Coaching can help graduates transition from campus to career

Press Release 28th April 2010 from International Coach Federation

So, you’ve finished your degree. Now what? -
Professional coaches can help graduates transition from campus to career

Making the move from classroom to office suite alone can be a daunting transition for recent college graduates, not to mention the rising unemployment rates and hiring freezes most graduates face today. That’s where a professional coach can help.

“A university degree doesn’t automatically equip students with the skills and confidence they may need to land their first career job,” said ICF President and Master Certified Coach Giovanna D’Alessio. “After the pomp and circumstance is over, the graduate is often left wondering, ‘Now what?’ Coaching can be especially beneficial to recent graduates who need to stand out from the crowd of job seekers or anyone in transition or who wishes to make changes in their life or profession.”

Professional coaches are trained to help people define goals and be accountable to those goals. Research proves coaching is having its intended effect on goal achievement. At least 80 percent of respondents to the 2009 ICF Global Coaching Client Study indicated a positive change in their goal areas for 10 of the15 items tested. (The Client Study, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Association Resource Centre, surveyed more than 2,100 coaching clients from 64 countries. Results are dependent on survey sample.)

Can a coach help me?

• Do you know what kind of job you want, but don’t know where to start? A career coach will partner with you to develop a focused, organized plan for your job search. Keep in mind, a coach will not place you in a job, but can help you find an appropriate position more efficiently.
• Are you sending out resumes but hearing nothing in return? A career coach can assist you with cover letter and resume writing and help you showcase your best assets.
• Are you getting first interviews, but not making it to the second interview? A career coach will help you polish your interview skills that can, in turn, make you feel and appear more competent and confident during the interview process. In fact, 80 percent of individuals have experienced a positive change in self-esteem/self confidence as a result of partnering with a professional coach according the ICF Global Coaching Client Study.
• Are you still not sure what you would be “good” at? Many career coaches are trained in giving assessments to determine your skills, interests, and areas of aptitude. With this information you can narrow your search to key areas you may find most rewarding.
• Have you already secured a job and want to keep it? Coaching is an investment in your professional development that can result in fresh perspectives on personal challenges and opportunities, enhanced thinking and decision-making skills and enhanced interpersonal effectiveness.

Recent graduates and others looking for a qualified professional coach can use the free Coach Referral Service (CRS), an online searchable directory of ICF Credentialed coaches. To access the CRS, visit Coachfederation.org and click on the Find a Coach box on the right side of the homepage.

What is coaching? ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring or training. For more information, visit www.coachfederation.org/find-a-coach/what-is-coaching.

What is the ICF? The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with over 17,700 members in almost 90 countries, dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. The ICF is the only organization that awards a global credential which is currently held by over 6,000 coaches worldwide.


Find out more about how coaching can help you at: http://www.jml-training.com/coaching/

Find out more how Coaching can help your business at: http://www.midas-training-france.com/coaching.htm

Gráinne Suter of jml Training & Consultancy is a Member of The International Coach Federation