When you’re thinking about your career, you might feel confused about what you want to achieve, how you can make a difference, where to start, and how to get there.
That’s where career coaches come in. A career coach is someone who’s really good at listening to your questions, worries, and ideas about your current job or where you want to go in the future. They’re often hired by someone or a company to help you figure out where you want to improve and make a plan to reach your potential. Basically, a career coach is there to help you explore and understand yourself better.
High-ranking executives often hire career coaches to help them decide where they want to grow and create a plan for reaching their potential. But getting a coach earlier in your career can speed up your journey to a leadership role by helping you build skills that are super important for moving up in your career.
Here's how to find the right coach
- Know what you want– Before you reach out to a coach, think about what you want to achieve. Do you want to become a leader? Start your own business? Having clear goals will help you pick the right coach.
- Do your homework-Check out different coaches and see what they’re good at. Look at their backgrounds and what they specialize in. Do they work with young professionals like you? Read any articles they’ve written to see if you like their style and ideas. Make a list of a few coaches who seem like a good fit.
- Get in touch-Reach out to the coaches on your list and explain what you’re looking for. Tell them why you want a coach and what you hope they can help you with.
- Talk to them-Even if someone recommended a coach, it doesn’t mean they’re right for you. It’s okay to have a few chats and decide who you feel comfortable with. Ask about their experience, coaching style, and whether they prefer meeting in person or online.
Getting a coach earlier in your career can speed up your journey to those leadership roles by helping you build important skills that will help you move forward in your career.
