Meet Our New Career Coaches in Residence: October 2022
Our Career Coaches in Residence offers free one-on-one career counselling and job search help for younger adults, ages 18-29, from September 26 2022 to March 4, 2023. You can connect with a career coach by phone or video. Coaches are available to answer any questions about career and job help, resumes and cover letter, preparing for a job interview or general career advice.
We asked Kadine, Tinu and Esther a few questions about their career journeys, coaching experience and their favourite books!
How did you find your way to becoming a career coach?
Kadine: I decided to transition from a Corporate Talent Acquisition Specialist into Career Coaching because I wanted to leverage my HR knowledge/background to support professionals in the job market. I did not feel supported as a professional when I was in the job market. I really want to make a difference and create a better experience for others; by giving them the right tools and resources needed to make their job search or transition experience a success.
Tinu: I found my way into the field, as I was once a job seeker who had no clue what I wanted to do. I held roles I did not thrive in, I did not feel valued and was unhappy. I started researching, networking and enrolled in professional development courses. I had a chance to work as an employment advisor, a role I thrived in and enjoyed. I saw the positive impact I made, so I decided to continue in this line of work.
What are you most looking forward to as a career coach for TPL?
Kadine: I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and insights 1:1 and to facilitating workshops that I think are beneficial to what the market is saying today. I really enjoy working with people and seeing something inside of them click; when they have that "aha" moment about what is possible for them. It is the best feeling in the world.
Tinu: I am looking forward to helping young adults make a positive change in their careers by providing them with the right tools to break into their desired career path and find meaningful work.
Esther: Throughout my childhood and young adult years, the library provided a warm and inviting environment for me to learn. I am glad to be part of the career coach team at TPL. It is great to see the library offering so many programs and resources for people to learn and playing an instrumental role in meeting the community's needs. I look forward to working with people from various walks of life and contributing to helping them reach their career goals.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had when you were just starting your career journey?
Tinu: I wish I were told that I needed to be more aware of my strengths, skills, interests and passions. And use them to find the right work that is the right fit for me.
Esther: As I was choosing my career path, I thought I was supposed to find my one true passion and stay in this career for the rest of my life. When my first career choice did not work out, I felt confused and dejected. As I learned more about the world of work and myself, I realized that I could be happy pursuing multiple career paths. One piece of advice I would give is to explore more than one career option, explore your interests and talents in multiple areas, envision yourself working in various roles, and permit yourself to change your mind.
Kadine: I wish I had a career coach or mentor to support me on my journey. Sometimes you just need someone that is non-bias to help get you clear on the ideal or best steps to take or a different perspective on a situation. Someone that can save you from making unnecessary steps or mistakes.
What book would you recommend to a young person starting out on their career journey?
Esther: Some people may believe that success comes from having innate talents. The book Grit by Angela Duckworth shows that grit (passion and focused persistence) plays an important role in achieving success. Instead of giving up on a goal because of missteps, obstacles, or failure, the writer encourages the readers to explore their passions and keep pursuing their goals.
Grit by Angela Duckworth
Kadine:I think so many individuals are unclear about how to find the perfect or ideal job/role. I would recommend reading Finding Work You Love by Kirk Snyder. In this book, the author shares a 3-step framework to help you tap into your own unique value to finding a meaningful and fulfilling job.
Finding Work You Love by Kirk Snyder
Tinu: I recommend the book What Color is Your Parachute? 2022 by Richard N. Bolles with Katharine Brooks because it offers guidance and practical career advice to job seekers and career changers. I particularly like the self-inventory flower exercise discussed in the book. This book is a life changer for any young adult aspiring for career success.
What Color is Your Parachute? 2022 by Richard N. Bolles with Katharine Brooks
Book a one-on-one appointment with Kadine, Esther or Tinu!
The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener and RBC.
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