10 answers
Sankalp
Student
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
1
Question
Updated
3538 views
Pivoting from Sales to Student Career Coaching - Seeking Advice & Mentorship
Hello Professionals,
I'm Sankalp. After 14 years in enterprise sales, I am pivoting to become an independent career coach for students.
As I build this new practice through self-study, I have two questions for experienced coaches:
1. What is your single most critical piece of advice—a key concept, tool, or insight—for a successful transition?
2. Would any senior professionals be open to offering mentorship?
I am grateful for any guidance you can offer.
Login to comment
10 answers
Lisa Taleghani Bonaiuto
Vocational Case Management
6
Answers
Winter Garden, Florida
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hello,
Here’s a guide to help you on your journey. You might also consider mentoring with a current career counselor for extra support.
1. Education
- Start with a Bachelor’s Degree, often in psychology, counseling, or education.
- A Master’s Degree is often needed, focusing on counseling or career development. You'll learn about career theories, counseling methods, assessments, and ethics.
2. Skills and Qualities
- Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Cultivate empathy and active listening.
- Enhance your problem-solving abilities and stay informed about job market trends.
- Learn how to administer and interpret career assessments.
3. Certification and Licensure
- If you aim to be a licensed counselor, check your state’s requirements. This usually involves a master’s degree, supervised experience, and passing an exam like the NCE.
- Consider optional certifications like the Certified Career Counselor or Global Career Development Facilitator.
4. Experience
- Gain practical experience through internships or practicum during your studies.
- Volunteer or work in career services, HR, or education to build your skills.
- Start with entry-level roles in counseling or advising.
5. Continuing Education
- Keep up with the latest in career trends and counseling techniques.
- Participate in workshops, webinars, and conferences to stay informed.
You're on an exciting path, and these steps will help you make a real difference in people's lives. Keep going!
Here’s a guide to help you on your journey. You might also consider mentoring with a current career counselor for extra support.
1. Education
- Start with a Bachelor’s Degree, often in psychology, counseling, or education.
- A Master’s Degree is often needed, focusing on counseling or career development. You'll learn about career theories, counseling methods, assessments, and ethics.
2. Skills and Qualities
- Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Cultivate empathy and active listening.
- Enhance your problem-solving abilities and stay informed about job market trends.
- Learn how to administer and interpret career assessments.
3. Certification and Licensure
- If you aim to be a licensed counselor, check your state’s requirements. This usually involves a master’s degree, supervised experience, and passing an exam like the NCE.
- Consider optional certifications like the Certified Career Counselor or Global Career Development Facilitator.
4. Experience
- Gain practical experience through internships or practicum during your studies.
- Volunteer or work in career services, HR, or education to build your skills.
- Start with entry-level roles in counseling or advising.
5. Continuing Education
- Keep up with the latest in career trends and counseling techniques.
- Participate in workshops, webinars, and conferences to stay informed.
You're on an exciting path, and these steps will help you make a real difference in people's lives. Keep going!
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
221
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Sankalp, I have a few ideas for you! One way (mentioned above) is to get a graduate degree in counseling (clinical counseling or psychology). You might find a degree specific to career counseling, but it is typically offered as a single course required within the general graduate program. But go to the source and check out CCPAI- the India career counseling association website: Career Counseling Psychology Association of India to be exact. This is assuming you will be studying in your home country. Another option is to study a combination of education and psychology (as an undergraduate) or enter into a degree in guidance counseling. Guidance counseling is a niche; you will likely work in a school setting and meet with students to develop college and career goals. Most often in the US we see this job within high schools. A third option is to train as a career coach; there are many (online and in person) coaching programs so if you decide this route you will want to make sure you choose a reputable one. In this role you will meet with people for brief periods (think up to three months for example) and do targeted work to home in on their interests, strengths, personality, and other factors that may lead to actionable steps forward. Coaching does not require graduate education and will cost much less (at least in my part of the world). I see some clinicians diversify their career by working as coaches and psychotherapists or educators. I have met with three coaches as an adult- life and career coaches to gain clarity. It is a fairly focused and structured approach. I know someone who started out in a college mentoring and teaching students and then started her own coaching business helping people with their resume and job preparation skills. Good luck whatever route you decide! It sounds like a fulfilling career and one that will definitely help others on their journey into adulthood and beyond!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1210
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Sankalp,
First of all, congrats on your deliberate and well-considered turnabout. It's a significant step to go from enterprise sales to student career coaching, but your years of experience in relationship building, communication, and strategic thinking will help you succeed in this new role. Career coaching requires many of the same motivational and interpersonal abilities that make a person successful in sales.
To answer the first question you asked, I would say that the most important piece of advise is to prioritize active listening before giving instructions. Students are often uncertain, overburdened, or stuck, and what they most need is someone who truly listens to them in order to understand not just what they are saying but also their views, hesitancies, and hopes.
Although frameworks, tools, and guidance are all useful, it can be tempting to jump right in. However, trust is the cornerstone of effective coaching. Even a slight prod can have a significant effect once you've established that.
Another important fact is to gain a full understanding of the steps involved in professional development from the viewpoint of the student, including identity, decision-making, exploration, and confidence-building. Use resources such as StrengthsFinder, the Holland Code (RIASEC), or even narrative-based strategies like design thinking for careers (Stanford's Life Design Lab model). These can help you establish credibility and organize your sessions.
Regarding mentoring, there are many good individuals in the field who are willing to share their knowledge. Think about joining groups such as:
- NCDA (National Career Development Association)
- Career Coach Network on LinkedIn
- Career Counselors Consortium
- ICF (International Coaching Federation), if you want to pursue formal coaching certifications
Many coaches have been in your shoes and are willing to share what worked for them, so don't be shy to send sincere, kind messages asking for a brief 15-minute conversation.
Students need individuals with the experience and compassion to guide them through the unknown, like you. Don't stop!
Best wishes!
First of all, congrats on your deliberate and well-considered turnabout. It's a significant step to go from enterprise sales to student career coaching, but your years of experience in relationship building, communication, and strategic thinking will help you succeed in this new role. Career coaching requires many of the same motivational and interpersonal abilities that make a person successful in sales.
To answer the first question you asked, I would say that the most important piece of advise is to prioritize active listening before giving instructions. Students are often uncertain, overburdened, or stuck, and what they most need is someone who truly listens to them in order to understand not just what they are saying but also their views, hesitancies, and hopes.
Although frameworks, tools, and guidance are all useful, it can be tempting to jump right in. However, trust is the cornerstone of effective coaching. Even a slight prod can have a significant effect once you've established that.
Another important fact is to gain a full understanding of the steps involved in professional development from the viewpoint of the student, including identity, decision-making, exploration, and confidence-building. Use resources such as StrengthsFinder, the Holland Code (RIASEC), or even narrative-based strategies like design thinking for careers (Stanford's Life Design Lab model). These can help you establish credibility and organize your sessions.
Regarding mentoring, there are many good individuals in the field who are willing to share their knowledge. Think about joining groups such as:
- NCDA (National Career Development Association)
- Career Coach Network on LinkedIn
- Career Counselors Consortium
- ICF (International Coaching Federation), if you want to pursue formal coaching certifications
Many coaches have been in your shoes and are willing to share what worked for them, so don't be shy to send sincere, kind messages asking for a brief 15-minute conversation.
Students need individuals with the experience and compassion to guide them through the unknown, like you. Don't stop!
Best wishes!
Aravind C
39
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Aravind’s Answer
Hi Sankalp,
You can definitely become a career counselor! Start by looking at your current skills and strengths.
First, decide which area you want to focus on and see how your skills match up. Reach out to institutions that offer relevant training or courses to learn more about your options. Spend time learning from resources like YouTube or LinkedIn.
Next, begin studying and aim to get some certifications. These will help you gain more knowledge.
Finally, try doing freelance work or helping others. This will give you valuable experience and help you reach your goal.
You can definitely become a career counselor! Start by looking at your current skills and strengths.
First, decide which area you want to focus on and see how your skills match up. Reach out to institutions that offer relevant training or courses to learn more about your options. Spend time learning from resources like YouTube or LinkedIn.
Next, begin studying and aim to get some certifications. These will help you gain more knowledge.
Finally, try doing freelance work or helping others. This will give you valuable experience and help you reach your goal.
Thank you, Aravind!
Sankalp
Eddie Markie
Talent Acquisition
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Eddie’s Answer
Hi Sankalp, this is a great career path to choose from.
Self-starting without career coaching experience can be challenging.
I recommend seeking out entry level roles into Talent Acquistion such as a Recruitment Coordinator as an example. Learning from behind the scenes on how companies screen and select candidates for new opportunities will be highly informative for you on your path of becoming career counselor and talent advisor.
Wishing you a future of success.
Self-starting without career coaching experience can be challenging.
I recommend seeking out entry level roles into Talent Acquistion such as a Recruitment Coordinator as an example. Learning from behind the scenes on how companies screen and select candidates for new opportunities will be highly informative for you on your path of becoming career counselor and talent advisor.
Wishing you a future of success.
Camille Gatenby
Director
4
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Camille’s Answer
A self-learning path to a career in counseling would be to practice to talking to people about their careers! People love talking and sharing about themselves and will if you approach them with curiosity. Everyone has a story to tell about the twists and turns about how they go to where they are, the decisions they made or didn't make. This will give you a lot of real life practical and authentic content to learn and draw from. As you gain some of this, you will start to shape this with your own experience. Recommend taking courses of course as others have recommended above.
Albina Temisheva
Career Strategist dtmymonday.com
7
Answers
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Updated
Albina’s Answer
Hi Sankalp,
Your transition from enterprise sales to career coaching is an excellent choice. Your sales experience can give you a huge advantage: you understand people, know how to build trust, and understand how to structure a goal-achievement process. And in career consulting and coaching, it's very important to be able to truly hear people (not just listen), and help them deal with their emotions as well.
Two important pieces of advice to start with:
1. Start with niching and getting certified. Don't try to be a coach "for everyone" - that's a road to nowhere. You mentioned students, and that's a good niche, but narrow it down even more: students in which fields? Technical university graduates? MBA students? Young sales professionals?
2. Understand how career consulting techniques work (there are many demo videos on YouTube) and start practicing right now. Begin offering free consultations to understand how it works yourself and to understand the pain points and questions of your audience, and generally figure out what audience you can and want to work with. Without practice, any education and desires are worthless.
Three critically important steps:
1. Get professional certification - ICF (International Coach Federation) or similar. This isn't just a piece of paper, it's structured understanding of the coaching process, ethics, and techniques. Without this, you'll remain an "advisor," not a coach.
While you don't need a college degree to be a coach or consultant, it's better to have specialized education and understand the basics of psychology - this is an important part of this profession. You need to understand behavior, people's motives, and how human psychology works in different situations. This knowledge helps you read between the lines and support clients not just with career decisions, but with the emotional challenges that come with career transitions.
2. Study assessment tools - like DISC, StrengthsFinder, MBTI, etc. - there are many. Students love specificity and "measurability." These tools will help you give structured feedback.
3. Build a trust funnel - start with free consultations, write a blog or LinkedIn content about students' career challenges. Your first task isn't to sell a service, but to show expertise. A consultant and coach must first be trusted, and only then can someone buy something from them.
Key business truth
In coaching, people don't buy the service, they buy the changes they want. Students will pay not for your advice, but for confidence in their future, techniques, and solutions that you give them.
Start with 10-15 free sessions with real students. Record them (with permission), analyze patterns in their questions, create your methodology based on this. And after step-by-step move to paid services.
Your sales background is a superpower. Use it to understand clients' "pain points" and structure the coaching process as a transformation funnel.
Your transition from enterprise sales to career coaching is an excellent choice. Your sales experience can give you a huge advantage: you understand people, know how to build trust, and understand how to structure a goal-achievement process. And in career consulting and coaching, it's very important to be able to truly hear people (not just listen), and help them deal with their emotions as well.
Two important pieces of advice to start with:
1. Start with niching and getting certified. Don't try to be a coach "for everyone" - that's a road to nowhere. You mentioned students, and that's a good niche, but narrow it down even more: students in which fields? Technical university graduates? MBA students? Young sales professionals?
2. Understand how career consulting techniques work (there are many demo videos on YouTube) and start practicing right now. Begin offering free consultations to understand how it works yourself and to understand the pain points and questions of your audience, and generally figure out what audience you can and want to work with. Without practice, any education and desires are worthless.
Three critically important steps:
1. Get professional certification - ICF (International Coach Federation) or similar. This isn't just a piece of paper, it's structured understanding of the coaching process, ethics, and techniques. Without this, you'll remain an "advisor," not a coach.
While you don't need a college degree to be a coach or consultant, it's better to have specialized education and understand the basics of psychology - this is an important part of this profession. You need to understand behavior, people's motives, and how human psychology works in different situations. This knowledge helps you read between the lines and support clients not just with career decisions, but with the emotional challenges that come with career transitions.
2. Study assessment tools - like DISC, StrengthsFinder, MBTI, etc. - there are many. Students love specificity and "measurability." These tools will help you give structured feedback.
3. Build a trust funnel - start with free consultations, write a blog or LinkedIn content about students' career challenges. Your first task isn't to sell a service, but to show expertise. A consultant and coach must first be trusted, and only then can someone buy something from them.
Key business truth
In coaching, people don't buy the service, they buy the changes they want. Students will pay not for your advice, but for confidence in their future, techniques, and solutions that you give them.
Start with 10-15 free sessions with real students. Record them (with permission), analyze patterns in their questions, create your methodology based on this. And after step-by-step move to paid services.
Your sales background is a superpower. Use it to understand clients' "pain points" and structure the coaching process as a transformation funnel.
Thanks for the advice.
Sankalp
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
835
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
As a coach, you are presenting yourself as an expert in a certain field. I would recommend making sure your social media reflects your expertise. Rather that be endorsements from people you have supported or articles or posts that show your knowledge.
Imagine going online to find an electrician who has no website or reviews anywhere. You might be hesitant to use them.
Imagine going online to find an electrician who has no website or reviews anywhere. You might be hesitant to use them.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Sankalp
Peter Dachille, MS Ed
Academic Advising
12
Answers
Westfield, New Jersey
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Many career pivots towards student service have a root in one's own experience as a student. THAT can be your pitch, especially if you can/are looking to 'revisit' the institution(s) that you attended.
One thing I suggest, start volunteering as a mentor with a local college or high school/bridge program. One of the most valuable things for a student is advice from someone who has professional experience, even if not in the field they are studying.
Sometimes, a general administrative/staff position at a college can get you in the door, and with the exposure to student-facing opportunities can give you a wide view of the higher education environment and seeing which area you might want to move into (honors, advisement, bursar, fin aid, special initiatives, etc)
One thing I suggest, start volunteering as a mentor with a local college or high school/bridge program. One of the most valuable things for a student is advice from someone who has professional experience, even if not in the field they are studying.
Sometimes, a general administrative/staff position at a college can get you in the door, and with the exposure to student-facing opportunities can give you a wide view of the higher education environment and seeing which area you might want to move into (honors, advisement, bursar, fin aid, special initiatives, etc)
Roxanne Unwalla
Talent Advisor
4
Answers
Long Beach, California
Updated
Roxanne’s Answer
Hello!
It's amazing that you want to become a career counselor!
After earning your Bachelor's degree, think about getting a Master's in psychology or education. This can really enhance your skills and knowledge.
Look into popular career counseling certifications, especially those in India. While working on these, volunteering at a local school can help you connect with students who need guidance in choosing their career paths.
Also, learning about resume writing can be very helpful. Websites like LinkedIn and YouTube have great resources for this. You can then use these skills to help students create strong resumes.
You're on an exciting path, and every step you take brings you closer to making a positive difference in people's lives!
It's amazing that you want to become a career counselor!
After earning your Bachelor's degree, think about getting a Master's in psychology or education. This can really enhance your skills and knowledge.
Look into popular career counseling certifications, especially those in India. While working on these, volunteering at a local school can help you connect with students who need guidance in choosing their career paths.
Also, learning about resume writing can be very helpful. Websites like LinkedIn and YouTube have great resources for this. You can then use these skills to help students create strong resumes.
You're on an exciting path, and every step you take brings you closer to making a positive difference in people's lives!