Client Feedback

Julie, I have so much to thank you for. You truly gave me the focus, ideas and support I needed to get myself out of a real life funk. I wanted to let you know since meeting with you and successfully reentering my degree at Melbourne uni, I’ve maintained a consistent firs class honours average, I have just one a half semesters left, and, most importantly I have been the media officer for my favourite charity for the past 6 months, which is a dream job. On top of it all, I am in a really good position with my other passion, my acting career and somehow managing to find balance with it all.

So really I’d just like to let you know that I am so thankful for the support you gave me – you’re amazing at what you do, and I hope all is going well for you. Thanks again Julie.

Young adult returning to university

Julie, I am writing to thank you as I have just accepted an early round offer for my preference for a Bachelor of human services/Master of social work at La Tribe university. I cried when I found out and I would never have been here without your guidance. You do an amazing job and I am so grateful to you. I hope you know how much you can move someone’s life in a new, exciting direction.

Young adult transitioning from arts to care profession

I really enjoyed working with you. Your methodology and advice has really helped me to focus and think outside the box.

French male logistics industry
LinkedIn review

I can’t recommend Julie enough. I approached Julie (recommended through a friend who had also had great success with her) when I was struggling with my career path and direction in general. Julie helped me enormously. Julie covers all bases – she carefully dissects and considers who you are as a person; interests, skill set, personality, strengths and weaknesses, and past and current experiences in the workforce; successes, failures, environments in which you thrive or suffer. she helped me put together an impressive and competitive CV and aided with the cover letter process, whilst also providing a wealth of supporting materials. Julie was thorough, proactive and creative in her approach to marrying these strengths and providing realistic suggestions for specific organisations and roles in which I would succeed.

Julie’s industry knowledge is deep; she provided a realistic account of what each role would entail, and whether or not it would speak to my strengths as an individual on both a personal and a professional level. Outside of our one on one consultations, Julie has continued to provide advice, support and guidance with application processes and my career overall. I would recommend Julie not just from a career perspective, but from a personal one too, through allowing you to recognise and achieve your full potential.

Pharmaceutical Representative transitioning to Teaching (Female)

Julie was a great source of advice and encouragement during my period of unemployment. She helped me develop and refine my search strategy and to polish up my CV. She came up with good ideas for new approaches to finding potential employers and helped me extend my network. But just as importantly, perhaps more so, she was a constant source of optimism. During the inevitable slow periods her positive focus re-energised me and got the process back on track.

I had been out of work for 2 years before I started career counselling with Julie, but I developed confidence quickly whilst being supported by her and ended up with a great executive job again within a few months. I wholeheartedly recommend her services.

International Mining Executive (Corporate Affairs)

During a challenging transitional period in my career, I decided I needed some career support/guidance. I found Julie’s details online. Julie enabled me to refocus on my career strengths and interests and gave me renewed energy to get my career back on track. I am about to start a new job and I firmly believe the work I did with Julie helped me land this position. It was an absolute pleasure to meet and work with Julie.

Engineer (Male)

Julie has been my career coach during my period as a new graduate. Julie’s help has been completely invaluable in the period of going from being a new graduate to getting a first professional job. Further, working with Julie has been a holistic process, that is, the focus has not just been ‘to get a job’ but rather on the process of getting to know you and your strengths – which is crucial as a graduate. This clarification of my strengths and interests as well as my hopes and goals has helped me realise what opportunities there are out there that are right for me and has given me the confidence to go for them!

Also, I always enjoyed the sessions with Julie, she’s eternally optimistic and good fun, she makes the whole process entirely pain-free. I would recommend Julie’s services to anyone completely wholeheartedly, they are an investment worth making, whatever career centred transition you may be going through.

Female University Graduate (Arts)

I was transitioning from a long career in the Australian Department of Defence and found Julie through the CDAA. Her flexibility in being able to connect with me whilst I was relocating between States started the relationship well. Julie took the time to meet with me several times to understand my beliefs and values before suggesting possible sectors that I could explore for my next career. Julie’s support and perspective were invaluable in opening my eyes to a number of new opportunities and directions that I would not have considered on my own. Julie’s guidance assisted me to transition successfully to a position managing a social enterprise in the Not For Profit Sector.

It was a pleasure to be supported by Julie during an important life transition. Her genuine interest in helping people exceeded my expectations every time we met and I would recommend her to anyone who wants a professional service that supports the individual.

Australian Department of Defence (Male)

Julie has been a fantastic resource both in terms of helping me identify what career path is best suited to my interests and working style, but also in very practical terms of how best to get there. I had been bouncing around different industries for years chasing new opportunities but without much structure or direction, finding that I was constantly moving sideways in my career, not forwards. Julie spent our first session really getting to know my skill sets and interests, and helped me identify a variety of roles that would not only compliment these, but would keep me engaged over the decades to come. She was able to re-frame my past experiences into something more cohesive that helped me to appreciate where my strengths lie, and taught me how to articulate this effectively in both CV and interview format.

She has helped me make strategic decisions about my next steps (both short and long term) and has excellent insights into future developments across a huge range of industries. I find Julie to be wonderfully warm and encouraging, and each session I leave her office feeling considerable more hopeful, excite and prepared for the future.

Psychology student transitioning to a role in Psychology (Female)

I met Julie when I was looking for a way to get back into corporate IT project work after having a significant break to raise a family. I was out of touch with how the recruitment market was operating and the changes in corporate culture. Julie’s support was immeasurable to me and her knowledge and guidance in the practical aspects of job hunting was paramount in my finding a job within 6 weeks of our first meeting. She provided specific and clear feedback on my CV, interview practice and guidance as well as valuable insight into the workplace culture.

She was always positive and compassionate and showed dedication to me as an individual as I worked through the changes in my mindset that I needed in my transition and return to corporate work. I highly recommend Julie to anyone looking or needing career guidance at any stage of their life.

Mum returning to work (ICT Business Analyst)

I had been working for the same organisation for almost 20 years and I needed help to re-assess my career, make sure I was still on the right path and regain my confidence. I was confused and lost about what I wanted to do next in my life. What stood out for me when I first called Julie, was that she genuinely listened and wanted to know more about me and what help I was looking for. Julie is very engaging, highly knowledgeable, and perceptive. She is very approachable and has a lovely nature and sense of humour which made me feel comfortable and made the sessions fun and rewarding.

My sessions with Julie were structured enough to give me guidance but also very flexible to meet my needs and go at my pace. She understands people, the labour market, job trends, resume writing, social media, performance and salary reviews, and she supported me with all of these and more. What an amazing difference I’ve experienced in just the last 4 months. Working with Julie has helped me find my confidence and get a renewed energy and positivity back in my career life. Whatever industry, job or stage you are at with your career, I highly recommend Julie to help bring out your best.

Female Compliance Professional in IT Security

At the time I met Julie I had been unemployed for over six months and I was lacking confidence in my employability. Julie was really fantastic at helping me see my unique skill set and boosting my confidence that I would be re-employed. Once Julie had ascertained my values, work preferences and strengths she worked with me to re-format my CV as well as refocus my job search efforts to be more proactive (e.g., direct company approaches and networking) and online (linkedIn profile improvements).

I have recently accepted a permanent job offer from a major profit to members organisation and I know that I will continue to seek her guidance as I progress my career.

Technical Analyst Superannuation

After the GFC, and moving abroad, my career bottomed out. I did some extensive research online to find some help – someone with some applicable and helpful perspective. I contacted Julie and, after we had spoken, it was clear from her experience and her manner, that she was going to be a valuable confidante, as well as a very useful professional adviser. Julie has an illuminating knowledge of various job markets and organisations, and was able to guide me through a process of self-assessment and decision making. After I applied the methods and techniques Julie suggested, I was head hunted. My career is back on track, and I firmly believe Julie played a significant role in this.

Environmental Scientist (Male)

I first sought Julie’s professional advice a little less than a year ago after completion of my first degree, when I was in dire need of an impartial but informed perspective. With rare tact and specialised knowledge, Julie provided this perspective, and steered me towards my present degree; a challenging and rewarding degree that offers a credible pathway to a career well suited to my skill-set and personal values. Julie also enlightened me to means to communicate my existent skill set and real professional experience, into the professional, clear manner an employer responds to, as well as introducing me to a former client, who was on a trajectory I aspired to, and granted me advice from her experience.

Last year, I was confused about the direction I should take in life, as well as lacking confidence in my skill set and professional experience, but Julie allowed me to hone in on what exactly my skill set and experience was, where this skill set and experience could be utilised, and following the identification of that, how it could get me through the door. I doubt I would be in the rewarding, challenging degree I am now, without her.

Communications Graduate (Male)

I worked with Julie on the resume and career search process when I first relocated back to Australia. I found that Julie had a positive and enthusiastic approach towards work, and was quick in coming up with ideas. It was a good experience working with Julie, and I was impressed by the cultural awareness and sensitivity Julie has shown towards different cultures.

New arrival from China (Business Administration)

I selected Julie as my career counsellor after reading her online profile. In retrospect it was a great decision. For me she proved to be a big help in cover letter writing, job targeting and staying focused in my job search. In fact, I got a specific job opportunity due to her recommendation which I subsequently took up and has produced good results for me. Julie has been proactive in supporting my job search. In fact, she prepared a compete file folder on job search for me. She even got in touch with her own personal and professional networks to help me out where it was possible.

Julie has a good sense of humour something very helpful in a serious mater like one’s career. Further, she is diligent and quick to replying to her clients’ questions. I fact she has also made lifestyle suggestions to me so I could maintain my balance – suggestions that have helped me feel better overall. I will any day enthusiastically recommend Julie, if I were approached, to anyone looking for a career counsellor.

New Arrival from India (Accountant)

I moved to Australia from Italy to join my family and start a new life. Living in a new country is an exciting experience, full of discoveries and new people. Sometimes it is difficult, especially when you realise that what you have done so far is not exactly what you want. This is what happened to me. Before meeting Julie, I was actually confused and needed to clarify my ideas before starting a new job in Australia. Thanks to Julie, I managed to look back at my professional experiences analysing and giving them the right value they deserved. Julie helped me rewrite my resume in a clearer and more professional way. I managed to better understand what I wanted and to create a path to reach my objectives.

I worked with Julie also on interviewing and this was very helpful preparation for interviews. I acquired more confidence and self-awareness, and I became less nervous and more capable of answering questions in a clear and articulate way. Thanks to the interviewing preparation with Julie, I was successful in gaining a volunteer position in my dream job. I feel now ready to find a new paid job and pursue my dreams at the same time.

New Arrival from Italy (Digital Media/Arts and Communications)

When I first met Julie I was quite confused about what I wanted to do with my life. I had recently moved from the UK and had no idea how things worked over here in Australia. I was a little apprehensive at first but Julie’s warmth and compassion quickly made me feel at ease. This process of ‘clearing the fog’ would take place over 6 sessions and would cover social media, my cv, interviews, specific job market information and so much more. Julie really is a fountain of information and is passionate about helping people integrate into their desired career or life. At the start of your sessions you will receive Julie’s concise workbook which has lots of information, examples and homework and is in my opinion an invaluable tool for any one whatever their career level. At each session you set the pace with Julie nudging things along by asking insightful questions and giving to the pint advice. To be honest everything I needed was already there, I just needed some help to draw it out and channel it correctly. Perhaps the most important thing I got from my sessions with Julie is confidence. She will help you to engender a can do attitude which is so vital to your career and your overall health. it was a pleasure to work with Julie. Strongly recommended.

New Arrival from the UK (Events Management)

Julie has been great in helping me make sense of the Morrsiby Report and pointing out possible career and study options in line with my personal and academic strengths. Being in year 10, I had no idea what to expect from this meeting and if I would even benefit from it. Julie is friendly and relaxed as we sat back around her big table. Looking at the Morrisby data on her big screen, she systematically worked through all the graphs in the report while having a relaxed discussion about the meaning of each item. This gave me a much clearer idea of what I was looking at.

She then went online and showed me a plethora of career and study options to further investigate, pointing out pitfalls and benefits to look out for. While there is still a lot of work to be done, I now feel a lot calmer and find myself having a clear direction and strategy to follow for the next 2 years until I finish school. It has been wonderful to start my school year without worrying about what to do about my future career direction and I can now focus on my studies and prepare to be ready for university.

Year 10 Student Morrisby Report

I found not only the information invaluable but also the encouragement from the presenters to manage the difficult behaviours of my ageing parents.

Railcorp, Sydney

It was great meeting parents at work with children of similar ages. I got so much out of the seminar such as managing expectations, and watching my children’s behaviour and responding rather than reacting.

Ernst and Young, Melbourne

Lots of great information such as the importance of the warm and firm parenting style. I will be implementing that.

State Street, Sydney

I will be more positive in the way I speak to my children after this seminar.

NSW Commission for Children and Young People, Sydney

I will most definitely be recommending this workshop.
Hudson, Sydney

I loved the real life practical experiences of the facilitators.
KPMG, Perth

I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and feel that it will benefit my family greatly.
KPMG, Sydney

Very positive session for IAG staff and definite benefit for family and therefore work performance.
IAG, Melbourne

Thank you for inviting spouses. I really enjoyed it.
KPMG, Melbourne

Great course. I highly recommend it.
Fairfax Media, Melbourne

I learned some great strategies to deal with my toddler.
Laing and Simmons, Sydney

It was well delivered under tough circumstances with four young children present. Really informative.
Diageo, Sydney

The information was invaluable and enlightening.
Souths Rugby League Club, Sydney

Really enjoyable. Relaxed but presented with passion.
State Street, Sydney

I loved how animated the facilitator was in acting out scenarios.
ManchesterUnity, Sydney

Good ideas and techniques to think about and work on.
KPMG, Sydney

Excellent presentation. Quality presenters and informal setting.
CBA, Sydney

The information reinforced the importance of being positive.
IAG, Brisbane

It gave great examples of good parenting and raises awareness of oneself and how to shape the future of my child.
KPMG, Canberra

Practical tips and materials for everyday parenting situations
CBA Sydney

I liked the suggestions and strategies, places to follow up about parenting and the reassurance about my existing parenting.
CBA Melbourne

An excellent presenter and workshop overall.
Westpac Sydney

When we first arrived in Australia from China everything was new and it felt exciting. But at the same time, there was a lot of uncertainty and a lot we didn’t understand, which we found stressful. In some ways, it was like peering through a window, from a distance everything looked easy, but when we got up for a closer look, it was actually hard. That was until we knocked on Julie’s door 3 months after our arrival and she opened it with a beaming smile, and the welcoming words, ‘come in, come in.’ Not only did her door open, but the door to Australia opened and we haven’t looked back since.

In addition to teaching us English, Julie has given us so much support for our transition to Australia, including advice on how to adapt to the Australian culture, how to make local friends, and how to parent our daughters in the Australian way. Julie has also accompanied us on outings so that we can learn about things we are interested in, such as the diverse types of food at the South Melbourne markets. Julie clearly is passionate about Australian culture, and she has delivered her lessons on Australian culture with warmth and animation. We have learnt about the importance of being easy going and looking out for others. We feel very anchored in Australia because of the transition programs delivered by LIFE.

New arrivals from China

I really enjoyed listening to Dr Julie talk about Australian culture even though I have been in Australia a while now. It always helps me to understand better.

I have only been in Australia for six months and it is not easy but I am so happy that Australia is helping me and my family. Julie helped a lot with how I can help my children at school. I really like tonight learning.

Maribyrnong City Council, Footscray library

I learnt about ways to respond to situations productively, how to be an active listener, and the power of empathy. It’s good for everyone at work to learn as it creates a happier workplace.

Allen and Overy, Perth

Great tips on how to deal with stress, how to engage with someone who is stressed, and how to help others who are stressed.

Allen and Overy, Sydney

I thought the workshop was going to be about improving my own resilience but it was also about coaching others to be more resilient. Great for me to improve my management skills.

Wesptac, Sydney

I feel less stressed already. With a clear mind I am able to be more productive at work.

KPMG, Brisbane