Liz is based near Malvern, West Midlands. After leaving her retail management trainee position at Marks & Spencer in 1984, she embarked on an intriguing career journey spanning more than three decades, diversifying her roles and responsibilities along the way. She is now a highly qualified career development professional with a degree from Exeter University and a postgraduate Diploma in Careers Guidance from South Bank Polytechnic, along with NVQ assessor units D32/33. She was recognised as a Fellow of the Career Development Institute in 2023.

Career Path and Turning Points 

From starting as a trainee careers adviser in 1986 to becoming self-employed in 2013, Liz’s journey has been rich and varied. Liz reflects: 

“The turning point in my career came when I switched from retail management to a Master’s level Diploma in Careers Guidance as a trainee. This dramatic change utilised my degree and experience in a sector that I have come to love deeply.  Gaining experience with different projects and management roles, and on-going training delivery and assessment for high quality careers education, built a range of skills and knowledge that subsequently helped me in successful self-employment.” 

Further, she adds: 

“Training on personality type 20 years ago gave me an ongoing understanding of myself and others, which still assists me in my personal and professional life.” 

Overcoming Challenges and Notable Achievements 

Liz faced significant challenges including a divorce, encountering workplace bullying and structural changes, noting that these experiences allowed her to develop resilience. A golden nugget Liz shares with us is “all of us build on where we have been before.” 

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of her profession, Liz saw the careers sector transform dramatically. 

“These changes, as we moved from local authority to Connexions to the current model, presented a myriad of challenges. But I approached each with continued attention to detail and professionalism, adapting to the current situation, engaging in a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and networking to build contacts and maintain visibility of my service and our profession.” 

“Being part of the CDI has enhanced my ability to overcome challenges. It has given me a strong foundation of colleagues, resources, CPD, and interesting projects, all of which have contributed to improving my practice.” 

On her notable achievements, Liz says: 

“In 2013, I was awarded the Christine Thomas Award for Innovation in Careers Education and Guidance by the Association for Careers Education and Guidance. In 2023, I received the Fellowship of CDI. These recognitions have been high points in my career, reflecting my commitment and contribution to the sector.” 

Favourite Career Theories 

Liz's favourite theories are; Planned Happenstance by Krumboltz and Levin, because it highlights the importance of being ready for opportunities as they come, which gave her confidence in her decisions; and new DOTS by Bill Law and Tony Watts, as this emphasises career learning areas and the importance of community and progression in careers learning.  These are incorporated into the CDI’s career learning framework.   

A Day in the Life with Liz 

As told by Liz, a typical day starts early: 

“I start my emails at about 7am and then go and get some exercise as I muck out my rescue donkeys and check on the other animals in my smallholding. The routine gives me thinking time and I often get my ideas whilst walking round the fields."

"Meetings can start from 8am, which is when I meet with Dave Cordle on a Monday. He and I moderate the CDI Facebook Community of Practice which I really enjoy doing. This is a great start to the week! "

"The rest of the day varies as it might include 1-1 guidance with clients from all over the world and in different time zones (I’ve been working online since 2013), writing up notes, providing online mentoring, adding resources to the Community of Practice on Facebook, preparing for a school or college Quality in Careers Standard assessment, or reading up on some information that I need to check out. "

"I regularly mix my paid work with voluntary activities which include primary school liaison for my local library and some adult guidance, helping out at a care farm, and organising a charity website." 

"My last client meetings are at 5pm and then I spend time winding down on my smallholding or veg plot. The animals teach me a lot about communication methods, the importance of nurturing and the difficulties of farming. Emails finally finish when I go to bed!" 

Future Outlook and Key Learnings 

Reflecting on the industry’s future, Liz shares her optimism and concerns: 

“Career development is more critical than ever, despite challenges in funding and the number of new career development professional entrants. I am optimistic about the future, seeing the CDI going from strength to strength with a superb strategy to raise the profile and delivery of career education, information, advice, and guidance across the UK.” 

From her journey, she emphasises; “Things can go wrong, but it’s essential not to dwell on them and move on.” 

Liz’s Tips for Aspiring Career Development Professionals 

What drove you towards your career in careers? Strong social conscience, interest in developing people to reach their potential.  I’ve always enjoyed being within education and learning about different employment practices. 

Do you have an anecdote or memorable experience from your career? Delivering whole school training using Lego with the different pieces representing different parts of a career and to represent that each career path differs according to education, training, work, volunteering, family.  This was powerful not just for them but remains a strong visual for me to confirm that career is the collection of activities in life, not just our paid activity.  I can say this with confidence now that I look back over nearly 4 decades of work. 

What is your personal work philosophy or guiding principles?  Make a positive difference and show respect to all.  This applies in my paid and voluntary roles. Like my animals, use my ears more than my voice – but occasionally make a noise about the value of my work!   

Do you have any role models or significant influences that shaped your career?  Too many to mention, but I’ve had some wonderful managers both in careers service and college who trusted me to lead fantastic projects. I have been fortunate enough to work alongside amazing colleagues and leading figures in the careers world. I will always remember my very first Marks and Spencer manager kept telling us young trainees: always be one step ahead. So I try to be prepared. An enduring influence has been my involvement in careers quality standard, Career Mark since the mid -1990s. 

Any key learning points from your journey? Work together – with the CDI especially – and remember that it is definitely a journey.  Things can and do go wrong so try not to dwell on them and move on.  Balance life and work with interests. Oh, and if you’re self-employed, remember it’s up to you to do EVERYTHING!   

What advice would you give those new to the profession? Maximise opportunities to network and be proactive in making contacts: plan your happenstance, as it were. Spend time with employers to learn about a range of workplaces and needs. Be prepared to diversify in the work that you do in career development.   

And finally, any advice for those looking to pursue a similar career path? Ask questions, listen, and observe lots of people with a range of roles in the sector. You will learn so much!