I would have got a qualification that enabled me to get a nice, secure job helping people (probably in the medical field), rather than having the tension that comes from having your own business.

What are your career goals?

At the moment I’m focussed on making my business more sustainable, and not so dependent on constant attention from me!

What career advice would you offer to job seekers not to do?

Don’t do the scatter-gun thing. If you just send off heaps of unfocussed job applications, all you’ll get for your efforts are heaps of rejections. Only apply for jobs that are a good fit for you.