I feel like I am in need of a career coach or mentor and I'm not sure...

Mystery Woman

Tell us more for better jobs, advice
and connections

Don’t miss out on new opportunities.

Update your profile

YOUR TOPICS

Your feed isn’t personalized yet. Follow topics like career advice, lifestyle or health.

YOUR GROUPS

Discover and join groups with like-minded women who share your interests, profession, and lifestyle.

COMPANIES YOU FOLLOW

Get alerted when there are new employee reviews.

YOUR JOB ALERTS

Get notified when new jobs are posted.

Your post is published!

Rachael Parekh

02/09/21 at 5:26AM UTC

I feel like I am in need of a career coach or mentor and I'm not sure...

do I just start Googling for one? How do I find one right for me?

29 Comments

Roz Bolton

Guiding you to unleash your inner YOU

02/09/21 at 6:19AM UTC

Ask in here. What area of your life do you need guidance with? I can guide you.

Rachael Parekh

02/09/21 at 3:42PM UTC

I'm at a point in my career where I am a senior designer and I frequently mentor jr designers and I realize the importance of mentorship because you can learn from people that can prevent you from making the mistakes they did. I think I'm at a point where I want to find someone to work with maybe once a month to help me set realistic goals, and help me discover what I'm really good at and maybe even the steps I need to take to get to my goals. I see so many people in the industry that I fall victim to comparing myself to, they have instagram accounts, tiktoks, youtube, dribble, behance, side jobs, twitter, discord community, passion projects, and I feel overwhelmed. I think I could use a mentor that helps coach creatives to get to the next level in their career. I feel like I did the hard part to get this far but graduated to the big leagues and now I need different guidance. I would happily pay for this service if the value and connection where there. Idk how to find someone like that though.

Jamie Klingman

Serial Business Starter and Seller

02/09/21 at 9:05PM UTC

To me, there is a different between a coach and a mentor. A coach is going to walk alongside you, being more hands-on and directive. Mentors tend to lend experience but not be so direct in telling you what and when to do things. I would consider why you are considering this, and then seek someone who can specifically meet your needs. Good luck!

Corrine Taylor-Chin

106

Writer & Web Production Professional

02/09/21 at 9:10PM UTC

Here's an option! http://www.shewentforherdreams.com/

Jackie Ghedine

4.17k

Coach for Gen X Women | Jack Russell of Humans

02/09/21 at 9:14PM UTC

Hi Rachael. I am a career coach for women. Here are some questions to ask yourself to get started down the path of needing a coach. What exactly am I looking to achieve? What goals do I have and how can I leverage someone else's expertise and knowledge to help me get there? What has prevented me from getting the results I want prior to right now? Am I willing to put in the work to make the necessary changes to grow? Once you have some clarity around these questions, you can then start finding the right coach for you. You want to align yourself with a coach with a proven track record, a philosophy that aligns with your own and that you feel comfortable with since coaching is a vulnerable and honest process. I would like to offer you a free discovery call to see if I can ascertain your needs. Please feel free to connect at [email protected] or message me here!

Jasmine

113

02/09/21 at 9:32PM UTC

It sounds like you need a coach vs a mentor since mentoring is using a sharing of experience from the mentor vs coaching which is generally a short term process and the purpose of coaching is to facilitate the client's thinking without imparting knowledge by focusing a a series of objectives and development of action plans.

Leigh Mitchell, Career & Business Brand Strategist

123

Founder of Women in Biz Network

02/09/21 at 9:44PM UTC

Identify your goals and take a close look at your network and their capacity. Read up on the key differences between coaching and mentorship and see how it relates to your goals. Coaching is more formal but there are also some structured mentorship programs. My org. Women in Biz Network happens to have one!

Rachael Parekh

02/09/21 at 10:01PM UTC

Thanks for all the responses! For clarity, my main goal is really to feel confident about my presence online and develop a strategy for what social media platforms I'm going to be on, how to manage them, and if I need to start a community or not.

2 Replies

Anonymous

02/09/21 at 10:07PM UTC

I've had good luck with identifying people doing what I wanted to do online and reaching out to them directly. They've been happy to help share their thinking, the resources they utilize, how they made decisions, etc. and it was extremely helpful. I'd also look into Facebook Groups with members who are either in similar situations and/or those who have already "arrived" - that way you can easily share questions, get answers, and learn from others' experiences.

Laura McCann

322

Driving results through people engagement

02/19/21 at 1:43PM UTC

There are some great resources online for this, several webinars, coaches, etc. You may not need a career coach for that type of goal.

kellyo

Coach and Strategist to highly motivated people

02/09/21 at 10:15PM UTC

Hi Rachel, I see this with a lot of my client’s, so you are in good company. A coach is an accountability partner. You could gain a great deal working with one to define exactly what confidence regarding your online presence looks like to you. Is it followers? Is it a conversion rate to business opportunities, is it new connections? Is it just getting comfortable and practicing putting yourself out there? Once you know what that looks like, you can chart your course for how to get there ( posting weekly, joining certain online groups, identifying snd leveraging your power base.) you may also reach out to someone that you have identified as having a good online presence and connect with them. Most people are happy to share their expertise! Reach out to me if you want to talk further- best of luck! Kelly

Amy Geffen

199

Plan your job search, overcome your fears.

02/09/21 at 10:32PM UTC

A coach will help you figure out your next steps and get you there. The coach keeps you motivated and accountable because a job search is a marathon, not a sprint. Look at coach's background and see if anything or any industry resonates with you. Talk to a few coaches to see if there is some synergy. Then make your choice.

Whitnee Hawthorne

02/09/21 at 11:23PM UTC

A lot of great advice has been offered on figuring out if you need a career coach or a mentor. Once you've done that, start to leverage your network. For a coach, ask the people you work with if they know of any coaches. You can also contact your HR department. For a mentor, get very specific on what you need from a mentor then a make a list of everyone who could fill that need, whether you know them or not. Once you've done that, reach out to the folks you know. For the ones you don't know, think about who you know that might know them and reach out.

Lana Markovic

Communications | Branding | Personal Development

02/10/21 at 12:05AM UTC

Hi Rachael, it sounds like working with a coach who also has experience in your industry and can put their mentor hat on when needed would be a good option for you. That way you're working on personal development (building confidence) and at the same time doing business development (social media strategy etc.). I've worked with several coaches and am a coach myself, and find that the most productive relationships are those that blur the line between a coach and a mentor. Otherwise you're looking at finding two separate people to assist with two areas of development. Good luck and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions ([email protected]).

User edited comment on 02/10/21 at 12:06AM UTC

Tara C.

264

Career Coach/Advocate

02/10/21 at 12:17AM UTC

Some coaches will do a short call with you before you start. That might be a good way to make sure they're the right fit for you personally, as the effectiveness will be based on your rapport. I would ask if they do a brief intro call before you pay for anything!

Anonymous

02/10/21 at 12:33AM UTC

Hi Rachel, There's a lot of good advice on this website so I think it's a good place to start, but I would also advise you to develop a presence on LinkedIn and start building a professional network by reaching out to people you've worked with and expand from there. Also, I'm assuming that when you say you are a senior designer you are a graphic designer? If so, another good thing to do is go to Adobe.com and build a portfolio either on Behance or on AdobePortfolio and get involved on design related sites. Personally, I think most social media platforms are a waste of time and can actually be harmful to your career, so choose carefully and always be mindful of what you are posting and commenting about because employers do take a look at an online presence when considering candidates.

Audrey Kirsch

02/10/21 at 12:37AM UTC

If you follow someone in your field on any of the sites you mentioned and like how they manage their career, reach out to them. Ask them how they got to the point they are at and if they'd be willing to share any pointers. Also, look for a network of designers you can join or start one with designers you know. It's nice having a group who is willing to share what they know and help each other out. You don't have to go it alone.

Julianne Eckert

Sr. Quality Improvement Director in Austin, TX

02/10/21 at 1:46AM UTC

I have an executive coach and it’s been a transformative experience. A key aspect is ensuring you are choosing a coach/mentor whose background and industry that aligns with yours. Also, many times a company may have a career mentoring program- ours does and it really focuses on thoughtful pairings to ensure mentee/mentor goals are met. Good luck and kudos to you for taking steps that benefit you professionally and personally!

CristaSamaras

189

A brave girl.

02/10/21 at 11:28AM UTC

This is all such awesome guidance. As far as coaching goes, I'd also add that you want to make sure you identify your major pain points - What keeps you stuck (even when you are motivated)? I am a Brave Coach - essentially working people through the thought and behavior patterns that create their system of fear (doubt, uncertainty, stress, pressure) management. For ANY coach, it will be huge for you to clearly state your goals. Of course for you, then, it will be essential to make sure your coaches strategy pushes you as it propels you. As with any coach, make sure your personalities align. I am a warm-demanding coach and I make that clear. Many people are pumped about that, while others are not. You've got this. All my love, fear, and bravery as you figure it out!

Luaskya Nonon

133

DEI Practitioner and in-house corporate attorney

02/10/21 at 2:10PM UTC

I've been working with a leadership coach for almost a year now. She did a webinar with FGB (perhaps it can be found in the resources file). Her name is Belma Mcaffrey. She's the founder of WorkBigger. Here's the website: https://workbigger.co/. Good luck with your search.

Linda

Crisis Marketing Expert:Get Your Ducks in a Row

02/10/21 at 2:32PM UTC

Hi Rachel, you have gotten some great advice here with potential coaches to reach out to so I will just add this, Getting a coach to help you order your next steps and career moves is one of the most transformative things you can do to get to the next level in your career. Getting a mentor who has achieved a level of accomplishment that you hope to obtain, opens doors faster than you trying to do it yourself. I hope this helps! I also have an ecosystem of coaches and I'll be hosting another online event in March with some life and career coaches that will be free. I'll send the link to everyone closer to the date if that helps gain clarity in anyway.

Rosa Goes

123

02/10/21 at 4:14PM UTC

I recommend you hire someone to advise on and/or manage your social media platforms. Start asking friends, colleagues, family if they can recommend anyone. I wouldn't get into details with them (just say your exploring what's out there) until you interview & hire a social media guru to take it to the next level for you. Good luck!

Karisa Karmali

737

Founder of Self-Love and Fitness

02/11/21 at 12:02AM UTC

Book a discovery call first for sure.

Brianne Stanley

Business Consultant, NeatSuite LLC

02/11/21 at 7:06AM UTC

This is a great point. There are many coaches out there and it is important for Rachael to find the coach that will fit best with her on a personal and business level. Having someone highlight your strengths and vulnerabilities is only motivating if you feel comfortable being honest with your coach throughout the process. If you are looking for a mentor down the road, this can be a free service. Some mentors offer their business expertise in exchange for a cup of coffee!

Jillian Alexander

02/11/21 at 6:08PM UTC

I will say that it's important to verify your coach or mentor is legit. Look into their background, maybe get a recommendation from someone you know and trust.

Becca Carnahan

Career Coach | Writer | Mom of 2

02/12/21 at 12:15AM UTC

Hi Rachael, Looks like you've received some great advice here! Referrals are an excellent way to find a career coach who is a good fit for you. Most will also offer consultation or discovery calls so that you can have an initial conversation and see if there is a fit. As a career coach myself, one thing I always tell potential clients on the phone is that when searching for a coach it's important to find someone who has the experience and credentials, but also someone you feel comfortable with. You could have an amazing coach, but if you aren't comfortable telling the person about your fear or insecurities, you won't be able to work through them together successfully. Good luck!

CAROL KRISTIANSON

Entrepreneurial-minded Senior Leader

02/12/21 at 3:02PM UTC

Hello Rachael - I've been through about 4 or 5 different coaches. One main point - do not let them pressure you into signing and paying them "because the price will go up after today" -- if they have to pressure you are they really sure about their service? Also, look for a refund if you are not satisfied with the service (at least a 30 day refund policy - no questions asked.) Some coaches have modules that will be available for life - which is good. Some coaches will stay with you until you find a position - which is also good. Definitely get referrals for a coaching service - or at least get references you can contact before paying!

Colleen Chilson

Fashion licensing and branding specialist.

02/12/21 at 5:23PM UTC

I think it's worth the investment if you find the right person. I highly recommend Ilana Levitt. https://www.ilanalevitt.com/ She really helped me as well as three of my friends (one of whom recommended her to me).

Jessie Arora

02/12/21 at 7:54PM UTC

I recently listened to this podcast and found it super helpful. Ashley has free online quizzes and resources to help you better assess your skills. https://www.maxlugavere.com/podcast/148-ashley-stahl It would be a good place to start!

User edited comment on 02/12/21 at 7:54PM UTC