Paula Benton

Paula Benton is an Assistant Professor at Northumbria University's Department for Social Work, Education and Community Well-being. She has taught there for over 16 years, focusing on BA Honours Guidance and Counselling. Her research emphasizes career identity, employability, and graduate transitions, with a background in career guidance and workforce development.

Education

• MA (Hons) in Academic Studies in Education (2015)
• City and Guilds Level 1 Teacher Training (2000)
• PGDip in Careers Guidance (1995)
• BA (Hons) Social Studies/Science and Communication Studies (University of Sunderland, 1991)

Research Focus

Her work explores how experiential learning shapes career identity and self-efficacy. Recent projects include studies on graduate transitions in Psychology, Sports Science, and Guidance & Counselling, as well as motivations for entering the career development workforce. She collaborates with North East Local Authorities and schools to advance career guidance practices.

Awards

• Two National Career Awards for innovation in career guidance

Professional Contributions

Benton leads regional initiatives like the Career Guidance Professional Practice Network. She has presented on employability strategies, career education curriculum design, and placement impacts on career development. Her external roles include steering committees for CEIAG Professional Practice.