After selling real estate for years, Bridget Harvey, a New York City-based real-estate broker, wanted to jump-start her earnings, which had plateaued. So two years ago, Harvey hired career coach Marie Gomer—and says she began to see results quickly.
Thanks to regular weekly calls, accountability texts, extra calls to talk through work challenges, and access to resources like webinars from Gomer’s firm, Harvey began to understand how to build her earnings. She says Gomer taught her everything from acing one-on-one time with clients to business planning. “We worked through all of it. And her help during the pandemic has been invaluable.”
For those of you feeling stuck or dissatisfied at work, a career coach—whose job is to help you find success and satisfaction in your professional life—may be able to help. But they’re not for everyone.
What Exactly Does a Career Coach Do?
A career coach is “an expert in skills such as career planning, finding a new job, interviewing, public speaking, negotiating, brand-building and personal development,” says career coach Elizabeth Koraca. A good career coach will guide you through roadblocks; establish systems for smarter workflow; help you set and achieve goals; work with you on presentation or leadership skills to get what you want; help you deal with difficult work situations; design a career road map; and more. If you’re gunning for a promotion or a new job, coaching can help you accomplish that as well. Some career coaches are generalists, others are experts in specific industries or with select professional challenges.
Who Needs a Coach?
People who want to grow in their careers or find a more meaningful career could benefit from a career coach, experts say. “Imagine you are an all-star athlete. Just because you're good doesn't mean you can’t get better, and that is precisely what a coach can help you do,” says human-capital advisor Tracy Timm. “Coaches exist to help solve a problem and guide someone who wants more than what they are currently experiencing.”
Who Doesn’t Need One?
Timm says that if you are content with your current career experience, then you most likely wouldn’t benefit from the help of a coach. It’s also important to understand that coaching is meant to be an ongoing relationship that will take time and commitment on your part; if you don’t have time, or don’t feel like you want to put in the work, this relationship probably won’t do you much good.
How Much Does Coaching Cost?
Some coaches charge hourly or monthly, some charge a flat fee. Hourly rates can run from $50 to $1,000 or more. Your cost will depend on many factors, from the amount of time you spend working together to the coach’s experience level. At Timm’s company, for example, prices range from about $100 for a session to $10,000 for a specialized program.
How Do I Find a Good Coach?
If you have a friend who is crushing it in her career, ask her who her coach is. Or ask members of professional organizations or Facebook groups you belong to for recommendations. Because some coaches are authors, look for well-reviewed coaching books and see whether the authors are accepting new clients. Ask the coach to provide references too, so you can talk to their past clients.
It’s also important to look for a coach who has experience dealing with the issues you face in your work. When spiritual consultant Erica Lee was feeling burned out at work, she found a career coach who specialized in dealing with burnout. She’s in the midst of a three-month program with her coach—and so far, so good. “My coach is helping me create an infrastructure and engage appropriate support,” Lee says.
Trae Bodge is a lifestyle journalist and shopping expert with a passion for helping people save money.
LEARN MORE: Saving for a Midlife Career Switch