A brand new year equates to new possibilities… for those brave enough to seek them! If you’re heading into 2018 with a cloud hanging over your career, rest assured that now is a fantastic time to reassess your career goals.

If you’ve embarked on this kind of journey before, you’ll understand that doing so on your own isn’t always easy. Sometimes, we’re just too close to a situation to see it for what it really is. You don’t have to go through the process alone – a career coach might be just what you need in order to fast-track the process and ensure you have a strategy that sees you working towards your goals.

“So, what does a Career Coach actually do?”

It’s a question we’re asked at OnTalent quite often. People generally have a vague idea of what a career coach can help them with but they’re not quite sure of the finer details. Make no mistake – career coaching is an expertise that the best in our industry hone over many years. You wouldn’t go to your local doctor to build your business’ website, would you? You wouldn’t ask an accountant to fix a plumbing issue either. When it comes to career advice, why wouldn’t you go to an appropriately qualified expert to help you navigate your way through what can be a really tough process?

At OnTalent, we’re passionate about connecting people and purpose. Our programmes help organisations and individuals across a range of areas to support people as they adapt to workforce challenges and change. As part of our career development services, we can help you with any or all of the following:

• Managing your career for today and the future
• Reviewing your career, its direction and help with decision-making
• Working with you to identify your strengths and the gaps
• Boosting your career
• Transitioning to an alternative career or support to get a promotion
• Moving towards retirement
• Coping with change and fostering resilience for career success

This is just snapshot of our services (click here to learn more about how we can help you or your organisation) but when it comes to coaching of any kind, it’s integral to keep in mind that every individual’s needs are different. There is no one size fits all approach or an online course to extend to employees. The work that we do is dictated by each person and this is something I’m incredibly passionate about.

As with any career coaching programme, you’ll always gain whatever energy, effort and resources you put in. Quick fixes don’t exist when it comes to real, long-term change. When working with a coach, you’ll benefit from independent advice, have someone to bounce your ideas off and help you to organise and challenge your thinking. The experience does vary from individual-to-individual – here’s a testimonial from one of our recent career management programme participants.

“The support offered by the OnTalent team has been priceless. They’re always available and full of up-to-date knowledge. I don’t think I would have the same confidence without going through their program. I got the job I wanted after turning a few down. Usually, I would have taken the first offer – but they gave me the confidence to set my own direction.”

This is the power of quality career coaching in action.

Remember, you’re responsible for your own career, no one else. Take charge of your 2018 by investing in yourself and your future. Reach out to discuss how we can help you to kick start your new year and career.

By Deborah Wilson

Deborah Wilson is a Thought Leader in Executive Careers. She takes a personalised approach to strategic career coaching and career transitions, mentoring, and leadership development. Deborah provides expert guidance for individuals while supporting organisations through change and connecting people and purpose. Call Deborah on +61 403 779 746. www.ontalent.com.au