Kickstart Professional Development Program
Kickstart is an exclusive professional development program for Gold Coast businesses looking to accelerate the growth, confidence and workplace readiness of their early-career employees. Endorsed by the City of Gold Coast, the program equips graduates with the practical skills, industry awareness and professional capabilities needed to thrive — while allowing them to stay fully engaged in their day-to-day roles.
Across 11 interactive, in-person workshops (half-day sessions held monthly, commencing in February 2026), participants build core workplace skills through experiential learning, practical activities, coaching, and the completion of a significant workplace project. With a strong emphasis on communication, collaboration and self-awareness, Kickstart supports participants to identify their strengths, enhance performance, and contribute more effectively to their organisation.
What Participants Gain
• Stronger workplace performance and confidence
• Enhanced communication, teamwork and leadership capability
• Critical thinking and big-picture understanding
• Mental fitness and resilience tools
• Insight into strengths and personal communication styles (via DISC profiling)
• Broad industry exposure and professional networking
• Practical experience applying learning through a workplace project
Benefits for Employers
• More capable, confident and engaged staff
• Improved communication and collaboration
• Enhanced decision-making and project delivery
• Stronger retention of early-career talent
• High-impact development without removing staff from core duties
Program Highlights
• Individual DISC Profile and debrief
• Industry guest speakers and leadership presenters
• Site visits across the Gold Coast
• Workshops exploring the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Sessions on mental fitness, resilience and future-focused practice
• Opportunities for cross-industry networking and collaboration
Program highlights
2026 Program Details
Session 1
Session Title: Kickstart! Welcome and Program Navigation - for participants and managers
Date: Friday 27th February, 8.30am – 11.30am
Venue: Panorama Room, HOTA
Session 2
Session Title: Being Great at What You Do! Discover Your Professional Identity
Session 3
Session Title: Networking Event
Session 4
Session title: Communication and Collaboration
Session 5
Session title: Sustainability in Action
Session 6
Session Title: Resilience and Mental Fitness
Session 7
Session Title: Influence and Impact
Session 8
Session Title: Your Career Story
Session 9
Session Title: Disruptive Change – Technology, Innovation and Adaptability
Session 10
Session Title: Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct
Session 11
Session Title: Kickstart Final Event: Work Project Presentations - for participants and managers
The program cost is $425 + GST per participant. The actual value/cost of delivery is over $1,000 per participant but the remainder of the cost is subsidised by Experience Gold Coast.
Program Eligibility
- Open to all Gold Coast businesses, of any size and from any industry
- Eligible graduates can be from Degree or Non-Degree qualifications across all industries and disciplines. Who have completed their studies within the last 2 years or be due to complete by 30 June 2025 (studies can include tertiary and vocational education or training)
- Maximum two participants per employer unless previously arranged with Experience Gold Coast
- Participant must have commitment from line manager (manager is involved in first session, last session and receives updates throughout the course of the program)
Have a question? Contact us at kickstart@experiencegoldcoast.com or phone 07 5556 6102
MEET THE TEAM
Dr. Samantha Kilmartin
Sam is a passionate and experienced career development professional with a background in strategic HRM, career coaching and research. Her PhD focussed on graduate career success and she is well-regarded in her field for employability research.
Sam has spent her career focusing on helping people grow and succeed, whether through one-on-one career advice, teaching, coaching, or running training and development programs. Sam has lead the Kickstart Program for Experience Gold Coast for the last 4 years.
Beyond her professional work, Sam is dedicated to giving back. She provides outreach career support and is actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA) and the National Association of Graduate Career Advisory Services (NAGCAS), where she has been a key member of the management committee and executive board. Her mission is to ensure everyone has access to accurate, contemporary career advice and the opportunity to pursue their career goals.
When she’s not helping others achieve their career goals, Sam loves skiing, spending time with family and friends, and she also adores dogs.
LINKEDINNatalie Moloney
Natalie Moloney is a qualified career practitioner and career coach who has been co-manager and facilitator of Kickstart for the last 3 years. Supported by a background in human resource management across varying industries, Natalie brings well developed skills in a broad range of HRM and career development functions. Her diverse knowledge and skill set provides a strong foundation to support others to plan and achieve career development goals.
Natalie is committed to helping others to thrive in their careers and achieve fulfillment from their work. She has a strong passion for workshop facilitation, and is energised by helping others learn and grow.Natalie is tertiary qualified with a Graduate Certificate of Career Development, and a Bachelor of Commerce (HRM). She is also a Professional member of the Career Development Association of Australia. In her free time you can find Natalie at the beach supporting her three girls in surf lifesaving, taking a walk through Burleigh headlands or having a swim. She also has a gorgeous dog called Basil.
LINKEDINSherrie Dunshea
Sherrie is qualified Career Development Practitioner dedicated to helping people grow professionally, and with confidence. With a background in HR, organisational change, and performance management, Sherrie brings practical insight into what employers look for and what it takes to succeed in a fast-changing workplace. She supports students and early-career professionals as they navigate transitions, make informed decisions, and prepare to step into new opportunities.
As a professional member of the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA), Sherrie stays connected to the latest trends shaping careers and the future of work. Her diverse industry experience means she understands the expectations of different workplaces and can tailor her guidance to help individuals stand out and thrive.
Outside of work, Sherrie embraces Gold Coast life—whether she’s out on the water, playing golf, or enjoying live music—and brings that same enthusiasm to supporting others on their development journey.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.