Inherent Talent, Technical Skills and Intelligence Go a Long Way 

 

The Problem: Cynthia was finishing her doctorate and was completely confused about what she wanted to do upon graduation. She felt she didn’t want to enter academia and establish herself as an independent researcher. She originally contacted me so she could make a decision between pursuing an MBA or going to law school.  

The Actions: First we talked about some of the meaningful and enjoyable accomplishments Cynthia had achieved in her life, and not surprisingly, they weren’t always the ones that were directly tied to her academic career.  

She had helped a relative make crucial financial decisions. She had helped friends finish their research by brainstorming data analysis innovations. We began a list of skills Cynthia had that could be applied to a variety of fields of interest. 

Next we gave Cynthia a vocational assessment and discussed how these results could guide her current career search. The results confirmed the personal strengths and weaknesses we had already begun to gather from her life’s experiences.

However, the assessment also pinpointed a deep personal conflict in vocational interests. By focusing on how to better integrate this conflict into her life, she began exploring new outlets for her abilities and talk to people in fields she had never considered before.  

As a result of our telephone coaching and email exchanges, she started to talk openly with close friends and family and gain both their trustworthy insight and support. 

The Results: Overcoming Blocks to Success 

Cynthia began to consider the possibility of entering a financial planning field. At first she felt it wasn’t appropriate since it wasn’t related to her academic research area, nor did she have the prerequisite training and experience.  

By talking to successful people in the a variety of positions she started to realize that she already had many of the skills necessary. 
 

“It would be nontraditional for me to move into a finance career, but the kind of skills needed --- quantitative analysis, writing reports, giving presentations to experts --- are all things that the Ph.D. has actually helped me prepare for, perhaps even more than an MBA would have. By studying a little bit of finance and taking a few tests, I'd be set for a lucrative career."

 

Finding Work Aligned with Your Values Makes a Huge Difference 

 

The Problem Helmut wasn’t excited about his work anymore. In fact, it was becoming an unfulfilling chore even though working on an interesting project for a leading software company pays exceptionally well. He knew something was wrong, but he also felt uneasy about making changes since he wanted to maintain his high standard of living.  

The Actions: In addition to vocational assessments, we used visualization exercises to uncover Helmut’s true work values and priorities. These included the amount of autonomy and flexibility he required, and the skills he wanted to utilize in his next job.  

Helmut repeatedly showed concern about specific environmental and social issues, but only realized this after it was pointed out to him. All of these values became crucial parameters when looking at alternatives.  

“The visualization exercise we did over the telephone was very detailed and stayed with me for a long time afterwards. The experience gave me some of the clarity I was seeking and you were very good at it; showing me exactly what I wanted in a workplace environment.”

During this time Helmut was encouraged and supported in reaching other personal development goals by pursuing a hobby he always wanted to try, and making plans to travel abroad.  

Results: Our coaching sessions let Helmut focus his energies on a future aligned with his personal work values. Helmut kept his job while taking practical classes towards a biomedical certificate in clinical trials. He has started to get short contracts and experience from a company whose mission he firmly believes in and wants to contribute towards.  

Although he has been extremely busy, he expects to make a full career transition early next year after he completes his educational program, gains experience for his resume, and finally leaves his current, unsatisfying position. He feels he is right on track and productive. 

 

Accountability and Planning Focuses Internal Drive 
 

The Problem: Doug was juggling too many balls in the air at once. He had so many interests and activities he didn’t have the time to fully develop one or two of them. He had specific goals in mind and knew what to do, but couldn’t stay on track and felt both burdened and continually sidetracked by his current responsibilities.

“anyhow, it seems like I know what needs to be done, the main problem for me, is setting a plan straight and actually doing it.”

The Actions: Doug had taken plenty of assessments in the past, however, we were able to re-examine them in light of his current situation. He had to let go of some of his current activities temporarily, so he would have the time to focus on the accomplishments he wanted to achieve now. This required a guided decision making process. In addition, strategies were put into place to keep his focus on specific tasks and their deadlines.  

The Results: Regular email and coaching sessions currently keeps Doug accountable to the goals he has set for himself. I am also his sounding board for the new ideas and solutions he is considering.  

Note: In these studies, all names and identifying information have been changed.