What is career counseling?

Career counseling is a process designed to help clients discover their passion, choose satisfying careers, build career management skills, and improve their ability to market and sell themselves in the job market. We utilize a holistic approach to career counseling and are interested in helping you achieve greater satisfaction in your life and align your career goals to match your personal goals.

Career counseling is not a job placement or recruitment service although we can help you find one depending on the career path you select.

What type of services do you offer for career counseling?

Our services cover self-assessment and career testing to help you make a career choice or career change, research and evaluation of the job market, personal marketing which includes job search, entrepreneurship, small business consulting or marketing, resume and interview coaching, career advancement which may involve polishing interpersonal effectiveness, developing leadership skills, increasing the ability to move ahead in your career, and personal development such as attaining greater satisfaction in work/life balance and achieving personal goals beyond traditional career “success.”

If you are looking for career direction, we may start by having you complete career assessment tests to assess your personality and interests and help in identifying which careers might be a good fit for you. It is important to note however, that career tests shouldn’t be interpreted as telling you “what to do.” From there, we can assist you with how to pursue that career path, which may involve help with your resume, job search, and interviewing coaching. We are here to guide through the process of finding a career path and helping you to get there.

What should I expect?

You play the role in managing your career and will be largely responsible for the outcome. However, you can expect motivation and support through the process as well as practical assistance in “how to get there”. Collaboratively, goals will be set and action plans established to provide direction and help you achieve short and long-term career goals. In order for you to get the most out of counseling, it is helpful if you start thinking ahead about the things you want and don’t want out of your life. Your career counseling experience will be unique and tailored to your individual needs.

How long does it last?

Services are based on the client’s individual needs. Length of time involved can range from a brief consultation on a specific question (i.e., how to address a gap in your resume) to a complete individual personality, interest, strengths, and values assessment or job search campaign.

My schedule is busy, how can I access services?

Scheduling is flexible and convenient, based on your individual needs. Appointments may be conducted face-to-face or via telephone.

How much does it cost?

The session fee is $125.  Additional fees apply to vocational assessments. Fees are paid per session (whether by phone, or in person), which is typically 50 minutes. Brief sessions are also available for consultations on a specific question. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, personal check, and cash are accepted forms of payment.

Also, you can ask your counselor for a receipt because career counseling services are tax deductible if you itemize expenses on your tax return.

Do you offer a free consultation?

No, we do not at this time. Typically a free consultation is offered to give you summary of what you already know to be your concern so that a package of services can be recommended to you. We prefer to start by letting you take the driver’s seat and determine for yourself which services you would like our assistance with. You can expect to leave your first appointment with new knowledge about yourself and your first action step for your career plan.