Clients typically come with one of three issues in their work life: exploring new careers, searching for their next job, or managing their career. The three scenarios below are typical situations in which career counseling can be extremely helpful. If you find yourself in one of these situations, it might be time to consider career counseling.

Career Exploration
Topics may include:

• Assessing your interests, personality, strengths, and values using the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory
• Transitioning from major life events, such as high school or college graduation, a death in the family, a stay-at-home mom re-entering the workforce, or a retiree seeking an encore career
• Researching career options using a variety of online resources
• Identifying a career fit for you
• Exploring education and training options

Typical problem: “I’ve had a job for 5 years now for a good company, but I am just not fulfilled with my work. I don’t want to spend the next 5 years in a mediocre job, but I really don’t know what I want to do or where to start.”

At times, clients may feel overwhelmed with where to start when it comes to pursuing a new career. With the help of assessments, either formal or informal, we will assess interests, skills, values, and personality and determine how the results in these areas will impact the workplace and the job duties. Through a collaborative effort, we will come up with a structured plan to help in finding YOUR dream job.

Job Search
Topics may include:

• Application materials to best market skills and qualifications
• Creating a job search strategy, with timelines and specific tasks to complete
• Mock interview
• Identifying your network and appropriate ways to reach out
• Using LinkedIn in the job search

Typical problem: “I have been searching for 3 months with no success. I have no focus and feel that my resume is just going into an online black hole.”

It’s true that online applications can begin to feel discouraging and maybe even a bit hopeless in the job search. With a new economy and an increase in the amount of candidates applying online, it’s important to do much more than just apply online. This is where focus in the job search becomes very important. Creating a plan of action and knowing how to leverage your network or create a new network with LinkedIn and local networking events, you will find success with tangible action steps that puts you back in control of your job search. This approach eliminates wasted time going down the rabbit hole of online searches and provides structure to the somewhat intimidating job search process.

Career Management
Topics may include:

• Identifying areas of improvement in the workplace 
• Learning how to manage workplace conflicts and stressors
•  Assessing strengths using the Myers Briggs Type Indicator
•  Developing communication skills between peers and your manager

Typical problem: “I love my job. I enjoy getting up every morning because I am very fulfilled with my work. However, I feel like I’ve hit a brick wall with my career growth.”

Finding a career that you love is more than half the battle, but knowing how to manage that career so that you continue to love your job can be a bit of a challenge. There are often opportunities in the workplace that we have not tapped into because we get so caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities. Whether this includes finding additional training or professional development opportunities to learning how to manage up with a boss that is fearful of letting go of control, there are always ways to manage your career in a smart, strategic way that will get those at the administrative level to notice. These sessions will focus on the gap of your future career goals with the present reality. Together, we will create a career management plan to make the most of the existing opportunities available to you.