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Karen Carr

from Housekeeper at a bed and breakfast to Academic and Careers Pathways Officer
I support senior leaders of Academic and VET pathways
School
Clairvaux Mackillop College
Job Level
Entry

Ask me about

  • Living and working overseas
  • Careers in administration, people and culture, and education
  • Finding your career direction when you're unsure what to do
  • Balancing university, vocational, and workplace pathways

About me

  • International Experience

My educational and professional journey has been built on a strong foundation of learning, adaptability, and a passion for supporting students. I hold a Diploma of Business, which has provided me with the skills to excel in a range of administrative and organisational roles within education. Over the past 16 years, I have worked across several schools, gaining diverse experience as Personal Assistant to the Director of Music, a Student Services Officer supporting student wellbeing, a Personal Assistant to a Primary School Principal, a People and Culture Officer in a high school, and now as an Academic and Careers Pathways Officer.

Each role has strengthened my expertise in administration, student support, and educational pathways. My current position brings together the knowledge and skills I have developed throughout my career, enabling me to support students as they navigate senior schooling, vocational education, university pathways, and future career opportunities. I remain committed to helping every student achieve their goals with confidence.

About my role

  • Analytical
  • Confident
  • Focused
  • Humorous
  • Observant
  • Passionate
  • Reliable
  • Sociable
  • Witty

As the Academic and Careers Pathways Officer at a co-educational school, I provide high-level administrative support to the Program Leader of Senior Schooling and the Program Leader of VET Pathways. I coordinate administrative processes for students undertaking Work Experience, School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships. Assist with the delivery of senior academic pathways to University, including planning QTAC and ATAR meetings and presentations, coordinating Careers Expo and Subject Selection events and guides. Working collaboratively with staff, students, and external stakeholders, I help ensure students are well supported in achieving their academic, vocational, and post-school pathways.

Education

  • Diploma of Business
  • Certificate of Technical Writing

Subjects

  • Business Studies
  • English
  • Food and Technology
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • History

Awards

  • Nominated for MP Di Farmer's Southeast Queensland Award for charity work

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Began career in retail, learning the value of customer service
  2. Lived and worked overseas, building confidence, resilience and independence
  3. Moved into administration and payroll, developing strong organisational skills
  4. Explored opportunities in the IT industry as a tester, writer, and consultant
  5. Discovered my passion for education and now guide students in planning their futures

My school

Clairvaux MacKillop College is a co-educational Catholic secondary school in Brisbane that empowers students through academic, vocational, and wellbeing pathways. The College is known for its inclusive community, commitment to student success, and diverse opportunities in leadership, STEM, sport, and the arts.