How do you find a career coach?

Utilize University Career Resources

Research shows that 50-60% of college students utilize their Career Center. As a Career Coach who has worked at bootcamps, community colleges, universities, trade schools, and for various educational programs, I believe students should take advantage of the support their in-house Career Center provides.

As an undergrad, I fully utilized the Career Center where I received my education, and I found a consistent Career Coach through my recurring on-campus appointments. Over a decade later, I am still in touch with this person and glad I took advantage of the resources readily available to me.

Ask the Career Coach Institute

I had been feeling stuck in my career for a while and knew I needed some guidance to help me figure out my next steps. I did some research and came across the Career Coach Institute (CCI), which seemed like the perfect place to start looking for a coach. I reached out to the organization and explained my situation.

They were very helpful and provided me with a list of coaches affiliated with the CCI and working in my city. I reached out to a few coaches on the list and found one who seemed like the perfect fit for me. We had an initial consultation call and I knew right away that I wanted to work with her.

Thanks to her guidance and support, I was able to land a job that I truly like, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m so glad I reached out to the CCI for recommendations – their expertise really made a difference in my career journey.

Research Online and Using Coaching Websites Review

I did some research online and looked at different career coaching websites and reviews. I read about different coaches’ qualifications, experiences, and areas of expertise, and I narrowed down my list of potential coaches based on that information. Then, I reached out to some of the coaches on my list to schedule a consultation call.

During these calls, I asked about their coaching style and approach, and I got a sense of whether or not we would be a good fit. I also asked about their pricing and availability, and I compared that information to what other coaches were offering.

Asking Your Network Or Consult a Career Coaching Center

Asking around in your network or getting in touch with a career coaching center will help you find a career coach. Ask your friends, relatives, or coworkers if they have any recommendations for anyone they’ve worked with.

Your personal and professional networks may help you locate a certified career coach who provides the services you require. Students in high school and college can benefit from their institution’s career services.

On campus, ask around. When you’re just transitioning into working, there are many colleges that offer free career counseling that might be beneficial. Attempt to seek one locally if you can’t find one at your college.

It’s possible that a local career services center can provide the service or suggest a third-party career counselor. Check to see if your career center has any possibilities for internships, informative interviews, or job shadowing.

Participating in these programs can help you discover more about your personality and professional interests.

Get Personal Recommendations

When I’m feeling stuck and it’s time to get some professional coaching, the first thing I do is ask people in my professional network for recommendations. Hiring a coach is not only about finding someone who specializes in the topics I need help with, but also finding someone who is a good fit with my personality and way of working, so someone who knows me personally can better assess that.

If you don’t know anyone who has worked with the coach before, look at the testimonials on their website and contact them directly. I have had people contact me that way, and it’s never a problem to reply with a quick response.