Dr Holly Prescott
Freelance Careers Adviser and Writer.
How did you move into careers work?
My journey was shaped by personal experience. After completing my PhD in English Literature, I struggled with what came next, realizing that the academic path wasn't aligned with how I wanted to live. This challenging career transition led me to become a careers adviser, driven by a desire to help others navigate their options with more support than I had.
What does your work look like now?
I’m a freelance careers adviser, specialising in supporting doctoral researchers, arts and humanities graduates, and individuals navigating identity shifts. I provide one-on-one guidance, lead workshops, and create content like articles, blogs, and reflective writing resources. I also speak at events, contribute to sector conversations, and run my blog, Post-PhD Career Navigator, which aims to simplify career transitions after academia.
What motivates your work?
Making space for complexity is a key motivator. I want to challenge rigid career narratives and help people understand that ambiguity isn't a failure, but a natural part of growth. I'm especially driven by helping individuals reconnect with their own definitions of success, rather than conforming to external expectations.
What’s your work philosophy?
I believe career development should be reflective, honest, and aware of context. This means:
Slow thinking: Giving people the time to make informed, values-led decisions.
Co-creation: Viewing careers guidance not as something delivered to people, but something built with them.
Writing as process: Using reflective journaling and storytelling to help clients unlock insights.
What has been a key turning point?
Launching Post-PhD Career Navigator was a pivotal moment. It began as a blog to help others navigate the uncertainty I experienced after leaving academia. It grew into a community and resource hub, opening unexpeced opportunities. It also helped me reframe my own identity, not as someone who "left academia," but as someone who translated academic skills into something new - a shift that now profoundly influences how I support others.
Favourite career theories?
Planned Happenstance: Because it honors the role of chance, emotion, and openness in career paths.
Chaos Theory of Careers: Especially for its emphasis on the unpredictable nature of careers.
Narrative and Life Design Approaches: Because careers are stories, and people deserve to be the authors of their own.
Who has inspired your journey?
I'm inspired by other career changers and fellow PhD graduates navigating uncertainty. I also draw inspiration from careers professionals who work with depth and care, and from writers who model honesty and vulnerability in their professional lives.
What does a typical day involve?
My days are a real mix – I can be doing anything from guiding doctoral researchers one-on-one, designing reflective workshops for postgraduates, crafting engaging content for my blog or clients, facilitating online events, and I’m continuously reading, reflecting, and developing new tools that connect with real human experiences.
Challenges you’ve faced?
Early on, I dealt with imposter syndrome. Since my route into careers work wasn't "traditional," I often felt the need to prove myself. However, over time, I've learned that my unique story is a valuable toolkit, offering insights that others appreciate.
Advice for new Career Development Professionals?
You don't need to know everything; your role is to hold space and listen well.
Embrace your own journey – it will shape how you help others.
Stay curious and read widely, not just careers content, but anything that fuels your thinking.
And always, always reflect.
Final reflections?
Career development is about more than just jobs; it's about identity, transitions, and finding meaning. When we slow down, focus on the human element, and trust the process, we create space for genuine transformation.