Testimonials

What clients and their families say about Smithells^®NZ’s independent career professionals

A quote from a long-term (10+ years) client family: 'All our children went in confused and undecided, with no goal or direction, and came out sparkling and enthused.'

Thanks again, you know on the way home that day William sat in the back and all of a sudden said: “ I bet 95% of my year wouldn’t be informed about the future anywhere near as I am now”. That was great to hear.
(Parent of William, Year 13, Kaukapakapa)

Hi there, we would all like to thank you so so very much for today, you have basically changed my life - I wouldn't have seen this as reality at all if it weren't for you. We all look forward to being in touch with you again and again. Take care, from the Strattons!
(Katie Stratton, 19, Palmerston North)

Thank you. Olivia was totally engaged and in her words, 'delighted that someone finally gets what I'm about'.
(Parent of Olivia, Yr 11, Tauranga)

"It was a long journey, but well worth it. Thanks so much for your time & for the effort you have put in to giving our teenagers a focus and a much clearer sense of direction for their futures. Other people up here said to us your approach can be life-changing. Now we know it is! We look forward to coming back next year."
(Liz, parent, Northland)

'I would definitely recommend this career planning course to anyone, any age, that is serious about heading down a pathway that is right for them.'
(Hannah, Invercargill, 17 yrs)

It is so good to see that the advice you gave our daughter as a schoolgirl has fallen into place exactly as you said it could. She is well on the road to earning very good money and in a career that she loves and is well suited to.
(Linda, client parent, Tauranga)

She came out of the appointment with a real sense of direction and a renewed desire to get into her schoolwork. Thank you so much for all that you have imparted. It was definitely a life-changing appointment for Anna ... and I think one that was 'meant to be'.
(Cusack family, Auckland)

Before I went, I didn't really know what I was going to do, I had a few ideas but I wasn't completely sure. After just one session, I have a clear direction and know what action to take to get me there.
(R.M., Richmond, Nelson)

I have found this process so beneficial for my daughter, because she was not sure which direction she would take and it has immediately narrowed down her field. She is now motivated in the direction she will take, which has been personalised 'FOR HER', taking into account strengths and interests which she didn't realise she had before. I think more teenagers should do this at an earlier age, because they will then choose the right subjects instead of just 'going with the flow' or following their classmates.
(Mandy, parent, Southland)

I found your career advice very helpful and I thought that you were very thorough. It was like you knew me better than I knew myself! It feels like a great weight has been lifted of my shoulders. I can now say that I am confident in the direction I am heading and that it will lead me towards my ideal career. Thank you very much.
(Philip Ramsbottom, 18, Hamilton)

Thank you for helping me to get organized for next year. I now feel competent and confident and am looking forward to the application process.
(Annabel Hobson 18, Taihape)

Thanks for seeing Charles (14) yesterday, he felt very comfortable with you - like you were a long lost friend.
(Tracey Shum, client parent, Te Puke)

Really appreciate all your help - it is great for Kurt to have some direction and this is already helping with his enthusiasm and motivation levels for his Level 2s.
(Julie Sweeney, mother of Year 12 student, Hauraki Plains)