Neil's work is not only confined to the school's ground, his work expands to the various students he has helped on the path to their future career.

During the 22 years Neil has spent as the Chatham High School careers advisor he took initiative towards many things.

It was his idea to start the school's Hall of Fame - a visual and digital representation of former alumni and where they are now.

Neil also collaborated with a past group of year 12s to establish the stone griffin statue, the school's symbol, in the garden at the front of the school.

Neil also took initiative in starting the annual career expo around 15 years ago.

The expo hosts scores of universities and institutions annually each year at the school, providing senior students from Manning and Great Lakes schools with ideas on their options following school.

In reflection of his career one thing Neil has learnt is that "...it all comes back around."

"A lot of the time I will put kids on work experience with employers who also went to the school."

Upon retirement Neil is looking forward to getting into the garden and doing more fishing. He would also like to travel more with his wife, Kim, who is a history teacher at Taree High School.

Neil will soon embark on what he has labelled "schoolies" with his wife and daughter, who has recently completed the HSC, to Nepal.

Neil started his career as a social sciences teacher. Originally growing up in the Newcastle area, Neil had fond memories of holidaying in Manning Point as a child.

This was partly the reason behind his move to the area, where he became Taree High School's career advisor in 1980.

In 1993 he made the move to Chatham High School.

Neil was recently awarded the Margaret Gambley Medal at the NSW Career Advisors Conference. The award acknowledges significant contribution to careers.

Earlier this year a former student, Iain Wood nominated Neil for University of Sydney's inaugural Careers Advisers Excellence Award. When Neil won, Iain presented him with the award.

Neil says a highlight of being a career advisor is the relationship he builds with the students and it is wonderful seeing where they go.

"I've been in a lucky position," said Neil.

"They want what I can give them, which isn't always the case in the classroom."

To be a career adviser Neil believes you need to love kids and to have lots of initiative.

"Initiative is the intelligence," finished Neil.

laura.polson@fairfaxmedia.com.au