Managing director, Careerlife Ltd and Job Connections

Name: Anna de Valk
Age: 36
Pay: Between $35,000 to $60,000 depending on workload and responsibilities.
Job title: Managing director of Careerlife Ltd and Job Connections.
Working hours: 40-50 hours weekly.
Employer: Self-employed.
Qualifications: A double major degree in sociology and employment relations and a graduate certificate in career development.

What do you do?

Through my ACC vocational rehabilitation role I provide services to people who have had an injury that prevents them from working and are in the process of moving back into the workforce.

I conduct occupational assessments to identify a person's transferable skills and discuss work roles that the person is able to do. I also work with people to help them gain current work experience, write CVs, coach in interview skills and job search techniques and help people find jobs.

For WINZ clients we discuss career options, training requirements, goal-setting and strategies for a successful return to work. For private-career counselling I go with the needs and wants of clients. This could include finding out what drives/motivates people, dealing with redundancy, creating work/life balance, CVs, job search techniques, and networking.

Why did you choose this job?

I'm interested in the choices people make and the influences that determine these choices, such as social structures in society. The meanings we give things and the way we order our lives as a society interests me. I've also always been one to want to help others and that's a big part of my job.

What skills do you need to become a career consultant?

Empathy and listening skills are really important, as is the ability to communicate with people from differing backgrounds. Judgments need to be cast aside and you need to have a genuine desire to work with people to empower them. The ability to write reports and manage time is also crucial. Best part of your job?

I enjoy seeing people realise their goals and dreams. I also enjoy flexibility and variety in my job.

Most challenging/difficult part of your job?

Curbing my urges to follow different career paths myself. What other people do for a living interests me and I'm often tempted to try something new.

What sort of training do you get?

To be a professional member of the Career Practitioners' Association of NZ you must complete a minimum of 50 hours of professional development annually. I attend workshops and courses throughout the year and participate in professional supervision.

What would I need to do your job?

To work as an occupational assessor for ACC you need a degree relevant to vocational rehabilitation, such social science, psychology or human resources. You need two years' experience in the careers field and must be a member of a relevant professional association.

What are the career prospects?

Career consulting skills can be transferred into various other occupations, including life or corporate coaching, career advising in schools, career counselling, case management, for example with ACC or WINZ, private insurance companies or large organisations.

Other opportunities include work in the disability or mental health sector, project co-ordination for specific labour market or social initiatives, contract management, policy work and advising for Government organisations.

Any interesting one-off projects?

Every person I meet is a one-off, and all are very interesting.

What advice would you give someone considering this career?

You will get the most out of this occupation if you have a genuine interest in people and their lives. Career consulting attracts those with energy and enthusiasm and it is a great time to investigate opportunities in the careers industry because it's still young.