Meet our new Career Coaches in Residence
Our Career Coaches in Residence provides free one-on-one career counselling and job search help for younger adults, ages 18-29. From now until November 2024, career coaches Kadine Cooper, Tinu Olawuyi and Shenelle Payne Cuffy are available to provide expert advice about career planning, resume building, interviewing, negotiating and other career decisions. We had a chance to catch up with the coaches and ask them a few questions.
Interview with Shenelle Payne Cuffy
Shenelle, welcome to the program! You are our newest career coach. What are you most looking forward to as a career coach for TPL?
I am excited to be part of this program to help support youth in developing the skills needed for career fulfillment and success. My goal is to share my experience in career development to assist youth in defining, pursuing, and achieving their career and employment goals. I am also excited about learning from the participants. I find today’s youth are full of unique ideas and perspectives!
How did you become a career coach?
As a youth, I gained valuable experience working with people and knew I wanted my career to involve this aspect. After university, I enrolled in a post-graduate college program but realized it was not right for me. I had a part-time job working in the college’s career services office and developed enough courage to mention my concerns about my program not being the right fit to the staff there. They suggested the college's career development practitioner program, which seemed like a good fit for me. With nothing to lose, I applied and got in. Since then, I have been a career development practitioner with close to 20 years of experience working with diverse job seekers. I deeply enjoy my work and always strive to empower others to discover meaningful opportunities.
What book would you recommend to a young person starting out on their career journey?
Starting out on your career journey requires developing habits that set you up for success. I would recommend Atomic Habits by James Clear, which offers valuable insights applicable to career development.
Interview with Kadine Cooper
Kadine, as a returning coach, what tips do you have for a young person to prepare for a career coaching session?
I'm excited to return to the program. Here are my top five tips to prepare for your coaching session:
- Set clear goals: Before your session, think about what you want to achieve. Having specific goals in mind will help you and your coach focus on what matters most to you.
- Be open and honest: Coaching is most effective when you are transparent about your challenges, strengths, and aspirations. Be prepared to share your thoughts and feelings openly with your coach.
- Prepare questions and topics: Think about questions you want to ask and topics you want to cover during your session. This could include career aspirations, skill development, overcoming obstacles, or seeking advice on specific situations.
- Reflect on previous sessions: If you have had previous coaching sessions, review your notes and reflect on the progress you have made. Consider what strategies worked well and where you might need additional support.
- Stay open-minded: Be ready to receive feedback and consider new perspectives. Your coach might challenge you to think differently or try new approaches. Embrace this as an opportunity for growth.
What is your favourite TPL resource to recommend?
LinkedIn Learning is a great resource I often recommend.
Interview with Tinu Olawuyi
Tinu, what qualities do you think a career coach should have, and what would you say is your greatest quality as a career coach?
A career coach should have the following qualities:
- Be a great listener
- Be empathetic
- Have the ability to probe and ask open-ended questions
- Be able to empower their clients to discover their strengths and interests
- Be able to provide tools and resources to support and aid their clients’ career development
As a career coach, I work collaboratively with my clients to explore, reflect on, and assess their strengths, interests, and passions. I help identify gaps in skills or education and provide the right tools, resources, referrals, and necessary information needed to achieve and thrive in their desired career.
Which TPL resource do you recommend the most?
I often recommend the Career Cruising assessment tool to help my clients assess their strengths and interests, and provide them with information regarding various career paths. This tool helps individuals who are still at the exploration phase of their career journey.
Book an appointment and join our workshops
Book a one-on-one appointment with Kadine, Tinu or Shenelle. Also, be sure to check out the workshops and programs our career coaches are offering. Have questions? Email us at [email protected]
The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by lead donors Azrieli Foundation and RBC Future Launch and supporting donors Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener and Google Canada.
Comments