The legal profession is often known for offering a plethora of career options that can be challenging to choose from and excel in. A career coach helps you streamline the whole journey and guide you with the right process and mindset. In fact, exposure to quality career coaching early-on can work near-miracles for your career.
In this article, we highlight consulting a career coach may be important for a law student or a legal professional. Read on!
WHO IS A CAREER COACH?
Career coaches aid individuals in determining what is ideal for them in terms of their career based on their aptitudes and cognitions. They make it simple for you to restructure a change or make a major shift into the most suitable employment chances. Career coaching aids in the development of a long-term career path so that an individual can achieve greater success. Career Coaching is a service that guides your consciousness through a variety of career milestones. By constructing a road and directing their efforts toward an efficient outcome, career coaches use training to achieve positive results and serve as a source of inspiration. A good career coach will work with you in a non-judgmental setting to analyse your skills and reinforce your abilities by creating a competent career plan that suits your personality and personal satisfaction.
- KICKSTARTING YOUR CAREER
Needless to say, at least 3 out of 5 law students in India graduate with a job, on an average. This is mainly due to lack of a proper roadmap from the days of law school, and lack of knowledge or insights on how to apply for internships and how to pursue a long-term gameplan with regards to career opportunities.
- TO BOOST THE JOB SEARCH
People are most inclined to ask for help when they are job searching. Clients usually require help in evaluating their skills, talent, and experience and how to best leverage them for a job search. The process will involve a thorough analysis of the client’s work values and incorporating all of the above into their brand. Coaches usually also offer comprehensive guidance on network building, interviewing and salary negotiation.
- MANAGING YOUR CAREER
Coaches work closely with clients at every level to help them land the jobs they desire, but the relationship often doesn’t stop there. Many professionals opt to stay in touch with their coaches to get career advice on an as-needed basis. This has proven to be a valuable asset that can bolster career growth and job satisfaction.
A recent survey by the International Coaching Federation found that consistent engagement with a professional career coach leads to upto:
70% improved work performance
80% improved confidence
67% improved work-life balance
- SWITCHING CAREERS
If your career has become stagnant, and you are looking to move up the ladder, a career coach may help you achieve exactly that. Switching careers is immensely challenging at the times, but a competent career coach can make the entire transition that much smooth.
- KEEPING UP WITH CHANGING TRENDS
Hiring a career coach is an excellent resource if you have an employment gap, have been away from the job market or have not looked for a job in some time. Most employers take advantage of cutting-edge technology to assist them in identifying high-quality candidates for their open positions. A career coach can introduce you to how an applicant tracking system (ATS) works and many more such requirements to make sure your applications remain relevant and in accordance with current hiring mechanisms.
- DEFINING YOUR OWN VALUE
Defining your brand and value proposition is essential to establish early on in your career search and keep it consistent throughout the process. Knowing who you are, what you want, and how to best utilize your skills and experience will help you land your dream job and thrive in your career. Working with a career coach can help you establish these important pillars and use them strategically in your job search. This clarity will also be critical in your interaction with recruiters in general or with superiors at the workplace.
WHAT NOT TO EXPECT FROM A CAREER COACH
If you approach a career coach expecting the coach will connect you with a high-paying cushy job in four easy steps, you may be disappointed. Career coaches are quick to point out that they cannot perform miracles. What is more, the service is not a quick fix but a consistent approach and hard work towards a better career.
Moreover, you cannot expect a career coach to do your work on your behalf. A career coach will almost always give a client something to do or think about in preparation for their next session. For example, the coach could ask you to take a personality test, to reflect on your best and worst work experiences, or to network in your spare time. It is in your best interest to put time into this work, otherwise you’re wasting your time and the coach’s time. You’re also wasting your money. Again, a career coach is not someone with magic tricks to get you promotions and higher salaries. They can help you identify your passions, work to build up your strengths and mitigate weaknesses and help you present your best self to the world. But much of the actual work will come from within.
At YLCC, we help hundreds of law students and legal professionals secure quality internships and job opportunities every month. If you are looking for similar guidance, reach out to us TODAY and take your career to new milestones.
