Sally O'Keeffe

'Spotlight' is designed to give us all inspiration and confirm that anyone can make his or her business dream or that promotion a reality...

This month read on to find out all about Sally O'Keeffe

Profile

I graduated from Sydney University with a degree in Economics and began to work for the Commonwealth Bank as a Corporate and International Banking Graduate Trainee. I left after just over a year to return to London, where I worked in recruitment for several years. I then came back to Sydney and enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Education at Sydney University. The subjects I studied included career counselling, behavioural psychology, small business management and commercial law. After graduating I proceeded to teach high school students. I taught Economics, Business Studies, Commerce and Careers.


After seven years of teaching I decided it was time for a career change as I was no longer passionate about my job. Undecided about which direction to turn, I went to see a career counsellor, but I felt really dissatisfied with the service I received. Over time I realised that maybe a specialist service was needed to help other women like me work out what they really wanted to do with their careers. I established CareerGirl in 2000 with this idea in mind.

CareerGirl offers two distinct services. In our capacity as Career Counsellors we work with women to pinpoint their dream career and offer support in helping them achieve their career goals. As small business developers, we work with owners of small businesses to develop that all important business plan. We offer an ongoing business coaching service to ensure women continue to work on their business as well as in it and support business owners in achieving the best results possible.

I am grateful that women now have the freedom to work in whichever career they desire and I feel it's important to make the most of these choices. Everybody can have the career of their dreams, work does not need to feel like drudgery!

Occupation/Title
Career counsellor and small business adviser

Company/Organization
CareerGirl

State
NSW

Age
33

Where did you grow up?
On Sydney's North Shore (born in the UK)

What was your first job?
Sales assistant in a bookshop

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
An astronaut or barrister

How did you get to where you are now?
I am running a business that I am truly passionate about. I feel I got here by constantly moving forward in my career. When I felt unstimulated by a job I didn't just accept it, I took positive actions to change the situation and find employment that renewed my energy. It is important to continue to reflect on where I am in my career and where I want to go always asking myself 'how can I develop professionally so that I am living the life of my dreams?' I feel its important to have the courage to listen to my intuition, take that leap and make the most of life.

What qualifications/experiences are required to perform your job?
Tertiary qualifications in psychology, education or human resource management are useful. There is also a Diploma in Career Counselling available for those who have had lots of work experience. I have tertiary qualifications in Economics (including commercial law and political science) and Education.

How many hours a week do you work?
30-40, depending on my client load at any one time.

Where would you like to be in ten years?
I would like CareerGirl to have grown in size and reputation, and be the leading provider of career advice in the market place. By this time, male clients will have been accommodated too! CareerGirl will have offices around Australia and NZ and will employ several counsellors and small business experts. CareerGirl services will be integrated with recruiters and HRM specialists to help them provide a more complete service to their clients.

What advice would you give to somebody embarking on their first business or aspiring to achieve extraordinary career goals?
Research, plan and have faith in yourself! Tenacity is extremely important, so define your goals and be prepared to change in order to reach them. Do not give up when things get tough, and approach your work with passion, enthusiasm and a belief that it is all meant to be fun, anyway!

What do you class as your biggest career achievement?
Establishing CareerGirl! I get a huge kick out of helping other people.

What is the best piece of advice anybody has given you?
'One's own actions create one's life situation'. Therefore, it is one thing to dream, but if you don't act, you won't have. Life rewards action.

- Fast Facts -

Who living or dead would you most like to invite to dinner?
The Dalai Lama.

Name a movie that actually inspired you?
'Dead Poet's Society' inspired me to become a teacher.

Your favourite toy as a child:
Paddington Bear

What are you reading now?
Several at the same time: rereading 'Life Strategies' by Phil McGraw; 'Handbag Heaven' by Maggie Alderson; 'Bubbles Unbound' by Sarah Strohmeyer and 'The Little Book of Wisdom' by the Dalai Lama!

Is there a talent/attribute you wish you had/ had more of?
Patience.

Which song transports you to another place when you hear it and why?
Can't think of one!

Your favourite place in the world, and why?
Paris, because it is cosmopolitan and exciting. Sydney, because it is home.

What is your idea of the perfect Day?
Sailing on Sydney Harbour, with some shopping in the morning and cocktails in the evening!

Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life (important to you)
Resilience, an optimistic outlook, practicality, close relationships with family and friends and a dog!

Are there other related careers to your chosen career?
Human Resource Management, organisational psychologist.


Check out Sally's Website - www.careergirl.com.au
Phone (02) 9238 7666
Address : Lvl 67 MLC Centre, Martin Place, Sydney 2000.

- Michelle Palmer

Read Sally O'Keeffe's article on Choosing a Career - CLICK HERE