This symposium brings together four internationally respected leaders in career education whose work spans research, policy, system reform, and everyday practice in schools. Dr Mary McMahon is an Honorary Associate Professor in the School of Education at The University of Queensland, Australia, and a globally recognised scholar in career development across the lifespan, with a particular focus on childhood and adolescence. She is a co‑developer of the Systems Theory Framework of Career Development and has authored and edited numerous influential publications bridging theory, research, and practice. Her work has been central in establishing the importance of beginning career education early and embedding it developmentally across K‑12 schooling. Professor Tristram Hooley is Professor of Career Education at the University of Derby (UK) and a Professor at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences. He is Director of the National Institute for Career Education and Counselling (NICEC) and a leading international voice on career education, policy, and social justice. Tristram has advised governments, including the UK House of Commons Education Committee, and has published extensively on careers, inequality, and systems change, including as co‑editor of Career Guidance for Social Justice. Liv Pennie is Co‑Founder and CEO of BECOME Life Design, an education organisation internationally recognised for its evidence‑based, whole‑school approach to contemporary career education. With a background in psychology, career development, and innovation, Liv specialises in translating complex career theory into practical, scalable learning experiences for schools in a world of uncertainty, anxiety, and technological change. BECOME’s work has been recognised by the OECD as global effective practice in K‑12 career education. Jo Shaw, our Symposium Chair is President of the Careers and Transition Educators Association of New Zealand (CATE) and a highly experienced practitioner‑leader in career education and youth transitions. Her work bridges frontline school practice, professional capability building, and system leadership, supporting career advisors and educators across Aotearoa New Zealand. Jo brings a strong practitioner and sector‑leadership perspective focused on quality, equity, and sustainable implementation of career education in schools. Together, the presenters combine deep research expertise with practical systems leadership, offering a scientifically grounded and practice‑ready response to global challenges in K‑12 career education.