We help people get clear on what they actually want so they can make career decisions they trust.

Our Story

Career Design was founded in 1978 by Dr. Helen Harkness, a nationally recognized career consultant, author, and pioneer in the re-careering movement. At a time when conventional wisdom would have retired her, Dr. Harkness did the opposite. Born in 1928 in Cowen, West Virginia, she founded Career Designs at age 50, authored four books, spoke at over 100 conferences, contributed to dozens of professional journals, and mentored more than 15,000 students, early career professionals, career changers, entrepreneurs, and futurists over the course of her career. Education was always one of Helen’s deepest passions. She believed learning and self-discovery were essential at every stage of life, whether someone was just beginning their career or reimagining it decades later. She ran Career Design until she was 91 years old.

She often said, “I am a grower, I grow trees, and people.” And she meant it. Dr. Harkness had a gift for instantly sensing a person’s strengths and helping them use those strengths to shine. She gave people confidence until they could supply it to themselves. She passed away in February of 2021, right up until her last breath helping people get out of the darkest night and into work that brought them joy. Her belief was simple, but profound: clarity comes before career. When you understand yourself, you can design a work-life balance that provides both meaning and money.