How I landed my job as a Career Coach
When I first
started exploring job opportunities, I never imagined I’d find myself working
as a Career Coach — helping others navigate the same journey I was on not too
long ago. Here’s how it all unfolded for me.
Using career services to my advantage
One of the
most helpful tools I used during my job search was our university's career
services platform, Handshake. I regularly browsed listings and came across a post
for a Career Coach position. As I read through the job description, I realized
that the required skills were a perfect match for my background — strong
communication, mentoring ability, and a passion for helping others succeed.
What I was doing before
Before landing this role, I was working part-time at a local fish and chips shop, where I served customers, managed orders, and ensured a positive dining experience. This job helped me develop strong communication and people skills. In addition to that, I was actively involved on campus as a Student Ambassador and Student Liaison, where I had the opportunity to represent the student body, support university events, and help bridge the communication between students and faculty.
These roles allowed me to connect with a diverse range of people
and strengthened my ability to support and guide others — skills that directly
translate into my work as a Career Coach.
Exploring other paths
Like most
job seekers, I explored several options. I considered roles in HR, academic
advising, and even customer support — anywhere I could use my communication and
problem-solving skills. But nothing felt quite right until I came across the
Career Coach opening.
A unique interview experience
What made
this opportunity stand out was the interview process. Before the actual
interview, the employer offered a mock interview session. To my surprise, the
questions in the mock interview were nearly identical to the real thing. This
gave me a major confidence boost and allowed me to prepare effectively. I
walked into the interview feeling ready — and it showed.
The outcome
Shortly
after the interview, I got the good news: I was hired! That moment was not just
the beginning of a new job — it was the start of a meaningful career path.
What my role
as a Career Coach involves
As a Student Career Coach, my main role is to promote the Handshake website to students, especially those who are struggling to find job opportunities. I help them understand how to use the platform, assist with building or improving their CVs, and guide them in making appointments with professional career coaches for further support.
It’s a student role, but one with real responsibility and the chance to make a meaningful impact. Every day, I can support my peers in taking the next step toward their futures.