Want to help others find a job? Learn how to use your business or human resources background to become a career coach in this interview with Mary Beth Barrett-Newman, the president 2nd Career Consulting.
What was your motivation for becoming a career counselor?
I spent 30 years in the financial services industry, including my last position as partner and chief sales officer of a boutique consulting firm, which we sold to a large insurance company in the fall of 2008. As the economy began to decline, I wanted to find a position that allowed me to do the things I loved, was good at, and felt passionate about. After months of “exploring”, becoming a career counselor embodied my passion for helping people with the skills I’ve gained in my coaching, training and mentoring career.
What background or education is required to get started in this field?
Career counselors have different backgrounds. While many come from some area of human resources, others come from other disciplines, but have extensive backgrounds in recruiting, hiring, interviewing, training, etc. Many have certifications as career coaches through various coaching institutes as well as certifications in assessment tools They use Myers-Briggs, Strong, Kolbe, DISC etc.
Where did you find your first client?
Networking. My first client was my yoga instructor. He had just completed his BA and wanted to go into development. We exchanged coaching sessions for yoga lessons. He in turn referred me to my first paying client. I joined local chambers, researched local networking groups, and asked every entrepreneur I knew of any networking groups they were involved with. Additionally, I developed an elevator pitch that I could use socially (as well as professionally) and made sure I always carried business cards. By doing this, interactions at social events like weddings, block parties and dinners with friends have led to new clients.
How much can a career coach expect to earn? When and how are payments collected?
The range that career consultants can earn varies greatly based on the type of client (C-suite versus stay-at-home moms returning to work in Figure 6-7). Many charge hourly rates from $100-$300/hour and/or have packages (typically costing $500-$2500) that include a set number of sessions and deliverables, such as resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, etc.
Personally I bill my time by the hour and invoice clients at the end of each month. I also accept checks and electronic payments Chase QuickPay. Some consultants may require payment in advance or expect payment at the time of the meeting and will accept other payments such as credit cards and PayPal.
What tips do you have for those looking to get started in the industry?
For anyone looking to get into the industry, I would suggest they do a fair amount of research by talking to others in the industry, put together a business plan, do market research – will people pay for this service and decide if they want to build their own business. Best to do or join an existing business. Also find a market niche that will help differentiate you from others who are generalists. My initial niche was stay-at-home-moms returning to the workforce. As a result of this niche, I have been quoted numerous times in the local press and have been able to speak at various events focused on this group. Although this is one group I still focus on, my business has expanded from the referrals I receive.
Have any business tools you recommend?
Outside of making sure you have a strong LinkedIn profile and a website, there aren’t any specific tools I’d recommend. Definitely excelling Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint will be important. On top of having a profile, being a strong LinkedIn user and having knowledge of social media like Twitter will also be beneficial.
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