Guest speaker introduces practical and personal approaches to early career decisions

At Orewa College’s Arts and Events Centre, students in Years 11 and 12 gathered to hear from Alana Kilmartin, also known as Dora, who presented her talk “Unserious Careers,” focused on life beyond school.

The session introduced students to early career thinking through a practical and accessible lens. Alana spoke about the first five years after leaving school as a time for exploration, describing them as the “Casual Jog Years,” and encouraged students to view this period as an opportunity to learn rather than a point of pressure.

She also introduced the idea of identifying a personal “Career Superpower” and the importance of building a network of “Career Fans” for support and guidance. The presentation focused on helping students take ownership of their next steps, positioning career pathways as something shaped over time rather than decided all at once.

The session formed part of ongoing efforts to support senior students as they prepare for life beyond the kura.

Photo credit: Max Capon-Taylor, Olivia Cechova