Career Counselling, Career Consulting, Planning and Resume Writing Services
Category: Career Counselling
Career Counselling – it’s more than just online or paper based career interests, aptitudes and personality testing and reporting– it is about fundamentally understanding at an in-depth level the individual pieces which make up the whole of you and utilising this information to empower you to achieve you career goals regardless of your background or life circumstances.
CAREER COUNSELLING DURING THE PANDEMIC – Blu Ripples Survey
Blu Ripples is interested in hearing from individuals aged 15 years + (both in Australia and overseas) in relation to their experiences of the pandemic and the impact the pandemic has had on their career.
In our short 10 questions question survey we ask a range of questions to understanding your individual circumstances and ascertain how we can potentially help you moving forward.
If you have a few minutes to spare we would greatly appreciate it if you would complete the following survey – simply click on the link below:-
then from the commencement of the program fast forward to about 7 minutes and 30 seconds to hear the commencement of segement; it goes for about 13 mintues in totality.
Tonight at 7.10pm I will interviewed by Louise Saunders from ABC Radio (Hobart) on Career Change; the segment will go for 10-12 mintues and cover a range of issues.
For those who are keen to listen to the interview please click on the link below which will take you to their website where you can listen online to the program.
Earlier this week a career counselling client whom currently works in the real estate industry asked me “Katherine, should I bother applying for jobs now or should I wait until the Coronavirus settles down”?
My answer in short was YES and NO; let me explain: –
Applying for Jobs – A Career Counsellors Perspective
From my perspective, it really depends on the industries and occupations that you are applying.
For example if you are wanting to enter the Travel and Hospitality Industry for example now is not a good time to apply for positions when the industry is making thousands of individuals redundant.
If, however you are seeking employment in industries that are not directly impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) then yes keep applying for positions.
Boom and Bust Industries – A quick overview
My rationale in relation to the above, is that whilst many industries are taking a hard hit with massive job losses and redundancies (the latest been Virgin Airlines) there are other industries, sectors and occupations that are experiencing mega growth and cannot keep up with the demand for example lets look at the big Supermarket chains e.g. Woolworths and Coles whom are struggling to re-stock the shelves and whom are also putting out a call to arms for administration officers and logistics coordinators etc. as they have more positions than they can fill – from what I have heard they just want people who want to work – is that you?
Other sectors that are experiencing a boom because of the COVID-19 are Medical, Transport and Logistics, Nursing, Pharmaceuticals, Video Conferencing and Telecommunications; and what about Community Services, Counselling, Welfare and Social Services; whilst we have not heard much about these industries at the moment it is my prediction that as more and more individuals and families are placed into lockdown it is an unfortunate side-effect that more and more of the general population will struggle to cope and as a result it is highly probable that domestic and family violence will increase and thus the potential for more children to be taken out of their homes and placed into care e.g. Foster Care.
By the way let’s not forget about the associated sectors, industries and occupations that support and/or supply these sectors and industries for example the medical field are in short supply of N95 masks at the moment; there in itself is a wide range of sectors, industries and occupations that will experience a boom from manufacturing (hiring individuals to make and ship the masks), to the wholesaler who buys and supplies to the retailer whom them onsells to the medical industry; to import and export trade, transport and logistics to get the masks from the wharfs and drop off locations around Australia to the hospitals and medical facilities around the nation, to the administrators in the offices who are ordering the supplies…. the list could go on and on….
Thus, my point is as one industry crashes and burns (for the short term or maybe longer term) there will be other industries that come in and take their place in terms of growth and employment opportunities. The question is how badly do you want to work, will you only take a job that is/was similar or comparable to your old one or will you take a job in a different industry or sector at a similar pay level or maybe less that is not ideal role but at the end of the day pays and puts food on the table.
Labour Market and Economic Concerns if you do not take employment opportunities when they present themselves
My concern as an individual and career counsellor is the demand that is going to be placed on the welfare system now and the long term impact of this on the economy once we recover; we have had a horrific time of late with bushfires, floods and now the Corona Virus (COVID-19) what is this going to do to our insurance (another industry that is likely to boom as a result of claims been made) from commercial and house insurance claims to income protection insurance payouts.
Now is the time to seize the day and keep on top of your career to the best of your ability; to seize the opportunities when they come in so you don’t struggle as an individual or provider for your family but also to grasp these opportunities so that we as a community and proud nation do not suffer to consequences of a recession or depression as a result of this period of time.
OK, You made me think – I want to apply for jobs but I don’t know where to start?
You know what, that is OK, that is what career counselling professionals like I am here for to help you figure out your career pathway, career options, key transferable skills, professional attributes and strengths; to empower you and help you write employment documentation so that you feel confident in your skills, capabilities and experiences and the application of same moving forward whatever that likes like.
So give me a call and let’s have a chat about how to get you from been stuck to a place of positive movement forward; remember baby steps – one at a time will get you to where you want to be a lot faster than not taking any steps at all while you wait to see what happens.
Defence Force Spouse or Partner
As outlined in my article How to access FREE Career Counselling during pandemic – Defence Spouses/Partners it is possible for you to access Career Counselling and Employment Assistance Services if you are eligible and have located within the last 12 months to the value of $1500.00 through the PEAP Program; so if you are not sure where to start, are struggling to find a new career or restart your career particularly in these difficult economic times please make use of this facility and telephone Blu Ripples we will be happy to provide you with a PEAP Quotation and subsequently provide you with the nominated services upon approval by the Defence.
Blu Ripples Career Counselling & Consulting Services (including Resume Writing Services) is open and running as normal through the Corona Virus pandemic and offering you or your loved one career services through the comfort and safety of your home via telephone or Zoom consultation.
So if you are considering your career options or maybe you have been made redundant and are seeking help to:-
Call us today and start a career conversation, there is no judgement here – just listening and support.
HELPING YOU THROUGH REDUNDANCY AND THE PANDEMIC
As an individual, I have been through redundancy myself and have also helped helped thousands of individuals over the years through career transition be it voluntary or forced (through redundancy or employment separation).
All I can say, is reach out and make the most of this time with a Career Counselling or Career Consulting session. Together we can analyse where you are now where you want to be in the future, develop a plan, take action steps so that you are ready to capture opportunities as they prepare themselves.
LABOUR MARKET CONSIDERATIONS
Remember the labour market maybe tighter now because so many individuals are out of work but it does not mean that there are no opportunities out there for you it just means need to be resourceful and possibly look at different options until the pandemic is over.
OTHER SERVICES AND RESOURCES
Finally, I believe it to be beneficial to mention that as a nationally registered Counsellor (with the Australian Counselling Association), I am also in a position to provide Personal Counselling Services to clients who maybe struggling with fears, worries or general anxiety as a result of the changes that are occurring as a result of the pandemic – so if you are struggling and want to talk – I am here
So How Does This Free Career Counselling and Employment Assistance Services Work?
First and foremost your spouse or partner must be a Defence force member and meet the PEAP Eligibility Guidelines (click on link it will take you to them); once you have assessed if you are eligible it is simply a matter of contacting me (on 1300 300 557 or info@bluripples.com.au) to discuss your individual needs; I will then prepare a detailed PEAPS Quotation in accordance with Defence requirements and forward this to you for submission to the Defence.
There are two options for payment: –
Pays me directly and the submit a reimbursement to Defence;
or
Wait until Defence processes and approves your application and they can pay me directly (so you are not out of pocket in anyway).
Once the Defence has approved the nominated services you will have 6 months to undertake the nominated services.
What Career Counselling and Employment Assistance Services can I access?
Through this program you can access a range of Career Counselling and Employment Assistance Services including:-
Development of a personalised resume and/or resume coaching
Identification of transferable skills
Employment options and job placement advice
Job search techniques and strategies
Development of online employment profile (e.g. LinkedIn)
Application and preparation of selection criteria
Preparation and presentation for interview; and
Other professional employment services (to be discussed prior to applying through the department)
to find out more about the program and services you can access through the PEAP program view the current PEAP Application documentation through our website.
But what the about the Corona Virus – Do I have to physically come to see you?
NO, whilst many clients love to come to my office for a face to face chat; it is possible to work with you from anywhere in Australia or around the world for that matter via telephone or Zoom – see there are lots of options available – so lets work together and see which is the best one for you.
Hmmm maybe I should wait until this is all over until I access the Career Counselling and Employment Assistant Services
That is your call at the end of the day, I believe in free will, but let’s for one moment look at this from a different perspective.
Why now: –
That is an easy question to answer: –
It is a free service to you – it will not cost you a thing if you put the application in and wait
for the Defence to pay me directly; they will stay in contact with you and tell
you if it is approved and paid – just as I will
You are more likely to have a little bit of extra time now to focus on
you – if you are in
isolation for two weeks or if we all go into lockdown for a period of time you
will have the time to speak to me and work through the process if you have the
approval already
There is no physical face to face contact – you and your loved ones are
perfectly safe – although
Skype and Zoom over the ability to see each other face to face via web camera
if you have this available to you
Act now
while there are plenty of Defence employees to review and authorize the PEAP
quotation (normally up to 30 days), is the virus takes the authorization process
could be longer and or if the virus spreads it is possible divisions or areas maybe
shut down– it is possible
Get in while you can – whilst the government is handing out stimulus packages at the moment
there are no guarantees that when things settle down that programs like this
maybe stopped in order to recover from the economic impact; if you wait you may
miss out
Stay ahead of the pack; find out what your strengths and development areas are utilise this knowledge to develop a career and/or academic plan to move forward while others are waiting for this to be over; then grab the opportunities when they become available – during or after the pandemic.
Career Counselling: – I had a client yesterday tell me that their boss sent them to Melbourne for a work trip and when they got back even though they had not been around people with the coronavirus and displayed no signs and symptoms that the boss insisted (mandated) that they go into lock down for two weeks and work from home; a difficult task when you are in the real estate business.
In outside world, I am hearing on the news that industries such as musicians, airlines, conference centres etc are all been restricted in some way due to conditions placed on public events and not gathering in groups of 500 or more; the economic impact is that this potentially will have a devastating impact on our economy and take some time to recover.
On the positive side, the crazy panic buying that everyone is engaged in at the moment is seeing Coles employ another 5000 casual employees nationwide to cope with the demands; so whilst some industries are clearly struggling others are growing in terms of labour requirements at the moment so much so that they are not coping with the demands just look at what is happening in Woolworths, doctors surgeries etc the lines are so long and supplies are in short supply (both material and labour).
So what we have here from a very clinical point of view is the Labour Market expanding and contracting, shifting and changing, to adapt to a new (hopefully temporary) world where it is said that the vast majority of the world’s population will contract the virus on some scale over the coming months from what I read an estimated 80%.
Thus, the
question is not will I get the virus but when I get the virus what will I do.
At the
moment the self-isolation period is for 2 weeks in which time you are not to
leave your house and potentially infect others, so if you are sick please
adhere to this, but in the meantime from a career point of few what can you do
to manage your career.
CAREER PLANNING STRATEGIES TO EXECUTE OVER SELF ISOLATION PERIOD
First and foremost if you are employed on a full time, part time or casual basis explore options where you can minimise going into work for example what remote working strategies are available to you? Have a sensible and realistic conversation with your employer about working from home, the guidelines, expectations and boundaries around this.
When you are required to self-isolate use this time review your career – for example
Ask yourself – Are you hitting your career goals? If no – why not?
Pinpoint your happiness and satisfaction scale – Are you happy in your present job – if yes great – what can you do to take the next action step in your career or if no what are you unhappy about – are you feeling frustrated, lost confused etc?
Has it been a little while since you update your Resume or CV, LinkedIn, Seek profile now is the time to do this either yourself or through someone like me that offers telephone and online consultations (as well normally face to face consults –as long as you are not infected or come into contact with others who potentially or who have recently travelled overseas)
If you are not sure about what it is that you want to do in your career, or maybe you have been in a career for a while and want to try something new – now is the time to explore either through Career Planning Services with someone like me or explore career options and labour market statistics online and find out what is available
As I tell many clients, think about what your values, motives, needs and wants are in terms of employment opportunities and environments and create your own Selection Criteria so when you are reviewing job advertisements on line and wondering is this for me you have something to refer back to – a tick box of sorts, to help you define if this is the right opportunity to pursue or not at this present point in time – will it help you achieve your long term career objectives.
Develop an Academic Planning Strategy – identify where you are in your career and what qualifications or continual professional development courses you need to undertake in order to reach that next opportunity and confidently apply for it.
Review TAFE and University programs offered on line and on campus, what are the educational requirements you need to undertake a course i.e. ATAR’s, recognised prior learnings, are these courses accredited by industry bodies, will the course help you gain industry recognition upon completion.
If you are a partner of a Defence personneland have recently moved to a new location check out the PEAP program and see what services you can access, telephone someone like me and ask for a quote, put that quote in and get the ball rolling in terms of the approval process and moving forward with Career Counselling and Employment Assistance Services
Explore your Professional and/or Leadership Strengths and Competencies through a Workplace Personality Index; identify your strengths as well as your areas of development and set a plan to address any areas that you need to develop; look into online continual professional development – short courses and increase your competency and competence.
In short whilst the Corona Virus will have an impact on the labour market and the economy in general it does not have to be all doom and gloom every – focus on the positive what you can achieve during this down time, make use of it attend a Career Counselling session – create a career plan – grow, develop and evolve as an individual and professional during this time and then when things start to recover you will be in a better position to capture new and exciting opportunities as you have capitalised on the down time rather than squandering it.
Make a solid choice to use this time wisely to plan your career and make your future goals a reality by doing your research now.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Katherine is the Founder of Blu Ripples a specialist Career Counselling and Consulting practice located in Port Stephens NSW. Katherine is a nationally registered Career Development Specialist and Counsellor; is a Professional Member of the Career Development Association of Australia, Member of the Australian Counselling Association of Australia and Australian Association for Psychological Type. Katherine has worked in private practice since 2003 and prior to that worked in the corporate sector for a period of 12 years predominantly in Human Resources and Administration.
Authors Notation: As a result of writing and publishing this article one was invited by ABC Radio (Hobart) to participate in an interview on Career Change with the renowned Louise Saunders on 18th May 2020 at 7.10pm; to listen to the program segement click hereand fast forward to 7 min 30 into the commencement of the program.
Co-Design National Skills Commission Workshop –Sydney 2019
Federal Career Counselling and Career Development Initiatives
As you may recall in the Federal Budget this year (2019) the government announced that it will be launching a National Skills Commission as part of a federally funded skills package.
In addition to the above, insight was gained into key vocational employment growth sectors over next 5 years been:-
Aged and Disability Carers – 69.2%
Child Care – 27.6%; and
Waiters – 21.%
with the other top 7 sectors ranging from 10.5% to 18.8% growth.
As a result of attending the workshop, key career knowledge was obtained that will be invaluable helping clients in exploring Vocational Education Pathways over the short to medium term.
Learning Outcomes for Co-Design Workshop
The Co-Design workshop also provided a golden opportunity for me, as a qualified Career Development Specialist whom lives and works in a regional area; for instance it enabled me to share information in relation to the specific challenges and needs not only for industry but regional community areas and members.
Indeed it will be interesting in due course to hear the findings and recommendations from the national workshops and how we as participating professionals and individuals contributed to the shaping and molding of the National Careers Institute, National Skills Commission and Skills Organisation.
In conclusion, Blu Ripples was proud to participate in the event and also be able to provide meaningful career guidance, insight and perspective to our clients.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Katherine is the Founder of Blu Ripples a specialist Career Counselling and Consulting practice located in Port Stephens NSW. Katherine is a nationally registered Career Development Specialist and Counsellor; is a Professional Member of the Career Development Association of Australia, Member of the Australian Counselling Association of Australia and Australian Association for Psychological Type. Katherine has worked in private practice since 2003 and prior to that worked in the corporate sector for a period of 12 years predominantly in Human Resources and Administration.
