Traditional professional coaching is a transformative process that helps individuals succeed in their careers. With the support of experienced coaches, this approach empowers individuals to identify and achieve their professional goals while fostering personal growth and development. With the guidance of a licensed coach, you can discover strengths, develop strategies to overcome work challenges, increase confidence, enhance leadership, and clarify career growth.
Here is an outline of steps for selecting a professional career coach:
CLARIFY YOUR GOALS
Define what you hope to achieve through career coaching. Identify specific areas you want to improve or challenges you need assistance with.
RESEARCH CREDENTIALS
Look for coaches with relevant certifications and training in career coaching. Consider their expertise and specializations to ensure they align with your needs. Some recognized credentials are:
- ACC – Associate Certified Coach
- PCC – Professional Certified Coach
- MCC – Master Certified Coach
- BCC – Board Certified Coach
SCHEDULE CONSULTATION
Reach out to potential career coaches for initial, sometimes free, consultations. Use this opportunity to ask questions, gauge their approach and communication style to identify if you feel comfortable working with them.
DISCUSS COACHING PROCESS
Understand the coaching process, frequency of sessions, and duration of the coaching program. Be sure to clarify expectations and any potential commitments required.
CONSIDER BUDGET
Evaluate the coaching fees and assess them as a career development investment. Balance the cost with the potential benefits of working with a skilled coach.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Ultimately, trust your instincts when selecting a career coach. Choose someone who inspires confidence and motivates and supports you in your career journey.
Finding the right career coach is essential for a successful coaching experience. Take your time to research, ask questions, and make an informed decision that aligns with your career aspirations and goals.
Coaches
We are offering this list of coaches as a potential starting point. UW-Madison does not specifically endorse any of these professionals. Coaches on this list are certified either through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), or have received their Board Certified Coach (BCC) credential. They have 5+ years of experience in business or executive coaching.
If you have a business or executive coach that meets these criteria that you would like to recommend, please share by contacting ltd@ohr.wisc.edu.
Leadership coaching is offered through the Office of Strategic Consulting.
| Coach Name | Contact Info |
| Shenita Brokenburr | https://www.bridgebraintrust.com/
240-855-5278 |
| Lorena Clark | lclark@pinnacleleader.com |
| Allison Cooley | https://ppl-co.com/allison-cooley/ |
| Ann Farrell | http://www.quantumendeavors.com |
| Scott Flanigin | scott.flanagan@academicsearch.org (608) 712-2770 |
| Darcy Luoma | Darcyluoma.com |
| Rebecca Paradiso de Sayu | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-paradiso-de-sayu-37b57925/ |
| Don Schutt | https://www.linkedin.com/in/donschutt/ |
| Begum Verjee | Â http://www.begumverjee.com |
| Margaret Zweifel | https://www.turningpointconsultinggroup.com/ |
Interested in becoming a certified coach?
UW-Madison’s Department of Continuing Studies offers the UW Certified Professional Coach Program (UWCPC), an ICF-accredited program.