Get the Most out of Career Coaching

Career coaching helps individuals flesh out career trajectories and more clearly define their goals. It’s typically conducted either in person or virtually by a coaching specialist or an expert in a given field. 

Career coaching takes into account your personal interests, educational goals, past work experience, and more to map out a career path that makes sense for you. Career coaching can benefit professionals and entrepreneurs at all points of their careers, from entry-level to upper management.

Benefits of Career Coaching

The benefits of career coaching are numerous and go way beyond just landing a good job. Perhaps most importantly, career coaching helps you chart a career path — one with a long-term focus that helps you achieve your goals — rather than focusing on getting a job in general. Here are just a few of its benefits: 

1. Helps illuminate your strengths and weaknesses
2. Offers perspective on roles in which you are most likely to thrive
3. Helps you understand your value and unique skills
4. Narrows your focus to roles that best fit your skill set

Career coaches typically meet with candidates in one-on-one situations, so each pathway is personalized to your specific goals, strengths, and needs. Working with an unbiased third party like a career coach can also provide a more objective look at your options and strengths. 

How to Make the Most of a Career Coaching Session

In any career coaching situation, it’s important to come prepared. Consider the kind of work that helps you get into a flow state — that is, “the optimal state of consciousness where we feel our best and perform our best,” according to positive psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi. Understanding where you naturally thrive can help illuminate the types of careers that are a best fit. Bring along your resume, and think about a few people or professionals you admire. 

Even if preparation just means making a rough outline of what you don’t want to do, it’s helpful. 

Before meeting with your career coach, consider writing out a list of questions to ask. These don’t have to be set in stone, but they can help give structure to your thoughts. Question ideas include:

• “What are some different ways I can use my degree?”
• “Which skills are most important for me to improve?”
• “What’s a typical salary for this career path?”

The career coach is there to help you set goals and chart a path, so try to keep an open mind. You may be surprised by the career paths open to you based on your goals and unique skill set. 

Where to Find a Career Coach

Career coaches are often available through universities at no cost to students or alumni. Try searching your university along with “career coaching” for information. You’ll also find professional career coaches across the country, though you’ll likely have to pay a fee for their services. 

When selecting a career coach, take a look at coaches who are experts in your field or understand its nuances. Many services also offer the opportunity to conduct career coaching online, for added convenience and accessibility. 

When you’re ready to take the next step in your career, or break into a new industry, career coaches are there to help you succeed. With a clear idea of your options and strengths, you’re sure to find a path that’s a perfect fit. 

Career Coaching at CSU Global

CSU Global students and alumni can access free career coaching through the CSU Global Career Center, Global Connect. Contact Career.Center [at] csuglobal.edu if you have any questions.