Career Coaching Theory and Coaching for Career and Professional Development

Career Changer:

typical behaviour exhibited when career changer is in each stage

Career Coach:

suggested behaviour to help career changer develop self-awareness and move on to the next stage

Pre-contemplation

• Experiencing discouragement (although not fully aware of the reason)
• Loss of interest in work tasks/industry
• Letting go of work and old work identity

Contemplation

• Growing awareness of job dissatisfaction
• Concern for the future
• Initial thoughts of a possible career change
• Expressions of doubt regarding a career change
• Weighing pros/cons of a career change
• Emotional expressions – increasing personal control / self-efficacy

Preparation

• Increased motivation to change careers
• Willingness to explore interests/skills through assessments
• Willingness to explore educational opportunities
• Crystallizing, specifying, and implementing

Action

• Managing stress
• Redefining self
• New life roles (e.g., student, new employee/ trainee)
• Determined/committed
• Stabilizing, consolidating, and advancing

Maintenance

• Building coworker relationships
• End of formal educational pursuits
• Career change complete
• Holding on, keeping up, and innovating