Career Specialist

PMCDANZ, HRNZ, ICF

Career Specialist – Career Coaching for Adults and Students, Workshop Facilitator

Hilary is an experienced career coach and senior leader in People and Capability, with expertise spanning recruitment, employment markets, leadership development, the future of work, workforce planning, facilitation, and change management. She has coached individuals at all organisational levels and is a skilled outplacement coach. Hilary has also facilitated career development programmes for secondary and tertiary students, supporting recent graduates in transitioning to employment.

Hilary takes a holistic, culturally aware approach to career coaching, recognising the impact of life stages and cultural nuances. Having personally relocated internationally with her family, she brings a deep understanding of the complexities involved in relocation. She uses her coaching skills to collaboratively explore and empower individuals to manage their careers. Hilary’s expertise, combined with her Clifton strengths profile, enables her to tailor programmes that deliver tangible results.

Hilary Tomkins

Watch a video of Hilary here

Hilary’s Passion

Hilary is passionate about sustainability—people, the environment, business, and the opportunities in the green economy. She regularly speaks at the Next Gen Youth Academy in Tauranga and Rotorua, serves as a board member for various NFPs, mentors career practitioners, and sits on the Professional Standards Committee for CDANZ.

Testimonial for Hilary - December 2024
I have recently received outplacement/ career coaching from Hilary Tomkins as part of my employer’s offer of support of those staff who had their roles retrenched recently. 

Hilary's approach and process was very effective in navigating my transition post-retrenchment at a time when the recruitment market was exceedingly difficult.  Her strategic advice, tailored support and encouragement made the process seamless and empowering.  I was particularly appreciative of Hilary's years of experience and how she ensured every step was thoughtful and effective.  I highly would recommend Hilary for executive outplacement/career coaching.

(Business Manager)

 Qualifications and Certifications

  • Master’s (First Class Honours) – Faculty of Culture and Society (Career Development focus), AUT

  • Certified in Coaching Conversations – Approved by ICF

  • Career Intelligence Licensed Practitioner – CareerEQ (CareerSmart, CareerPlanet)

  • Bachelor of Arts – University of Auckland

  • Graduate Diploma in Business (HR Management) – Massey University

  • Diploma of Teaching – Auckland College of Education

  • PsyTech/Gensys Psychometric Assessment Accredited Test User and Administrator – Recognised by EFPA and BPS

  • Jumpshift – Art of Facilitation

  • Sysdoc – Online Facilitation

Memberships

  • Professional Member of PMCDANZ and Member of National Executive

  • Member of HRNZ

Master’s Dissertation

Hilary’s research focused on Human Resources and Career Development, using a narrative inquiry to explore how individuals develop their understanding of the world of work. Her work makes a case for employers to engage in career development to raise awareness and assist with accurate perceptions of career pathways.