Start writing your career story
Every great future begins with a first step. Choosing a direction after school can feel overwhelming — but nobody should have to figure it out alone. As a career coaching specialist based in Hamilton and working with young people nationwide, I’ll help you discover what matters, find your confidence, and map out practical next steps. Sessions always focus on your story, your strengths, and turning your ideas into action.
Uncover your strengths. Understand your values. Explore your skills & interests.
Write your action plan.
Own your career story!
Give your Teen a Xmas Gift for Life
Giving a gift of clarity is one of the best gifts you can give a young person. This year, instead of byying them another thing that gathers dust, give then something that genuinely impacts their future.
4 hours of 1:1 Career Coaching Sessions with a career development specialist.
Career coaching you can really count on
I'm Kathy, a Career Development Specialist with a genuine love of helping young people navigate life after school. Since launching Career Story and Co, I’ve worked one-on-one with both teenagers and twenty-somethings who feel uncertain, stuck, or simply want extra support. My approach is friendly, practical, and focused entirely on you — developed from having navigated multiple career transitions myself - I understand the challenges, doubts and excitement that come with career finding. I've been the uncertain student, the career changer, the person questioning if I was on the right path. This lived experience, combined with my professional expertise, allows me to meet you wherever you are in your journey. You’ll never find judgement or pressure here, only guidance and opportunities to learn more about yourself.
1:1 Personalised Coaching
My Career DiscoverYou programme offers 1:1 personalised career coaching over four one-hour sessions that help uncover your interests, strengths, skills and values. It helps you make more informed decisions about future career pathways. This practical, supportive approach starts with honest conversations and real tools, leading to insight that lasts.
Career assessments
I use the Morrisby Profile, Myers-Briggs Strong Interests Inventory or the Cappfinity Strengths Profile alongside other tools and activities to reveal what energises and motivates you. These career coaching tools help you better understand yourself and your next steps.
Action planning
Together we create a plan, breaking down big decisions into small, doable steps. Each plan is unique, built around your own skills and future goals—so your next chapter truly fits you.
Guidance that grows confidence
Real clarity comes from being able to articulate who you are. With the right support, uncertainty becomes informed confident choices. Whether you’re starting to think about university, trades, or going straight into work, I help you develop practical tools to explore options and learn about roles and industries where you can thrive.
Trust your next steps
What sets my approach apart is genuine listening. Every client is treated as an individual with a unique story. Instead of one-size-fits-all advice, I offer real conversations, proven activities, and support that fits your world. I’ve seen clients move from doubt to action and from confusion to feeling calm about the future. If you’re seeking career coaching that feels approachable and honest, you’ll find a safe place to plan your next chapter here.
I thought everybody could do those things, now I know they are my strengths. Completing the Morrisby Profile has helped me to better understand my strengths, interests and study options. Kathy didn't just tell me what to study, instead she helped me to... take action.
THEO, 17 YEARS OLD
“Enter a testimonial text here from a real customer here. Make sure that it's authentic and relevant to your audience and their needs. It is best to keep it brief and to the point. Make sure the testimonial isn't too long. One paragraph should be plenty enough to read."
Sally Grey
“Enter a testimonial text here from a real customer here. Make sure that it's authentic and relevant to your audience and their needs. It is best to keep it brief and to the point. Make sure the testimonial isn't too long. One paragraph should be plenty enough to read."
Helen Collier
Ready to shift from just hoping things will work out to building a future you actually want—one that makes sense for who you are and what matters most?
FAQs
How does career coaching work?
Career coaching at Career Story and Co is a supportive process. The 'Career DiscoverYou' programme includes four one-hour sessions. Starting with your own experiences and insights, I help you identify strengths, interests, skills and values using proven assessments and practical activities. Together, we talk about what excites you and where you might want to go. Instead of just giving advice, I ask questions, share tools, and encourage you to think about what really matters. By the final session, you’ll have more clarity and a plan for actions you can take, whether that’s choosing subjects, deciding on study options, or looking at exploring work ideas or opportunities. All sessions are designed to be relaxed and helpful, no matter your background or goals.
Who can use these services?
Teenagers in years 11 to 13, recent school leavers, and anyone preparing for life after secondary school can benefit from career coaching. Most of my clients are working out what’s next — perhaps choosing between university or trades, feeling lost after high school, or wanting a better sense of direction. If you have questions or feel unsure, you’re in the right place. Parents often get in touch on behalf of teens who need a bit of guidance too. Sessions are suitable across New Zealand, via in-person meetings around Hamilton or virtually if you’re elsewhere. If you’re ready to start shaping your career story, the process is easy to begin and fully tailored to each person.
What is included in a typical coaching programme?
A typical programme includes four sessions with me, Kathy, your career development specialist. The first session focuses on your current story — what you’re interested in, what you have enjoyed, and where you feel stuck. Next, we use professional tools like the Morrisby Profile or Myers-Briggs Interests Inventory or Cappfinity Strengths Profile, to help build a picture of who you are if that will help. Throughout the Career DiscoverYou programme, I use practical activities (sometimes with cards sorts) and real conversations around values, strengths, and ideas for the future. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your options and a plan to move forward. You’ll also get practical resources you can keep. My goal is to help you feel confident, less anxious, and ready to take charge of your career decisions.
What makes this different?
At Career Story and Co, the focus is always on you as an individual and working in partnership with you. I never push you towards a certain job or path. Instead, I listen and help you discover what fits, based on your values and natural talents. My training as a Career Development Specialist means I bring real tools and methods, but always in a way that feels supportive and down-to-earth. Clients say they feel seen and heard, not just told what to do. The process is warm, friendly, and practical: helping you write your own next chapter instead of simply following someone else’s ideas. I offer coaching to anyone across New Zealand looking for career support that truly suits them.
How do I start?
Getting started is simple. Reach out via email to kathy@careerstory.co.nz or call 021.859.003. I will respond promptly to arrange a first conversation where you can share a bit about you or your teenager's situation and goals. There’s no pressure to commit; this first contact is just a chat to see if career coaching is a good fit. Once you decide to go ahead, we’ll book your first one-hour session and outline the process. Sessions can happen in-person in Hamilton, but I meet with clients right across New Zealand online as well. You’ll receive all information about the costs, how assessments work, and how to prepare—so you can start building your career story with confidence.