Have you heard of career coaching but are not really sure what it is? I find it is often confused with career counseling, but they really are two very different areas of support.
Career coaching is a specialty area of coaching. The coach helps the client identify career goals, recognize their passions, and realize ways to enjoy greater fulfillment in their professional life. The coach helps the client to create a well-defined plan and strategy as well as provides tools to be more successful.
Over the next few months of this series, I will share some areas my own clients have hired me to partner on and help them tackle.
One issue clients’ have sought out career coaching for is Career Progression and Advancement within the Organization. Challenges past clients have tackled include:
- Struggling to get recognized.
- Applying for open positions but not even getting an interview.
- Applying for open positions, getting interviews but not getting selected.
Here is a Tip: Build your internal network. This is something you can start right away. Who are 3 people within your organization that you need to get to know? Make a list and get something on the calendar.
Take time to build those relationships in a meaningful way. You don’t want to build relationships just to get ahead. You want to build them so they are a win-win for both parties and a way that you can help the other person as well.
Career coaching is something that can be done at any stage of your professional life. Some people use it to help them in the beginning of their career to excel at a quicker pace. Others use it to help them change careers or to change roles successfully.
No matter what you are going through in your career, a coach can help you identify the areas you need to work on so that you can find that passion again or find success in a new area. I often say that I help clients Move Up, Move Over or Move out of their organization.
Another thing to keep in mind is that a career coach is not there to do the work for you. Your coach will ask questions that are going to make you think and get clear on what you want, give you feedback and advice on areas you need to work on such as your resume, interview skills and negotiating, share beneficial career resources.
A good career coach will help you gain career confidence. They will help you highlight your strengths and growth areas. A coach will help you identify your next career step and what it will take to achieve that goal. If you are ready to put in the effort, you are ready to work with a coach.
If you are curious about what it would look like if we worked together, please reach out for a complimentary session. I would love to chat with you and learn about the support you are looking for.
