The Thinking Practitioner: Applying Career Development Theory in a modern career landscape

This presentation invites career development professionals to revisit the role of career development theory in everyday practice, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the modern career.

Global markets, digital disruption, and precarious employment have undermined the likelihood of a traditional linear career. In this context, clients need more than a plan — they need career competencies, including an awareness of their motivations, values, and interests (their North Star), courage and curiosity to step outside the familiar, resilience to persist through challenges, and the ability to build or engage with a supportive community who can walk alongside and open doors.

With time often limited in one-on-one work, AI can assist with gathering information and conducting research. This frees practitioners to focus on what technology cannot do, creating a relational space for deep exploration, gentle challenge, and transformative coaching.

In this presentation, we will explore how a range of theories can be applied in a career guidance and coaching context, including practical and multisensory activities that create deep shifts in understanding and motivation. 

Presentation Outline

• The Challenges of the Modern Career

  Navigating change, uncertainty, and overwhelm 

   

• From Planning to Coaching

  Shifting focus from static career plans to the development of career competencies for life.

   

• Understanding the Client’s System

  Exploring constructs, community, context, mindset, identity, horizons, decision-making, and career management strengths.

   

• Community Interaction: “Your Bus”

  A metaphorical activity to explore social support and influence — who’s on your bus, and where are they sitting?  How does it feel in the driving seat? 

   

• Dialogical Theory and Inner Conflict

  Using dialogical approaches to help clients navigate internal tensions and conflicting priorities.

   

• Careership: Mapping the Field and opening the gate

  Applying Hodkinson’s theory to enable clients to understand their field, horizons and consider whether they wish to explore beyond the fence.

   

• Career Inaction: “Phew, I’m Normal”

  Normalising ambivalence, inertia and stuckness as part of the career journey, and exploring strategies to move forward.

Presenter - Liane Hambly

International keynote speaker, co-author of bestseller, Creative Career Coaching (Routledge 2019) and Sailplaning; Creating a 4D Life and Career (2023). Liane has over 35 years of experience in the career development sector as a coach, supervisor, university lecturer and author. She works with organisations worldwide to strengthen the confidence and skills of their practitioners, and embed Career Management Competencies into service delivery. She is passionate about the potential impact of career conversations that use creative and whole-brain approaches.