Rate My Professor Lynley Soper

Lynley Soper serves as a Career Adviser in the Career Development Centre at the University of Otago. She provides professional career coaching and counselling for prospective, current, and recently graduated students, with a particular emphasis on helping them make meaningful choices for their study and career directions. Lynley's approach supports students in navigating decisions that align with their interests and goals, promoting clarity and confidence in their professional development.

Lynley brings a strong background from private career practice, where she assisted secondary students with early career choices and adults transitioning to new career paths. She also holds extensive experience in the agricultural and social service sectors, enriching her understanding of diverse professional landscapes. At the University of Otago, she liaises closely with the Division of Sciences to deliver workshops, guest lectures, and coordinate career events tailored to enhance employability. Additionally, she collaborates with several residential colleges and the Pacific Islands Centre to extend her support across various student communities. Lynley has contributed to key initiatives, including the organization of innovative, targeted career expos in 2019 alongside Emily Lucas, which marked a successful shift from general expos and gained popularity among students. She co-presented at the 2019 Professional Staff Conference with Jackie Dean on 'Keeping up with the robots: The future of work,' exploring employment trends. As a member of the Career Development Centre team, voted New Zealand's best career service in 2018 and 2019, Lynley helps maintain its national leadership. Outside the university, she founded Lynley Soper Careers Ltd, providing career planning and development for all ages and stages, specializing in 15-30 year olds, with operations set to conclude in 2026. Her work significantly bolsters student career readiness and success at Otago.