Q1.    What is your coaching style?
Many of my clients have been working internationally. Their career transitions also affect their families (I also work with their accompanying spouses), so the coaching conversation often goes beyond their careers. Partnering with my clients, I take a holistic approach, focusing on their longer-term career/life satisfaction, rather than just working on the technical side of the job search (CV writing, networking, interview, salary negotiation, etc., although I can also work on these). I usually start by helping clients identify their vision, values, strengths, passion, interests, and preferences. Slowing down to understand these will actually speed up the transition and contribute to their long-term life satisfaction and happiness. 

I work with international development / humanitarian aid professionals in different stages of their careers (students, entry-level, mid/late-career, and retirement). Although each client is unique, I have a good understanding of some common challenges they may encounter.

Q2.    What is your approach to helping clients? 
Although each client's journey is unique, in many cases, I assist my client with: 

• identifying career vision, values, passion, strengths, interests, and preferences (this will be achieved through  the coaching sessions, but the client can also work on it using My Career Design Studio™ between sessions),
• discovering career options aligned with their vision, values, passion, strengths, interests, and preferences identified,
• developing a realistic career strategy (networking, CV, interview, salary negotiation, etc. but also considering their long-term career goals beyond their next job) and helping the client stay focused on their career search efforts by streamlining the process,
• keeping the client motivated and accountable for taking necessary actions to land a job they love.

After the clients land the job, I can also support them while they go through the onboarding process (e.g., cross-cultural adaptation coaching), preparing for the first performance appraisal, conflict management coaching, etc.    

Q3.    What do you think is the greatest challenge for career changers?
It is difficult to generalize as each person's challenges are different. For some people who go through international career transitions, their challenges might be how their move could affect the career of their partner/spouse. For some people, it might be a long career gap in their resume because they have been taking care of their families. For others, it might be a lack of suitable opportunities in their new location. But I think many people struggle to shift their focus from "what can I do?" to "what do I really want to do?". Focusing only on what is available publicly (open vacancy announcements) may lead to a sense of resentment in the long term.  

The coaching can facilitate a reflection process to increase your self-awareness (your career/life vision, values, passion, strengths, interests, and preferences) and provide better clarity. A career coach can also help you design a realistic plan to achieve your goals so you can see a clear path to your goals. This will also contribute to your enjoyment and happiness in moving towards your goal.

Q4.    What three tips would you give to someone thinking about a career change?
Each person is unique, and it also depends on how much information I already have about the person, but I may suggest you start by thinking about these three questions:

• "Where are you now in your career/life? Where would you like to be after this career transition?" - Question if your desired career change is based on what you do not like about your current job? Or is it because you have something you love to do?
• "Why is this career change important to you?/Who will benefit from this change?" - To reflect on if the desired change is in line with your values.
• "How committed are you to making this change happen?" - Career transition takes time. How might you prioritize your already busy schedule and set aside the time required? What would be the first step you can take?     

A career coach can also assist you with the reflection process to find a career you love and in line with your values and help you develop a realistic career strategy (including prioritization and time management!). 

Q5.    How fast can I see the result? / I am very busy - Do you have any solutions for me? 
The career transition process takes some time. That is why we made different packages. By investing in a package, you are making a commitment that you will put in the time and effort needed to set yourself up for success. 

We kept our package small enough so that you can complete the sessions within 12 months. Please note that our average client takes minimum 4-hour sessions to get clarity in their career journey. That is why most of our packages are 4 hours. We have also created an 8-Week, Self-Paced Online Career Workshop for professionals with irregular working hours, including one-year access to My Career Design Studio, 8-week e-mail support, and 2-hour virtual one-on-one coaching.

Q6.    What if I land a job before completing the 4-hour package?
You can use the remaining hours for various topics to support your transition into a new role (navigating onboarding, preparing for your first performance review, conflict management in the workplace, etc.). Unused credits are refundable upon request in writing within twelve (12) months of the original purchase date. All refunds are subject to a twenty-five dollar (US$25) administration fee, and the time we spent together will get converted to the regular session price. You will be notified of the remaining amount in your package to be refunded.

Q7.    Why do you provide career transition coaching for people leaving humanitarian aid workers and international development field?
For people who served in other functions (for example, the military), there may be some resources/supports available (depending on the country they are from) if they transition into civilian life. Unfortunately, in many cases, there's no such support for people who served humanitarian causes if they decide to go back to their home country before their retirement. The coaching can facilitate a reflection process to increase your self-awareness (your career/life vision, values, passion, strengths, interests, and preferences) and better clarify your long-term vision and where you might fit in a new environment. This will benefit both you and your loved ones. A career coach can also help you design a realistic plan to achieve your goals.

Q8.    How can I redeem coaching sessions?
Once purchased, you will receive a link to schedule all your sessions. 

• If you purchased 1hr coaching service: You can redeem 1 x 1hr virtual coaching session or 2 x 30 min virtual coaching sessions.
• If you purchased a 3hr package: You can redeem a total of 180min with any combination of 1hr, 45min, or 30min virtual coaching sessions.
• If you purchased a 4hr package: You can redeem a total of 240min with any combination of 1hr, 45min, or 30min virtual coaching sessions.
• If you purchased 8-weeks self-paced workshop: You can redeem a total of 120min with any combination of 1hr, 45min, or 30min virtual coaching sessions.

Q9.    How do I know if we are a good fit? 
During the initial discovery consultation, I ask questions to learn about your needs - your career goals, challenges, and what you are looking for from coaching. I also explain my coaching approach and answer any questions you may have so that you can see if we are a good fit and make informed decisions. 

To learn more about how we can work together, please contact us for a Free Discovery Consultation (Zoom).     

Q10.    I am interested. How can I get started?
Please book a Free Discovery Consultation (Zoom) so that we can discuss how we can work together.