Career Counsellor/Small Business Adviser

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  1. Name
    Sally O'Keeffe


  2. Age
    33


  3. Job Title
    Director, CareerGirl


  4. Job Description
    I am a career counsellor and small business adviser, specialising in female clients.


  5. Hours (per week)
    30-40 hours per week


  6. What was your first job?
    A shop assistant in a bookshop at Circular Quay.


  7. What inspired you to choose this particular career?
    I love helping others to feel better about themselves! I worked in banking and recruitment before training as a high school teacher, and I taught Economics, Business Studies, Commerce and Careers for seven years. I decided that I wanted to make a contribution to those already out there in the work world, and established CareerGirl in 2000. I feel passionately about loving the work you do, and I try to motivate and inspire young women to choose careers suitable for them. That is, a career that allows you to shine!


  8. What qualifications/experience are needed to work in this field?
    I have a Bachelor's degree in Economics plus a Graduate Diploma in Education. I have also studied career counselling and behavioural psychology. My teaching experience counts for a lot in this field. Qualifications in human resource management and/or psychology are very helpful.


  9. What are the best aspects about your job?
    Seeing the confidence grow in my clients! Many come to me confused and frustrated with their jobs, and with limiting self-beliefs. After even a couple of sessions, they have a broader perspective about what they can do and how to get the job of their dreams. Some start their own businesses and we work on their plans together. I love empowering people at any time, but I particularly love it when working at CareerGirl!


  10. What are the worst aspects?
    There aren't any, really!


  11. How many years' experience do you have in this field?
    8, including all the years I taught Careers Education to high school students.


  12. Are there many employment opportunities?
    Usually career counselors work at universities and schools. There are fewer who are in private practice. Centrelink and recruitment agencies will often employ qualified career counselors. It is a specialised field.


  13. What makes you angry (at work or anytime)?
    Thoughtlessness and a lack of consideration.


  14. What are you passionate about?
    Treating others with kindness, love and respect, plus motivating them to strive for the best in life.


  15. Your favourite place in the world, and why?
    I love Paris because it is romantic and cosmopolitan. I love Sydney because it is home.


  16. What is your idea of the perfect day?
    Sailing on Sydney Harbour, with a bit of shopping in the morning and cocktails in the evening!


  17. Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life (that you believe) A passionate commitment to the values/people important to you;
    a sense of humour to see you through the hard times; integrity, so you'll have nothing to worry about (!); a compassionate, loving and forgiving attitude towards others, as we are all only human after all; and a support network of people to carry you when you're tired.

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