We Build Careers That Actually Matter
Real guidance for people who want professional growth without the empty promises
Starting NovaStudy in 2019 wasn't about following some grand master plan. We just noticed too many talented people stuck in roles that didn't fit them, working with advisors who offered generic advice copied from outdated playbooks. There had to be a better way to help people find work they genuinely care about.
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How We Got Here
Back in 2019, Rhys Faulkner and Torben Whitfield met at a career development conference in Manchester. Both were frustrated with the industry's obsession with quick fixes and one-size-fits-all solutions. Rhys had spent years watching brilliant professionals burn out in mismatched roles. Torben kept seeing talented people give up on career changes because the support just wasn't there.
They started NovaStudy in a shared office space with one simple goal: build something that actually helps people. No inflated promises about overnight success. No cookie-cutter programs pretending everyone's journey looks the same. Just honest conversations about where someone is now and where they could realistically go.
The first year was rough. We spent more time learning what didn't work than celebrating wins. But those early clients taught us something valuable: people don't need motivational speeches or generic templates. They need someone who listens, asks hard questions, and helps them see opportunities they've been overlooking. That's what we've been doing ever since.
What Guides Our Work
Honest Conversations
We don't sugarcoat reality. If a career path looks difficult, we say so. If someone's goals need adjusting, we talk through it. Clarity beats false optimism every time.
Individual Journeys
Your background isn't identical to anyone else's, so why should your strategy be? We build approaches around actual circumstances, not theoretical models.
Long-Term Thinking
Quick wins matter, but sustainable careers take time. We focus on building foundations that support growth over years, not just landing the next role.
Rhys Faulkner
Co-Founder
Spent fifteen years in corporate training before realizing most programs missed the point. Now builds career strategies that account for real life complications and individual strengths.
Torben Whitfield
Co-Founder
Worked in recruitment for a decade and got tired of watching talented people trapped by bad career advice. Focuses on helping professionals identify opportunities they're actually qualified for.
Our Story in Milestones
2019
The Beginning
Started with twelve clients who took a chance on two people with more ideas than track record. That trust kept us going through months of figuring things out.
2021
Finding Our Approach
Developed our career mapping framework after realizing standard assessment tools left out half the relevant information. Started seeing better outcomes when we stopped following industry formulas.
2024
Building the Team
Brought on three career advisors who shared our philosophy about honest guidance. Expanded into specialized support for career transitions in tech and creative industries.
2026
Where We Are Now
Working with professionals across the UK who want career development that respects their intelligence. Still learning, still improving, still having honest conversations about realistic paths forward.
Let's Talk About Your Career
We're not interested in selling you programs you don't need or making promises we can't keep. If you want straightforward guidance about your professional development, we should talk.
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