Career change, professional development, graduate support, and meaningful work

Fostering good work through coaching, programs, and projects

When it comes to work, what fits and what grates is unique to everyone. I help people understand what suits them best, and organisations to provide better opportunities.

Hi, I’m Tara Harrold, a Registered Professional Career Development Practitioner since 2011.

I support individuals, organisations, and universities with career counselling, mentoring, professional development, and project-based expertise, with a focus on meaningful work, employability, regional careers, and social impact.

Whether you need a single session, an ongoing program, or short-term project support, I’m here to help you navigate your options.

Servicing Townsville region and beyond, online and in-person.

Environmental sector | Higher Education sector | Not-For-Profit sector

For You

Career Development

The help you need to make decisions, build skills, and enjoy your work life more.

For Organisations

Workforce Development

Build retention with graduate programs, workshops, and professional development for your team.

For Universities

Careers & Employability

Career development and employability projects, curriculum embedding, and short-term staffing solutions.

Programs & Resources

NEW: Career Mentoring

Ongoing accountability, support, and check-ins to help you stay on track as you navigate the year.

Learn More

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Tara helped me land my first gig with Canva in 2022 and has been a trusted career counsellor and advisor ever since. Over the past four years, she’s supported my growth from my initial role into my current position as a Group Lead managing Canva’s internal group of designers. Tara has an incredible ability to help you navigate the shifting focus that comes with role changes, offering clarity, perspective, and practical guidance at every stage. She’s an exceptional sounding board during critical career moments and consistently helps you move forward with confidence and intention.

Erin Foster

Tara is a calming and knowledgeable influence in what can be a very overwhelming time in your life - when presented with the opportunity of a career change. Her experience in this field is extensive and the advice and direction she provides is incredible. Thank you Tara!

Lee-Ann

The dilemma of choosing between security and pursuing one's true calling weighed heavily on me. Tara's guidance helped me gain clarity in this extended sea of indecision. What set her apart was her genuine approach; she didn't just hand me a questionnaire and expect me to figure it out myself. Instead, she took the time to truly listen to my story, my concerns, and my aspirations. Through thoughtful dialogue and insightful feedback, Tara helped me delve deeper into the motivations behind my career choices. Her personalised approach went beyond mere counselling; it felt like having a trusted confidante and mentor. In a world inundated with generic career coaches, Tara stands out for her authenticity and commitment to understanding her clients on a profound level. Thanks to her invaluable guidance, I've gained some clarity and confidence in navigating my career path. I can't recommend her highly enough to anyone facing similar challenges in their professional journey.

Trevor

We approached Tara to deliver several professional development workshops to our commencing veterinary students. Even though Tara is not a veterinarian, her workshops were able to integrate the importance of teamwork and understanding yourself with a range of practical exercises suited to the target audience. By using real-world in-context examples, she was able to reach our students and create awareness of how social and emotional intelligence will allow them to communicate more effectively. By putting in exercises to allow students to practice their newfound skills, she was able to demonstrate that these skills can be learned and are a crucial part towards the development of their professional identity.

Sandra De Cat, JCU Veterinary Science

I was introduced to Tara at a time when I was feeling a bit lost about whether to continue my consulting practice or take a different direction. From the very beginning, Tara had a way of putting me at ease with her lovely manner, empathy, and genuine acceptance. She creates such a safe and supportive space that you can think out loud, be honest, and explore possibilities without judgement. Tara has an incredible ability to help you rethink and reframe your situation so that new paths and perspectives become clear. She guided me to reconnect with my values, strengths, and what truly matters to me in work and life. Her approach blends deep insight with practical strategy, making even the most complex decisions feel grounded and achievable. Tara is exceptional — intuitive, kind, and wise. She brings out the best in you and reminds you of your own capability and purpose. I’m so grateful for her guidance and would recommend her to anyone seeking clarity, direction, or a renewed sense of confidence. Everyone needs a Tara.

Nicole Lucas

It was a privilege to work with Tara on the Townsville City Council Graduate leadership program in 2022. During the group workshops, her insights into how to thrive at work were profound for the team. With great elegance and calm, she provided the group with examples from her career at JCU and TCC about how to build engagement, meaning and fulfilment at work. Her Good Work Career Consulting business addresses such a critical need - helping people transition from one role to another and helping them build financially rewarding and spiritually fulfilling careers which align values, meaning and purpose with their work roles. I'm looking forward to working with you in the years to come.

Andy Roberts, Breathe Australia