As a career coach, one of my favourite definitions of “career” is the one provided by the UK’s Career Development Institute (CDI).
“Career describes our journey through life, learning and work. We need actively to develop our careers to make the best of them. This process of career development takes skill as well as knowledge and the right attitude. Individuals need to work on career development skills throughout their lives.”
This particular definition of career reminds us that often, we are on our career journey long before we recognise it.
What could this look like through childhood?
If it is indeed our journey through life, learning and work – it is important to acknowledge that:
- A 6-year old’s love of gymnastics may lead to a career in the sport and / or a transferable skill such as discipline which can be applied to any future goals
- A 11 year old’s raw artistic talent, cultivated by an incredible art teacher in secondary school may lead to a career as a fine artist, graphic designer or (if hand in hand with maths skills) – an architect
- A parent may be a STEM / STEAM enthusiast, taking their child along to the Science Museum, talks, buying and playing games built to cultivate these skills, building a computer at home together, booking a week-long coding camp in the summer and before you know it – the deep interest that child now has in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Maths can translate into a job and career due to these interests.
Far before we make choices about apprenticeships or university and certainly before we set foot in our first workplace, it can be argued that our career has already begun.
This is not to say that hobbies and activities can’t and shouldn’t just be purely for fun – however can you see how these pieces of a puzzle can fit together and impact your career trajectory?
I take pleasure in reminding the pupils I work with that even with a definition of career that does not take into account the ‘learning’ aspect of our journey… We are still likely to have a 50+ year career journey ahead. So… why not lean in and make the most of it?
The element of “ownership” is one of the powerful parts of this definition and one which reminds us to be purposeful and self-reflective on our career journey. You won’t be surprised to know that I believe career coaching is one of the impactful ways you can do that.
So, what is career coaching?
In the simplest of terms, career coaching is the process in which an individual or a group works with a coach to help them navigate their career journey and be the best they can be. It is a powerful tool for career and life happiness.
The process of creating a partnership between coach and client/s in a safe space is transformative. There is a reason why many of the leaders in their industry that you can think of, have worked with coaches. Wouldn’t you as an individual and / or your community of early talent benefit from the self-reflection, clarity and confidence that coaching can facilitate?
The International Coaching Federation defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”
Career coaching is accessible for both individuals directly and via educational institutions and organisations, so go to the relevant section of the “Work with us” part of the website to find out more.