As a Career consultant, I specialize in working with clients facing a range
of 'early career concerns'. Typically in their 20s and 30s (with wonderful exceptions),
they're optimistic, capable, education oriented, and motivated …and they
want it all! Along with dreams of adventure, success, family and friends,
they also know that they want their careers to be an important part of their
identity … and they won't settle for less.
Their concerns are all about hope for the future - planning a career path,
launching a career after college, moving forward in their chosen field, finding
a better niche or transitioning to a new career.
By the time they get to me, most of my clients have been mulling about their
careers for some time - trying a number of different approaches but not finding
the clarity and direction they need. And, it's not surprising. Uncertainty about
your career can be overwhelming.
If you are like some of my clients, one of these situations may seem familiar
to you.
· You're a bright student about to embark on yet another academic
program …and you've been down this road before. It's been 7 years since
high school. You've switched programs 3 times (even graduated once)…and
you're still searching for a career path that excites you. Your family and friends
are losing patience and you're worried about getting it right this time.
· You've got goals. You've always had them. Every so often you
think about what you know you need to do and promise yourself to take action.
But life always gets in the way. At 32, you know your career, as a professional
athlete can't last forever. You know you don't want to end up like so many others
- suddenly 'retired' and without a plan. You want to be ready for the transition
so that you can leave on your own terms and know where you're heading.
· Lately you've been wondering, "Is this all there is?"
Is this what engineering is going to be all about? Meeting deadlines, fighting
with contractors, working long hours, and trying to duck office politics? You're
good at your job - but, after several years at it, you've lost your 'oomph'.
'What happened to your 'dream career', you wonder. You're ready to take action,
if only you knew where to start …
· You're ready to take control of your own destiny - whatever
that is. You've talked to your friends and family and they all have ideas …but
none of them 'feel' right for you. Your job at the ski shop was perfect after
college. You needed to unwind, make a little money and regroup. But now …your
credentials are going stale and, with no 'relevant' experience, jobs are nowhere.
You need someone to talk to - someone knowledgeable about careers - someone
to help you figure it out for yourself.
· So far so good! After 2 years, you're starting to feel like
you know what you're doing. You're ready for more responsibility and interesting
projects … but you've talked to management and there's no sign of it happening
soon. So how long do you wait and what do you do next? Should you look for a
lateral move or a new company? Maybe it's time to take that MBA you wanted?
These are just a few of the dilemmas I've helped my clients to solve.
"Working with Irene was a turning point in my career. She taught me how to clarify what I wanted and dream big. I'm much more confident about my future and I feel like I'm in the driver's seat." - Charlene B. (Vancouver, B.C.)
Now learn more about how I work with clients
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