What does a career coach actually do?
A career coach helps you make sense of where you are, clarify your options, and move forward deliberately.
In practice, that means working through decisions, pressure-testing ideas, identifying what’s really getting in the way, and translating insight into concrete action. It’s a thinking partnership, but one that is oriented toward change, not just reflection.
What can a career coach offer that AI can't?
AI can help you think and give you plenty of reassurance. But what AI won't do is sit with you over time, notice patterns in how you show up, and actively challenge you whenever you’re avoiding a difficult decision.
Coaching adds context, continuity, and judgment, as well accountability across multiple conversations. It’s particularly useful when the issue isn’t lack of insight, but hesitation, fear of getting it wrong, or difficulty following through.
Is career coaching just about clarity and goals?
Clarity matters, but it’s rarely enough on its own.
Most people I work with already understand themselves reasonably well. But what they struggle with is choosing a direction, committing to it, and staying steady when uncertainty or self-doubt kicks in. Coaching focuses on that transition from understanding to action.
What does a career coaching session look like?
I have a simple structure for my sessions. Start fast, go deep, end strong.
Start fast: We’ll quickly review highlights, learnings and any actions agreed since our last session. Then we’ll set a clear focus for what you want to achieve today.
Go deep: A 60-minute session allows us to explore one or two topics thoroughly. We'll challenge some of your assumptions, unlock new perspectives, clarify what matters, and make some decisions you can act on.
End strong: Coaching without action is just conversation. Every session ends with clear action steps designed to move you forward.
Who is career coaching actually for?
Career coaching works best for people who are thoughtful, capable, and motivated, but feel stuck despite having insight.
If you’re ready to make decisions, take responsibility for your direction, and act on what you already sense needs to change, coaching can be a strong fit. If you’re looking for quick answers or someone to tell you what to do, it’s probably not.
Do I need a therapist instead of a career coach?
Coaching works best when you have at least some self-motivation and optimism about the future, even if it fluctuates.
If you’re struggling to motivate yourself to take any action at all, therapy might be a better first step. Once you feel stronger and more energised, coaching can then help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Should I work with a career coach or a career advisor?
Possibly. If you’re looking for tactical, sector-specific advice, such as CV reviews, LinkedIn rewrites, interview preparation, or job-market strategy, a career advisor will be a better fit.
My type of career coaching focuses on direction, decision-making, and follow-through. It’s most useful when you’re unsure what you want to move toward, or when you know but aren’t acting on it yet.
