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Jun 18,2025
Whoever you are—whether you’re early in your career, returning to work, or navigating a career change—you bring a unique blend of skills, experience, and interests to the table. But while you may be an expert in your own field, that doesn’t mean you have to be an expert in navigating the job market.
Career planning, job hunting, writing a standout resume, and performing well in interviews all require specific knowledge. It’s no surprise that many people feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure when it comes to choosing the right career path or moving forward professionally. That’s exactly where a career coach can help.
This guide covers what career coaches do, how they differ from counsellors, and why working with one could be your secret weapon in achieving professional clarity and momentum.
A career coach helps you gain clarity, direction, and strategy in your career journey. They begin by understanding your education, values, personality, interests, strengths, and work experience. Many also use career assessments to identify new possibilities (don’t worry—there’s no pass or fail).
Importantly, career coaches don’t judge. They bring fresh, objective insight into your situation and offer a supportive, forward-focused approach to help you:
Coaches act as accountability partners, motivators, and strategists. And the best part? They’re fully on your side.
Let’s say you’ve been working for years but never quite found a role that truly lights you up. Maybe there’s a skill or passion that’s always been there—but you never thought to turn it into a career. A career coach can help uncover and connect the dots between your passions and your profession.
For example, someone with a lifelong love of writing might never have considered roles in copywriting, content strategy, or UX writing until a coach pointed them in the right direction. These lightbulb moments happen more often than you’d think.
You likely know your strengths—but a coach knows how to frame them for maximum impact in today’s competitive job market.
If you already know what you want to do, a coach can help you get there faster and smarter. Think of them as a performance coach for your career. They can:
Coaches also help you fine-tune your professional pitch—so you don’t risk “winging it” in a high-stakes interview or networking event.
Career coaching costs vary. Some charge hourly (typically $100–$250+), while others offer package rates for multi-session programs. While this can feel like a big investment, many people find it pays off quickly in the form of:
Think of it as an investment in your future self—and in many cases, one that yields both personal and financial ROI.
Not all career coaches are the same. Some specialise in graduate careers, while others focus on leadership development, mid-career transitions, or career changers. Look for a coach who has:
Ask for a free discovery call to see if the coach is the right fit for your needs and personality.
Need support with your next step? Check out our guide on career coaches vs. career counsellors.
If you’re looking to upskill or retrain, a career coach can help you map the best path forward. They can recommend areas of study that align with your goals and connect you to relevant online courses and qualifications.
Popular career pivot areas in 2025 include:
Jenny found her way with words while interning during uni, since, she's produced articles on it all – from hair and beauty to homewares, travel, career advice and study tips. On a weekend you're most likely to find her lining up for a table at the latest cafe or restaurant.