Networking – Julie Street
Julie is a career coach and runs her own business, Life Path Career Coaching. She is based in Queensland and is a Professional Member of CDAA.
Q: What is your current role within your organisation? How long have you been in this role?
A: I am the business owner of Life Path Career Coaching. I have been
in this role since September 2012.
Q: What are some major achievements or awards in your current role?
A: I recently achieved international accreditation from Career Directors International as a Certified Résumé Specialist in the field of the Australian Public Service.
Q: What was the career journey that brought you to this position and work role?
A: I always worked in the human resources sector and developed skills in project management halfway through my government career. My first role was at Thursday Island Hospital as an HR officer. Next, I moved to Cairns to work for the city council and, after three years, the position became redundant. I found a temporary role in Brisbane and then moved between four departments, working my way up to manager level. I took a voluntary redundancy in late 2011 and used this to undertake further coaching and career development studies, eventually establishing my business. I have not looked back once and know that this is what I was always meant to do!
Q: As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
A: Two options: an airline hostess or an interior decorator.
Q: What did you do or study upon leaving school?
A: Initially, I went on a 12-month student exchange and completed Year 13 in Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute in Ontario, Canada, then returned to Queensland and completed a Bachelor of Business at CQUniversity (then Central Queensland University).
Q: Who or what was a major influence on your career choices?
A: My parents, both of whom had a high work ethic and strong careers. My mum was a teacher, and encouraged me to further my education at university then ‘get a permanent government job’, which I did at the age of 21. My dad always worked within the private sector, so my career influences since my mid-30s have been from his wisdom and experience.
Q: What were some major challenges in your career journey?
A: One of the biggest challenges came in the form of people I worked with at one point in my career. It became increasingly difficult to remain in an environment where bullying was rife, along with lack of respect between employees. I left my 16-year government career as a senior HR consultant for this very reason. Having moved into career development, I couldn’t be happier.
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: How Star Wars Conquered the Universe by Chris Taylor. It was a book from my husband at Christmas — I am a Star Wars fan from way back and a bit of a nerd at times!
Q: What is the most memorable book you have read? Why?
A: This would be Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. I am an introvert (ISFJ personality type) and this book enabled me to have a laugh about the differences between introverts and extroverts, while also understanding how I can improve my style of communication, particularly when networking. A truly fascinating and well-researched book!
Q: What is the movie you most enjoyed? Why?
A: The Name of the Rose. It has my two favourite actors, Sean Connery and Christian Slater, and the plot combines murder, mystery and a love story all in one. It was heart-warming, sad and, for me, a movie that shows how certain people will leave a footprint on your soul for the rest of your life.
Q: What is your ‘dream job’? When do you plan to achieve the dream?
A: I already have my dream job!
Q: What is a life dream that you would still like to achieve?
A: I would like to own a hobby farm with my husband and retreat to the countryside that is the Northern Rivers of New South Wales (Byron Bay Hinterland). As a coach, I have an action plan to achieve this by 2025!