Our jobs occupy an immense part of our adult lives. It is the means through which we put food on the table, support our families, and impact the world. It follows that you want to make the best choice; After all, you will be stuck at that office desk for eons.
Getting into the right career combines strategies including exemplary resume writing skills, a portfolio of relevant skills, and a knack for getting the interview questions right. External assistance could come in handy. A career coach for women in IT, primes you to put your best foot forward and align your goals. They are a great asset, but only if you choose one right.
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What is a career coach?
A career coach is a guide through your professional life. They help you define your career goals and the strategies to achieve them. A coach will be useful if you are looking for a job, a promotion, a transition into another path, or just to gain clarity on what you want. Career coaches exist in almost every career path and industry and for different niches, including women in IT.
How to find the right coach
Ever heard of the saying that if a blind man leads another, they will both fall into a pit? No matter how badly you need a coach, you are better without one than with the wrong one. Given that a coach is such a vital decision, consider these pointers as you search the market:
Understand what you need
A career coach cannot help you if you do not know what you need. Career decisions begin with introspection to identify where you are now and where you want to go. This way, you will know the gaps you need to fill and the kind of coach that will help with that.
Do your initial research.
Have a bunch of potential coaches and do a preliminary search on them. Review their LinkedIn profiles and other online presence. Is there evidence of their expertise, such as professional papers, interviews, or a blog? These will all give you an idea of who these individuals are and how suitable they would be.
Consider the cost implications.
Establish your working budget and how much you are willing to spend on a coach. You do not want to be bogged down by the frustration of paying for it.
Review their qualifications
When you have established first contact, ask pertinent questions such as:
- Are they certified?
- How long have they been in business?
- How many customers do they handle at a go?
- How long do the sessions take?
- What coaching style do they use?
- How much do they cost, and what is the mode of payment?
Compare the results and take your review further by checking out what past clients say about them. Review client feedback online or ask the potential coach if it is possible to contact past clients.
A career coach is worth the investment if chosen right. Not every coach will be the right fit. Also, not all of them will have your best interests at heart. Be aware of those that turn the first meeting into a sales pitch more than addressing your needs. Moreover, understand that the role of your coach is to offer guidance, not do everything for you. Avoid those who do the work for you rather than assist you in steering the boat. Finally, remember that coaching doesn’t follow a universal manual and that your needs are unique. Work with someone who customizes their program and walks the distinctive path with you.
