Our Unique Approach
Where Research Meets Real-World Impact
We see a specialist when our body needs care – so why not the same for our career?
At Career Science, we believe your working life deserves just as much attention. Whether you’re just starting out, rethinking your direction, or feeling stuck, we meet you where you are.
Big career decisions aren’t solved with generic advice. Your path is personal – shaped by your experiences, values, and vision of what’s possible. That’s why we take a different approach.
Grounded in research and delivered by expert career coaches, our method empowers you to make informed, confident choices. Using a scientific process that combines both qualitative and quantitative data gathering methods – developed specifically for Career Science by our Founder and CEO, Dr. Dave Kennedy, Ph.D., drawing on over 30 years as a career practitioner and behavioural scientist – we help you explore your interests, strengths, and aspirations to uncover the clarity you need to move forward and reshape your story of work with purpose and direction.
Who are we?
Meet Dr. Dave Kennedy, Ph.D.
a.k.a. " Dr. Dave"
Founder and CEO of Career Science
🎓 Former university career counsellor
📜 Ph.D. from Cornell University with specialisations in human resources management (careers), organisational behaviour (organisational psychology) and statistics
📜 M.P.S. from Cornell University
📜 M.B.A. from the University of Massachusetts
📜 M.Sc. University of Massachusetts
📜 B.A. (magna cum laude) from Assumption University
🏆 2020 Assumption University Outstanding Achievement Award – top alumni honour for excellence in chosen field
🏆 Named '99 Academic of the Year by the Griffith University Gold Coast Student Guild Association
🖊️ Myers-Briggs Certified Strong Interest Inventory practitioner
📝 Working with Children Certification from the NSW Office of the Children's Guardian
📝 Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) by National Association of Personnel Consultants (NAPC)
🏆 Award-winning public speaker of 45+ invited speeches for national and international audiences
🖊️ Lecturer at universities on three continents: North America, Australia, Asia
With a career spanning over four decades, Dr. Dave Kennedy is one of Australia’s most respected voices in career science – known for his rare ability to easily translate the latest scientific research into real-world practise.
As the former President of an executive search firm, Dave has personally guided thousands of individuals at pivotal moments in their careers. His unwavering commitment to understanding people, industries, and the decisions that shape work lives has made him a trusted advisor across all career stages – from students to senior leaders.
Driven by a passion for evidence-based career development, Dave went on to complete his Ph.D. at Cornell University, establishing himself as both a social scientist and a seasoned practitioner. He later developed and taught groundbreaking Career Planning & Management subjects at UNSW for both undergraduate and graduate students, helping students connect the science of decision-making with the practical realities of the job market.
Dave’s coaching is marked by deep insight, precision, and care. He brings a rare depth of research, experience, and empathy to every conversation – earning the enduring trust of those who continue to seek his guidance at every career crossroads.
First job: Newspaper carrier (aged 8)
Most overused word: “Triangulate”
Guilty pleasure: Peanut M&Ms
With a career spanning over four decades, Dr. Dave Kennedy is one of Australia’s most respected voices in career science – known for his rare ability to translate the latest scientific research into real-world practise.
As the former President of an executive search firm, Dave has personally guided thousands of individuals at pivotal moments in their careers. His unwavering commitment to understanding people, industries, and the decisions that shape work lives has made him a trusted advisor across sectors – from students to senior leaders.
Driven by a passion for evidence-based career development, Dave went on to complete his Ph.D. at Cornell University, establishing himself as both a social scientist and a seasoned practitioner. He later developed and taught groundbreaking Career Planning & Management subjects at UNSW for both undergraduate and graduate students, helping students connect the science of decision-making with the practical realities of the job market.
Dave’s coaching is marked by deep insight, precision, and care. He brings a rare depth of research, experience, and empathy to every conversation – earning the enduring trust of those who continue to seek his guidance at every career crossroads.
First job: Newspaper carrier (aged 8)
Most overused word: “Triangulate”
Guilty pleasure: Peanut M&Ms
What does a "Scientist-Practitioner" do?
At Career Science, we use a scientist-practitioner approach that combines cutting-edge research with practical, real-world application. This means every conversation, tool, and strategy is grounded in empirical evidence and then shaped by decades of working directly with people navigating their careers. We have been translating research into meaningful career outcomes for over 40 collective years.
It’s where the latest scientific evidence meets practice. We draw on the latest behavioural science and career research, applying it in personalised, hands-on ways that lead to meaningful, lasting change.
In the world of careers, there are behavioural scientists who research and publish the latest empirical evidence in peer-reviewed journals – and there are practitioners who coach people every day on the ground. But very few combine both worlds. Career Science is proud to be among the rare few in Australia bringing true scientist-practitioner expertise to career coaching.
Ask yourself this: If you had a heart problem and you had the option to consult a cardiologist who is also a scientist involved in cutting-edge cardiology research vs. consulting a cardiologist who was not also trained as a scientist, which would you choose? Most likely, you would choose the scientist-cardiologist. Your career deserves the same standard. At Career Science you work with behavioural scientists who both understand the latest career research and also know how to apply it meaningfully and effectively to your current situation.
What does a "Scientist-Practitioner" do?
At Career Science, we use a scientist-practitioner approach that combines cutting-edge research with practical, real-world application. This means every conversation, tool, and strategy is grounded in empirical evidence and then shaped by decades of working directly with people navigating their careers. We have been translating research into meaningful career outcomes for over 40 collective years.
It’s where the latest scientific evidence meets practice. We draw on the latest behavioural science and career research, then apply it in personalised, hands-on ways that create real change for real people.
In the world of careers, there are behavioural scientists who research and publish the latest empirical evidence in peer-reviewed journals – and there are practitioners who coach people every day on the ground. But very few combine both worlds. Career Science is proud to be among the rare few in Australia bringing true scientist-practitioner expertise to career coaching.
Ask yourself this: would you rather trust a cardiologist who only practices, or one who also drives cutting-edge research and brings the latest breakthroughs to their patients? Your career deserves the same standard. At Career Science you work with experts who both understand the research and know how to apply it meaningfully and effectively to your life and future.
Our Values
Evidence-Based,
Practitioner-Led
We combine the rigour of cutting-edge science with real-world coaching expertise. Using the latest research and leading psychometric tools, we turn insight into action – so you can make confident, well-informed career decisions.
Tailored Experiences
Your career journey is one-of-a-kind, and our approach matches that. We craft our support to fit your specific needs, goals, and circumstances, ensuring our guidance has the most impact and relevance for your career moment.
Determined Partners
We're your unwavering allies, no matter your career stage or background. We'll join you in your career moment, untangling questions, resolving moments of "stuck-ness" or feeling lost, tackling challenges and celebrating wins. As true practitioners, our advice isn't just thoughtful – it's practical, pragmatic, and built to work in the real world.
Potential Growth
We see the possibilities in everyone, at every career stage. Our focus is on discovering and unlocking your potential, fostering your development, and helping you envision and achieve your evolving career aspirations. We believe in hope and optimism, powered by practical, step-by-step guidance. You have but one life, and you deserve to be happy and content with your career and your job.
Curiosity
We see curiosity as a career necessity, for both us and you. Our career practitioners explore and guide you to uncover your unique career story. Using the power of curiosity's ability to expand, we uncover choices, potential and opportunities.
Compassion
Career journeys can be messy and confusing. We provide a safe, empathetic space for you to courageously explore your interests, strengths, values, and dreams. Together, we'll navigate challenges, embrace vulnerability, and craft plans for positive change in your career, whatever stage you're at. At our deepest level, we believe that EVERYONE has unique capabilities and a unique path.
Our Values
Evidenced-Based
We use proven career science and stay up-to-date with the latest research, translating new insights into real-world advice every day.
Tailored Experiences
Your career journey is one-of-a-kind, and our approach matches that. We craft our support to fit your specific needs, goals, and circumstances…
Determined Partners
We’re your unwavering allies, no matter your career stage or background. We’ll join you in your career moment, untangling questions…
Potential Growth
We see the possibilities in everyone, at every career stage. Our focus is on discovering and unlocking your potential, fostering your development…
Curiosity
We see curiosity as a career necessity, for both us and you. Our career practitioners explore and guide you to uncover your unique career story.
Compassion
Career journeys can be messy and confusing. We provide a safe, empathetic space for you to courageously explore your interests…
Every decision shapes your career – and your future deserves to be managed with intention, not left to chance.
It is in our nature to pursue Mastery – that innate drive to master our potential and live a full and vibrant life that not only helps ourselves but the people around us.
And we are so confident that we can help you, that we offer A MONEY BACK GUARANTEE* on your first Clarity Kickstart Program! If you’re not happy after your first Clarity Kickstart Program, then we will give you your money back, no questions asked. If you don’t get value for money in that first session – if we’re not helping you, we want you to have your money back so that you can use that money for another purpose. And we don’t believe there are any other career practitioners in Australia willing to make that offer!
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