I often get asked what career coaching is and who needs it. The answer to the first question is that depends and to the second question everyone (and no-one)!
So let's look at the first question. What is career change coaching? For most coaches every coaching situation is different because everyone’s challenges are unique. But for me and many of my colleagues there is a process we follow. This is what it looks like for my practice:
First Things First - Work out who you are.
Using a mix of personality assessments and heart-to-heart discussion I work out who my clients who they are, where they have been and what their story is.
Back to the Future - Decide your goals.
Once my clients have seen where they have come from it is time to work out where they want to go. This can be as easy as bringing a resume to life so that recruiters want to make the call or as challenging as finding a new job for someone who has found their career (and life) is being phased out.
A to B - Decide our plan of action.
Most people talk to me twice a month and email me in between if there is an issue or a success! But whatever we choose it has to be a joint decision.
But What Happens? - Coaching Session
Each session includes:
- Summary of successes and challenges from last session
- New information on job hunting or career development such as interviewing questions and role plays based on my twenty years of experience, new research and current trends.
- Actions – both for me and the client. What we both need to do before our next session.
- Every session is different but every session is also about listening both to our hearts and our head.
What are the Rules? - Share coaching guidelines.
Coaching has to be a partnership between the coach and the client and we have to agree what they rules are.
And now who needs career change coaching? The simple answer is anyone who either wants to change direction, job or move up in their career. Many of my clients have been laid off or are without a job but there are also many clients who want more from their work and are looking to move from being employed to self-employed, one industry to another, or one job to another.
I feel privileged to help people find their true self and get the job that rocks their boat!
“After meeting with you, I can now say today, no matter what I do for work or how I earn money to live. I proudly can say that I am an Artist and an Educator. That is what I believe in and what makes my heart sing. I am feeling more grounded in who I truly am. So I am on this journey.”
Artist and Educator, Los Angeles, CA
David Couper is a career coach and writer who for the last twenty years has worked in Europe, Asia, and the USA with individuals. 100% of his clients have found either a new job or career which is fulfilling for both their heart and mind.
“After meeting with you, I can now say today, no matter what I do for work or how I earn money to live. I proudly can say that I am an Artist and an Educator. That is what I believe in and what makes my heart sing. I am feeling more grounded in who I truly am. So I am on this journey.”
Artist and Educator, Los Angeles, CA
He has successfully coached men and women wanting to change career or develop new opportunities at all levels - including CEOs of major companies wanting a creative challenge, frustrated souls longing to make their dream come true and front-line employees laid off and desperate to get a job.
"David Couper is an honest and sincere coach and an extra special team player. He's like the diamond player in reserve. When you call on him you can be sure that he is going to play full-out for your success and fully believe in you.”
Interactive Hypnotherapist and Fellow of Royal Society, London, UK
David has a degree in Communication, a postgraduate qualification in education, is certified in a number of training technologies, and has a Masters in Spiritual Psychology. He is a member of the American Society of Training and Development, Society of Human Resources Professional, Writers Guild and the British Academy of Film and Television.
“I love your inspiration. Thank you so much. I plan on sharing it with our sons.” -- Award-winning realtor, Los Angeles, CA
David has published seven books. His works on interpersonal skills, counseling in the workplace, and management issues (published by Connaught, Gower, HRD Press, Longman, Macmillan/Pearson Publishing, Oxford University Press) have been translated into Swedish, Polish, and Danish, and published in the UK and the USA.
“Love the work you are doing with X. You really nailed him (in the resume). Very nice work, David.”
Executive, Disney, Burbank, CA
He has dual US/UK citizenship and speaks French and Japanese.
“David offered both advice and encouragement, helping me to understand and adjust to the new context. I have no doubt that his support was vital to my success on that occasion. Without it, would have lacked the confidence required to carry on with what was a very daunting environment.” -- Training Manager and Employee of the Year, Consulting Company, Paris, France
Additional Resources covering Career Change can be found at:
Website Directory for Career Change
Articles on Career Change
Products for Career Change
Discussion Board
David Couper, the Official Guide To Career Change