What Does a Career Coach Actually Do? Career Coaching Explained
If you’re curious about career coaching but never experienced it before, it can feel a little bit shrouded in mystery.
After all, you might be thinking: Do I really need a coach? Can't I figure this stuff out on my own?
In this post I’m going back to basics to answer some of your most common questions about coaching and explain how it can support your personal and professional growth. Here we go...
What Is Career Coaching?
Career coaching is about helping you get to where you want to be in your career and in your life. It’s not just about goal-setting and peppy affirmations. It’s about finding clarity, building confidence, navigating career changes, and learning how to thrive, not just survive.
A career coach brings a neutral perspective. So unlike friends or family, your coach will have no agenda. They are there to provide completely non-judgemental support, a safe space to explore your thoughts, and the occasional reality check or tough love when you need it.
Coaching sessions are dedicated time just for you: to reflect on your goals, challenges, and ambitions. Investing in yourself this way can make a huge difference to your career trajectory and overall wellbeing.
How Long Does Career Coaching Take?
Good question. I would say it depends on what your goals are. When it comes to career change, I often describe it as trying to turn a super tanker. You might just need a slight course correction, or want to do a full 180. But it takes time to slow it down and start in a move direction. From experience I have found that one or two coaching sessions simply aren't enough to create the lasting results that clients are looking for. Which I why I use with a proven framework called Firework.
Most of my clients work with me weekly or fortnightly over 12 sessions, as we progress through the 3 stages: Explore, Dream and Discover. After the programme they can also book follow-ups as needed.
What Issues Can Career Coaching Help With?
What my clients love about my career coaching programme is that it helps you evaluate not only what you want from your career but also from your life, and how the two will fit well together. We can reflect on:
Career clarity, confidence, and progression
Leadership development
Navigating redundancy, retirement, or career transition
Stress, burnout, and work-life balance
Personal goals, relationships, and life purpose
My speciality is helping women gain clarity and confidence in their future career direction. But the coaching sessions can always be tailored to whatever challenges or goals you’re facing at that moment in time.
What Happens During a Career Coaching Session?
Every coach has their own style, but my sessions typically last 60 minutes and take place on Google Meet. During your sessions, we explore new topics each week as the programme moves forward which cover:
What you truly want from your career and life
Areas where you feel stuck or unfulfilled
Actionable steps to move forward
A coach creates a confidential and safe space where you’re never pressured to make decisions. I may gently challenge you, help you reflect on patterns, and guide you to positive, lasting change.
Coaching vs Counselling
Counselling is invaluable if you’re dealing with mental health challenges or day-to-day struggles. Coaching is different: it focuses on growth, goal-setting, and moving forward. In many cases, coaching and counselling complement each other beautifully.
How to Find the Right Career Coach
You've made a great start by landing here to get more information. Word of mouth recommendations are really helpful. Or directories like Life Coach Directory which lists accredited coaches.
Career coaching can be a life transforming experience. I know this from personal experience, having worked with a career coach in my previous corporate career which got me where I am today.
If you’ve got more questions or want to find out how coaching could help you, feel free to drop me a line or book a free call — I could talk about this all day!
Speak soon,
Juliette xx