Career Coaching vs. Career Counseling
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When looking to advance, change, or rethink a career path, many individuals seek outside help, from either a career coach, or a career counselor. But what do each of these professionals do? How are they alike, and how are they different? What are the main differences when it comes to career coaching vs career counseling?
What is Career Coaching?
A career coach, in many ways, is similar to an athletic coach. They meet you where they are, in the present, regardless of your past. They focus on helping you identify and meet your goals through actionable, step-by-step plans that keep your eye on the prize.
Career coaches are often most effective with clients who have a fairly clear picture of what their goals are, and where they want to go. They’ll talk with you about your professional experience, career preferences, and help you to identify and leverage your skills. Then, they’ll recommend jobs that they believe you’ll be qualified for, passionate about, and that aligns with your goals for the future. If you don’t want to change your career, but rather to excel in your current position, they’ll help you with that, as well.
To get a new position, or climb the professional ladder, there are a few tools essential to your journey. A career coach will help you tighten up your resume and customize it to your ideal job. They’ll also teach you to create concise and targeted cover letters that will draw positive attention from hiring managers.
What is Career Counseling?
A career counselor looks to your past to help inform your present and future. Often found in high school settings, counseling students to explore potential future careers, they can also be helpful to adults of all ages.
Career counselors are experts at helping those who are unsure of their path clarify their visions and goals for the future. To do this, they often take a holistic look at your entire life to understand where you’re coming from and uncover what it is that you truly want. From what career you role played as a small child, to what you were most passionate about in high school or college, they’ll help you identify any recurring themes surrounding your career goals. They’ll also delve into any barriers that may be holding you back, and the history behind them.
They can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and professional interests, and teach you different ways to further develop your strengths and skills. Emotions play heavily into the career counseling approach and can help you move past your roadblocks and closer to your goal.
Career Coaching vs Career Counseling
At the end of the day, career coaches and career counselors both have the same objective: to help you identify and reach your goals. Career counselors may tend to work best with those just starting or restarting their professional journeys, like students, or adults who have been out of the workforce for a time. Career coaches, on the other hand, may work best with clients who have a clear idea of where they want to go, but just need a little help getting there.
With either, you can expect to have one-on-one sessions focused around helping you move forward towards your goals. Though they use different approaches, each will guide you through any internal or external obstacles, and help you develop a concrete plan to achieve your goal.
How Are Their Approaches Different?
In the simplest terms, career counselors examine your past to help you figure out the future, while career coaches meet you where you are currently, and base your plan for the future on your current experience, skills, and strengths.
Career counselors will talk with you about your childhood and formative years, in an attempt to better understand how you got to the place you’re in today. They’ll examine emotions and fears that may be holding you back, and work to change your mindset and erase any doubts you may have.
Career coaches will focus on your professional experience, current position, and career goals for the immediate and distant future. They will create an actionable plan with concrete steps that will keep you on the right track to achieving your goals. Depending on the coach you choose, and the type of energy you respond to, a career coach will encourage you in a variety of ways, from tough love and accountability, to a gentler, more maternal motivation style. Just like an athletic coach, they will uncover what sort of motivation you best respond to and use it to keep you moving forward.
Which Should I Choose?
Choosing a career coach or a career counselor is a personal decision, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. If you are new or returning to the workforce and are unsure about your path, a career counselor may be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you’re an established professional with a clearer idea of your goals, a career coach may be a better fit.
That said, it often comes down to the person, and not the title. That’s to say that when you’re working one on one with someone, the most important thing is how your personalities and energies match. Do you work best with gentle encouragement, or with tough love? Do you prefer untangling the intricacies of your past, or focusing on the present and looking to the future? Finding the professional that makes the most sense for you goes far beyond their title.
For example, Jonette Dyer is a career coach dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their career goals through
personalized coaching, insightful reflection, and feedback that encourages clients to examine different perspectives. Her non-judgmental approach and active listening allow clients to achieve their full potential. To
start your journey towards the career of your dreams, contact Jonette Dyer coaching today.
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