Career development pioneer Dr Col McCowan earns PhD

Half a century after gaining his first tertiary qualification, Dr Col McCowan OAM, a living legend of the career development field, will graduate from the University of Southern Queensland with a PhD.

The 79-year-old has earned the title of the ‘grandfather of career development’ for his pivotal role in shaping career guidance and education nationally and internationally.

Dr McCowan has been a leading figure in career development policy discussions at state, national, and international levels and has received the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of his extensive service to tertiary education.

His work has always emphasised the importance of accurate, well-organised career information and the integration of career education into broader educational frameworks.

Dr McCowan was grateful to UniSQ for recognising his prior qualifications ‘even though they were quite a time ago’ and hoped his work would continue to make a difference.

Head of School and Dean (Education) Associate Professor Peter Cook said Dr McCowan’s work had profoundly impacted countless individuals and communities in Australia and internationally.

“His work has been instrumental from vocational guidance and career education to career counselling and the development of standards and training for career development professionals,” Associate Professor Cook said.

“Dr McCowan’s international contributions demonstrate his commitment to sharing his expertise and improving career development practices globally.

“We congratulate him on graduating with a PhD and are proud to call him a University of Southern Queensland alumnus.”

Dr McCowan’s international work includes projects in Bhutan, India, Mongolia, Oman, Thailand, and Vietnam, where he developed and implemented career guidance and employment systems.

His PhD research at the University of Southern Queensland focused on the psychometric properties of career education and development scales designed for students across primary, secondary, and tertiary education in two countries.

Dr McCowan, who lives in Waterford, will graduate at the UniSQ 2024 Winter Graduation Ceremony in Toowoomba on Tuesday 25 June.