Hello! I’m Amanda, a career development practitioner and a military family employment advocate.
When I talk about ‘career’ I’m not talking about the traditional concept of a job for life and a corporate ladder. Careers encompass our work, learning and leisure activities and all our different life roles. Everyone has a career and everyone’s career is different. I focus on helping people whose careers are a little more unique than most – military families, veterans, transitioning ADF members and other intrepid career adventurers.
I also recognize that individual support, whilst essential, isn’t the whole picture. The context in which people are making their career decisions is a key influence. So as well as helping individuals I’ve spent many years drawing attention and identifying solutions to the barriers that exist to meaningful and sustainable employment. I have advised government departments, advocacy organizations, employers and the career development sector on the challenges and opportunities associated with military family and veteran employment . My 2017 Churchill Fellowship forged strong international connections with military spouse employment stakeholders around the world. I have presented at international conferences and delivered the very successful inaugural International Military Spouse Employment Summit in 2021. As a qualified career development practitioner I draw on theory and best practice to provide advice on designing and delivering effective employment support programs. In 2022 I was awarded the Prime Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Veteran and/or Partner Employment.
Careers are a large part of our lives and the financial and health benefits of decent, meaningful and sustainable work can’t be underestimated. I am a firm believer that the quality of career information, advice and support matters a great deal. That’s why I am committed to adhering to the Career Industry Council of Australia Professional Standards.
I have had the privilege of living and working on lands across Australia and the USA. I currently live on Ngunnawal Country and pay my respects to Elders past and present.
To learn more about me visit my profile on LinkedIn
My formal qualifications:
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biological Sciences (University of Newcastle)
Master of Studies (Australian National University)
Graduate Certificate of Career Development (Swinburne University)
Bachelor of Laws (currently completing) (University of Canberra)
My professional memberships:
Professional Member of the Career Development Association of Australia
Registered Professional Career Development Practitioner with the Career Industry Council of Australia
Member of the National Career Development Association (United States of America)
Churchill Fellow and ACT Churchill Fellows Association committee member
