The Career Doctor onliNe
compassionate, person-centred careers guidance, life, and leadership coaching
BA; PhD; PG Dip Education; PG Dip Careers Education, Information & Guidance
My own career can best be described as 'portfolio' (a collection of roles that interest and fulfill me) based on a career model called 'planned happenstance' - making best used of curiosity, chance, and networks to find or create career opportunities. Most of us spend the vast majority of our waking hours at work, so I believe we owe it to ourselves to ensure that those hours are as satisfying and fulfilling as they can be - whatever that means to an individual. My working life has encompassed jobs in fishing, agriculture, construction, the retail sector, hospitality, secondary education, and academia. It's supporting people in the development of their own careers and making progress towards their life goals which I have enjoyed the most.
I support individuals, groups, and organisations with:
I can also support individuals, and their families, who are thinking of going to university, but not sure how to make the most of the opportunity or how to choose a course.
Memberships
Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS)
Career Development Institute
Compassionate Mind Foundation
In my free time, I volunteer with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, spreading the love for wild bees; I also volunteer with Incredible Edible Inverness, which aims to bring people together around local food through a variety of public growing projects in the city. Since 2017, I have been a member of the Personnel Committee for the British Ecological Society.
What People Say
"I chose Darcey as a careers coach because of her integrity, honesty, directness, and wealth of experience. One of her pieces of advice/observations really stood out from our enlightening conversation. Not only did it seem deeply personal (and very observant) but it was also very effective. The truly valuable element to me - Darcey appeared to get to the very nature of my anxiety and unrest about my current position and my ambition. Not only did her advice awaken my aspiration, but it was bookended by very clear, simple, and practical next steps for me to take. I am truly thankful for Darcey's insight, our conversation, and her encouragement. I would highly recommend Darcey to others."
A.S., Construction Consultant
" I have requested Darcey's support with job applications a number of times over the past few years. I do believe that her feedback helped refine my approach to job searches & applications, as well as my presentation of my work experience & broader results. Although initially I sought her help regarding specific applications & draft documents, the support she provided was all encompassing. It ranged from document structure, style, formatting, language, tone, & level of detail, but also ways to reach out to, & find out about potential future employers. She provides her detailed feedback in a supportive manner in contexts that can be deeply worrying due to job insecurity. I was certainly reassured by her suggestions numerous times!"
R.H, Humanities Academic
"Darcey was invaluable in helping me navigate a really tough academic job market during a challenging time in my own life. Her guidance helped me secure not one, but two short -term positions that ultimately led to a permanent contract in the job of my dreams. I am eternally grateful to her for her wisdom & creativity in helping me shape my eclectic work & life experience into a coherent CV & cover letter that best demonstrated my potential. What is truly special is Darcey's skill in showing people their own value & giving them the confidence to showcase those assets in applications, interviews, & beyond. I still draw on the wisdom I gained from working with Darcey & I know that the skills & confidence I developed with her will remain useful & relevant throughout the rest of my career."
M.F. , Humanities Academic