What happens when you begin an entirely new career at 65?

In this episode of NCE Success Stories, I sit down with Deb, who passed the National Counselor Examination (NCE) on June 11, 2026, to talk about her inspiring journey into the counseling profession.

Deb began her career as a paralegal in 1983 and spent 23 years working in the oil and gas industry. After earning a doctorate in organizational leadership, she made the remarkable decision to return to school at age 65 to pursue a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Along the way, she gained experience working with teens in a residential treatment center, served youth and unwed mothers at a therapeutic ranch, and now works as a case manager conducting assessments for a Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team.

In our conversation, Deb shares:

Why she decided to change careers later in life

The challenges and rewards of returning to graduate school

How she prepared for and passed the NCE

The study strategies that helped her succeed

Encouragement for anyone who feels it's "too late" to pursue their calling

Whether you're preparing for the NCE or considering a career change of your own, Deb's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue meaningful work.

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