About Career Wave
At Career Wave, we believe your career is not just a job — it’s a journey, full of movement, momentum, and meaningful change. Our name reflects that belief, inspired by the ever-evolving nature of ocean waves and the Māori symbol of Koru, representing new beginnings, growth, and harmony.
Career Wave is more than a coaching service — it’s a supportive partnership grounded in empathy, expertise, and trust. Our approach is holistic, and client focused. We take the time to understand your aspirations, strengths, and challenges before crafting a tailored action plan. Every session is designed to boost your clarity, enhance your self-awareness, and move you closer to a fulfilling career.
Led by experienced Career Coach Hemali Shah, we bring a client-first approach with deep knowledge of Aotearoa’s labour market trends and hiring practices. With a warm and inclusive coaching style, Hemali creates a space where clients feel safe to explore their goals, tackle challenges, and unlock their full potential. Our guidance is culturally responsive, strengths-based, and focused on your long-term growth.
Our Values
Empowerment
We believe in equipping people with the tools, confidence, and clarity to make their own career decisions. Our coaching is about helping you take ownership of your path.
Inclusivity
We create a safe, respectful space for individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. Your story matters here, and we honour its uniqueness in every conversation and session.
Growth & Adaptability
Inspired by the ever-moving rhythm of the ocean and the Koru symbol of new beginnings, we support growth through reflection, resilience, and practical action.
Empowerment
We believe in equipping people with the tools, confidence, and clarity to make their own career decisions. Our coaching is about helping you take ownership of your path.
Inclusivity
We create a safe, respectful space for individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. Your story matters here, and we honour its uniqueness in every conversation and session.
Growth & Adaptability
Inspired by the ever-moving rhythm of the ocean and the Koru symbol of new beginnings, we support growth through reflection, resilience, and practical action.
About us
Kia ora! I’m Hemali Shah — Director and Career Coach at Career Wave.
I founded Career Wave with the intention of helping people design careers that feel authentic, purposeful, and resilient. Over the last 10+ years, I have supported individuals navigating a range of complex career transitions and life circumstances. With hands-on experience across Aotearoa’s employment and career development sector, I bring not only knowledge – but compassion, cultural understanding, and a practical mindset.
Kia ora!
I’m Hemali Shah — Director and Career Coach
I founded Career Wave with the intention of helping people design careers that feel authentic, purposeful, and resilient. Over the last 10+ years, I have supported individuals navigating a range of complex career transitions and life circumstances. With hands-on experience across Aotearoa’s employment and career development sector, I bring not only knowledge – but compassion, cultural understanding, and a practical mindset.
What drives me most is creating a safe, welcoming space for clients to reflect, explore their options, and move forward with renewed clarity. I believe in the power of self-awareness and informed decision-making. My role is to guide, support, and challenge – so clients walk away not only with a polished CV or interview strategy, but with a deeper sense of confidence and direction.
My work spans across public, private, and community-based programmes. I have delivered coaching to people from many walks of life.
Professional Highlights
Supported diverse range of individuals to become job-ready with practical tools and personal guidance
Worked closely with individuals on job seeker benefit, sole parents and individuals living with long-term injury or health conditions
Delivered Back to Work programme (BTW) and Job Search (JS) programme for clients recovering from injury through ACC vocational services, helping them regain confidence and re-enter the workforce
Empowered migrant professionals to adapt to the NZ job market with clarity and confidence through career workshops and one-on-one coaching
Advised international students on transitioning into employment in New Zealand
Helped many clients navigate redundancy with thoughtful career planning and emotional resilience coaching
Professional Highlights
Supported diverse range of individuals to become job-ready with practical tools and personal guidance
Worked closely with individuals on job seeker benefit, sole parents and individuals living with long-term injury or health conditions
Delivered Back to Work programme (BTW) and Job Search (JS) programme for clients recovering from injury through ACC vocational services, helping them regain confidence and re-enter the workforce
Empowered migrant professionals to adapt to the NZ job market with clarity and confidence through career workshops and one-on-one coaching
Advised international students on transitioning into employment in New Zealand
Helped many clients navigate redundancy with thoughtful career planning and emotional resilience coaching
Professional Highlights
Supported diverse range of individuals to become job-ready with practical tools and personal guidance
Worked closely with individuals on job seeker benefit, sole parents and individuals living with long-term injury or health conditions
Delivered Back to Work programme (BTW) and Job Search (JS) programme for clients recovering from injury through ACC vocational services, helping them regain confidence and re-enter the workforce
Empowered migrant professionals to adapt to the NZ job market with clarity and confidence through career workshops and one-on-one coaching
Advised international students on transitioning into employment in New Zealand
Helped many clients navigate redundancy with thoughtful career planning and emotional resilience coaching
Professional Highlights
Supported diverse range of individuals to become job-ready with practical tools and personal guidance
Worked closely with individuals on job seeker benefit, sole parents and individuals living with long-term injury or health conditions
Delivered Back to Work programme (BTW) and Job Search (JS) programme for clients recovering from injury through ACC vocational services, helping them regain confidence and re-enter the workforce
Empowered migrant professionals to adapt to the NZ job market with clarity and confidence through career workshops and one-on-one coaching
Advised international students on transitioning into employment in New Zealand
Helped many clients navigate redundancy with thoughtful career planning and emotional resilience coaching
Professional Highlights
Supported diverse range of individuals to become job-ready with practical tools and personal guidance
Worked closely with individuals on job seeker benefit, sole parents and individuals living with long-term injury or health conditions
Delivered Back to Work programme (BTW) and Job Search (JS) programme for clients recovering from injury through ACC vocational services, helping them regain confidence and re-enter the workforce
Empowered migrant professionals to adapt to the NZ job market with clarity and confidence through career workshops and one-on-one coaching
Advised international students on transitioning into employment in New Zealand
Helped many clients navigate redundancy with thoughtful career planning and emotional resilience coaching
Credentials
• Professional Member – Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ)
• Diploma in Career Development (Level 6) – NMIT, NZ
• Postgraduate Diploma in Business (Level 8) – Unitec Institute of Technology
• Masters in Personnel Management – University of Pune, India
With a deep understanding of both local and global employment contexts, I bring cultural sensitivity, empathy, and strategic insight into every coaching relationship. I stay up to date through ongoing professional development and actively participate in industry workshops and communities of practice.
My coaching philosophy is grounded in building confidence, resilience, and identity alignment. I aim to create a space where clients feel seen, heard, and motivated to take positive action.
Backed by industry insights and lived experience, our services have helped clients across various sectors and career stages.
If you are ready to make a change, I would be honoured to be part of your journey.
With a deep understanding of both local and global employment contexts, I bring cultural sensitivity, empathy, and strategic insight into every coaching relationship. I stay up to date through ongoing professional development and actively participate in industry workshops and communities of practice.
My coaching philosophy is grounded in building confidence, resilience, and identity alignment. I aim to create a space where clients feel seen, heard, and motivated to take positive action.
Backed by industry insights and lived experience, our services have helped clients across various sectors and career stages.
If you are ready to make a change, I would be honoured to be part of your journey.
Credentials
• Professional Member – Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ)
• Diploma in Career Development (Level 6) – NMIT, NZ
• Postgraduate Diploma in Business (Level 8) – Unitec Institute of Technology
• Masters in Personnel Management – University of Pune, India
Credentials
• Professional Member – Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ)
• Diploma in Career Development (Level 6) – NMIT, NZ
• Postgraduate Diploma in Business (Level 8) – Unitec Institute of Technology
• Masters in Personnel Management – University of Pune, India
Credentials
• Professional Member – Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ)
• Diploma in Career Development (Level 6) – NMIT, NZ
• Postgraduate Diploma in Business (Level 8) – Unitec Institute of Technology
• Masters in Personnel Management – University of Pune, India
With a deep understanding of both local and global employment contexts, I bring cultural sensitivity, empathy, and strategic insight into every coaching relationship. I stay up to date through ongoing professional development and actively participate in industry workshops and communities of practice.
My coaching philosophy is grounded in building confidence, resilience, and identity alignment. I aim to create a space where clients feel seen, heard, and motivated to take positive action.
Backed by industry insights and lived experience, our services have helped clients across various sectors and career stages.
If you are ready to make a change, I would be honoured to be part of your journey.
