Amanda Smidt

“Each one of us matters, has a role to play, and makes a difference...” ― Jane Goodall, Reason for Hope

With a systems theory worldview, Amanda’s work has at its heart people, context and connections. She advocates for, and values, the transformative influence authentic life-long learning can have on individuals’ motivation to envision and enact a meaningful future self. Of interest to her, are the challenges and opportunities this presents for career practice, particularly in education and training, and for migrant communities.

Expertise/Specialisms

Amanda has enjoyed a career spanning secondary education, vocational and industry training, and career development. Her expertise include:

• Career counselling and coaching
• Career development supervision and mentoring
• Workshop and programme facilitator
• Conference and event presenter
• Assessor trainer, mentor and moderator
• Professional standards and competencies developer
• Qualifications, programmes and standards developer

Leadership/Membership

• PMCDANZ, Member CATE
• Sub-project lead CDANZ Professionalism Project
• Member of the institutional advisory board for NZ career development qualification

Publications

Smidt, A. (2018). Nurturing possible selves. Paper presented at 2018 Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ) Symposium, Wellington, NZ.

Smidt, A.J. (2018). Strategies for career education in New Zealand schools to foster 21st-century career development. Masters Thesis, Capable, Otago Polytechnic, New Zealand.

Qualifications/Awards

• Master of Professional Practice (Career Development). Otago Polytechnic, NZ
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Career Theory and Career Counselling). AUT, NZ
• Higher Diploma in Education (Secondary). University of Pretoria, South Africa
• The Royal Society of New Zealand/MoRST – Teacher Fellowship Award (2006)
• Certified Extended DISC (L1). Certifying authority Extended DISC Australasia

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