Liz Reece
Liz is a Freelance Careers Development Professional with four decades of experience. Her journey spans local authorities, Connexions, and self-employement and is rooted in helping people find their purpose.
What drove you towards a career in careers?
A strong social conscience and a passion for helping others realise their potential. I've always enjoyed being close to education and understanding different workplace practices. That combination pulled me towards this work, and it's kept me here ever since.
What was a turning point in your career?
Leaving retail for postgraduate study in Careers Guidance was a pivotal decision. It was a bold step, but it allowed me to apply my academic background and people skills in a meaningful way. Another significant shift came 20 years ago when I trained in personality type theory. It transformed how I understand myself and others and still influences my practice today.
Have you faced challenges in your career?
Plenty! Divorce, workplace bullying, and ongoing structural changes in the careers sector all tested me. My mantra is: "We all build on where we’ve been before." Working through sector change, from local authorities to Connexions to today’s fragmented landscape, has required adaptability. I've stayed focused by maintaining professionalism and staying active in networks like the CDI, which has been a lifeline.
What are your most meaningful achievements?
In 2013, I received the Christine Thomas Award for Innovation in Careers Education and Guidance. In 2023, I was awarded Fellowship of the CDI. Both were humbling moments that acknowledged my long-standing commitment to the field. But achievements aren't always awards. Sometimes they're about moments of impact - like a client breakthrough or mentoring someone into confidence. That matters just as much.
Favourite career development theories?
- Planned Happenstance – for the way it validates uncertainty and change
New DOTS by Bill Law and Tony Watts, which emphasises learning through community, reflection, and progression - principles I embed in my own guidance.
Describe a typical day in your working life.
My day starts early, around 7am with emails, followed by time outdoors mucking out my rescue donkeys and tending the smallholding. This is my thinking space and sets the tone for the day. After that, it could be anything from online 1:1 guidance sessions with clients across the globe, mentoring, quality assessments for schools and colleges, or preparing resources for the CDI Community of Practice on Facebook, which I co-moderate.
Any key reflections or learning points?
Career development is a journey, not a checklist. Things will go wrong, so don’t dwell. Learn, adapt, move forward. And balance is crucial. I’ve learned a lot from the animals I care for: listen more than you speak, communicate clearly, and nurture what matters. For self-employed professionals, remember, you are your business. Everything from admin to advocacy sits with you - so build support networks and value your time.
What advice would you give to new entrants?
My advice is to be proactive about networking, as your peers are your strongest asset. Observe others across the sector because every role teaches you something. Embrace the variety that career development offers and learn about different workplaces firsthand to enrich the advice you give.
Any final words?
Ask questions. Listen well. And never underestimate the quiet impact of simply showing up, especially in systems that don’t always reflect the people we serve. Equity and inclusion are not abstract ideas; they are daily practices. And they start with us.