How Career Coaching Can Benefit You

At some point in our professional lives we have to make a critical choice of either staying on the same career path or making a change. If you’re in a job that’s making you financially secure but is not necessarily what you are passionate about, you may experience uncertainty on whether you must stay on the same path or choose passion over financial security.

These kinds of decisions affect us deeply. At the end of the day, our lives are the outcome of the choices we make whether they are intentional or not. Is it then safe to say that if we have total control over the choices we make, we can also have control over our lives? This is not always the case. Although we can consciously make decisions that we believe are right, as humans, we are imperfect and still vulnerable to commit mistakes.

On that note and in the context of a life-changing decision, such as opting for a career change, having someone to help you make guided decisions can go a long way especially if you are at a stage of your life where you’re confused and unsure of what to do. That guidance comes in the form of career coaching.

What Is Career Coaching?

Career coaches have been around for some time now. Today, the coaching industry, in general, is expanding exponentially and has paved the way for specialized coaching to grow as well, such as in the case of career coaches. Essentially, career coaches provide individuals an opportunity to make informed career decisions that are solution-based and goal-driven. A customized plan is employed by a career coach to help individuals with their career trajectories - especially when they transition into a completely different field. They can help an individual at any stage of their career, whether it’s a newly graduated student, a junior at a company, a senior at a firm or an executive close to retirement.

How Does Career Coaching Work?

The first and most important step that career coaches do is assess and evaluate an individual’s current career position. They then use that information to map out career options to formulate an action plan. Individuals can then leverage their skill set to key headhunters and open a wider window of career opportunities. Career coaches enable individuals to tap into specific resources and market data to help them make informed decisions for their careers. Rather than being hands-on with an individual’s career decisions, coaches provide the necessary tools and knowledge to help an individual acquire their desired role and improve their chances for employment in the future.

Common Misconceptions About Career Coaching

Perhaps the most common misconception about career coaching is that coaches find a suitable job for you. This may sound reassuring but career coaches can only provide an individual with the tools, wisdom, knowledge, and guidance in navigating the ropes of their professional life. There is also widespread belief that attending a one-time career coaching session will solve an individual’s career challenges. This couldn’t be farther away from the truth. Career coaching is an on-going process until you have finally reached your career aspirations. Some people also think that career coaching, or any kind of specialized coaching for that matter, is self-indulgent and only for the privileged or senior executives. Here’s the truth - career coaching is an investment that will help you in the long run.

The Benefits Of Career Coaching

Career coaching can help professionals transition smoothly into another chapter of their career. Let’s take a look at what you can expect with career coaching. Enables you to create an impactful and significant resume/portfolio. In order to stand out among the pool of applicants, it is crucial to create an impactful resume that’s relevant to the role you are applying for. Career coaches help you produce a resume that showcases your skills, is sensitive to the needs of your employer, and communicates how you can bring value to the role you’re applying for and the company.

Helps you establish connections with relevant industries

Career coaches enable you to tap into your pool of networks that could help you establish your connections, meet relevant people, and your career opportunities. Facilitates educated choices to navigate challenging career decisions. When you’re faced with a decision that affects your career trajectory, it’s only imperative to have the right tools and sound knowledge to navigate them. Career coaches ensure that you’re ready and equipped to make the right career choice at any given point in time.

Helps you gain essential critical and soft skills

People are born with talent but skills can be learned with diligence. Career coaches understand the ever-changing landscape of a work environment and that certain skills need to be practiced to position you for success as you progress through your career.

Determines your value proposition with confidence

Confidence is essential when you venture onto a new career path. It is important for employers to feel that you can perform your job according to what they expect. A career coach can help you confidently create a plan of action for your desired career choices.

Holds You Accountable For Your Chosen Profession

A career coach holds you accountable for your career goals. Having someone to keep you on track, and remind you of your end goal is critical for your career success. Although your family members, friends and loved ones can be effective in motivating you, they also have a tendency to be forgiving. On the other hand, a career coach is less likely to cut you some slack.

When Is It Time To Talk To A Career Coach?

If you think you’ve hit a plateau navigating through your professional life, and feel there’s a lot more you can do, it may be time to talk to a career coach. Talking to a career coach will enable you to figure out what you want to accomplish to satiate your career cravings once and for all. Professional career coaching can take you from point A to point B. A career coach will be with you every step of the way, amidst your successes and failure and ultimately unlock your true potential.