Career Coaching Action Plan: Changing Career Paths
*Case details and action plan shared with explicit written permission from the client. Names are changed to protect confidentiality.
When Barb presented for coaching services she was deep in a personal conflict that was escalating towards crisis. She reported during her first session that the bulk of her career had been spent as an accountant and she felt like she was “set on autopoliet”, and repeating her daily work routine with little mental stimulation. She had job security as she worked her way up during her years of employment with the same agency and was the Senior Accountant. But she confessed that accounting wasn’t her desired career path when she graduated college. A series of personal challenges and finanical need motivated her to take the position “temporarily” until situations were resolved. That was 20 years ago.
The conversation shifted to the career field she had been so passionate about while in college. Her eyes lit up with excitement when she described her former goal to teach mathmatics in a K-12 school system. Math came easy to her, and she felt it was her purpose to teach highschool math classes so that she could motivate female students, showing them that woman can be equally good with numbers. She planned to start a mathmatics after school club and other goals for her career. Her eyes lowered and she said, “but I’m 45 years’ old this year, and I would need at least another year or two of school to get my teaching certificate. Maybe I’m being silly thinking I can change careers at my age”. This conflict was the motivation behind scheduling my services. With her children grown and her nest empty, the flame to teach had ignited again. She couldn’t ignore it any longer.
Action Plan
Barb decided to create an action plan that permitted her to “dip her toes” in the possiblity of a career change. She needed a plan with minimual financial risk while she was taking necessary steps, and could fit in with her current schedule.
Coaching Services
Barb attended a total of 10 coaching sessions: 2 months of bi-weekly appiontments followed by 8 monthly maintenance sessions.
Interested in Barb’s Results?
Action Plan
Name: Omitted
Start Date: 01/23/2024
Request length of services: 10 Weeks
SMART Goal Statement
I will transition from my career in accounting to teaching high school mathmatics in 1 year by completing a teaching certification program at the University, gaining experience through part-time tutoring services, and applying for teaching positions once I am a certified teacher.
Objective 1:
Client will research the 3 local unversities in my area to determine which teaching certification programs are reasonably priced for my budget and offer evening classes to fit my schedule.
Coach will follow up at next appointment to discuss the information gathered on teaching certification programs, assist her in addressing challenges, and brainstorming solutions.
Objective 2:
Client will complete the application and enrollment process for the teaching certification program she has selected and provide proof of enrollment for accountablity at her next appointment.
Coach will review the enrollement packet with her during session including course requirements, evening class options, and other relevant information. Coach will address any foreseeable challenges with the client and aide in brainstorming solutions.
Objective 3:
Client will gain teaching experience by providing part-time math tutoring services and tutor no more than 3 students per week. Client will contact the local school district to offer her services. Client will track her experiences while tutoring students and share with her coach during appointments.
Coach will provide assistance in the development of tutoring service flyers to provide the local school district, and materials necessary for part-time tutoring work. Coach will provide space during sessions to discuss the client’s progress journal entries. Coach will discuss any challenges, client personal observations, and indentify areas for professional growth.
Objective 4:
Client will indentify and recruit at least 1 accountability partner for ongoing support following the completion of her 10 week coaching services. Client will discuss her selected partner during her wrap-up session and complete her post-coaching intervention tools checklist.
Coach will complete the wrap-up session, providing space for the client to reflect on her current progress and discuss any fears, aspirations, and challenges for the remainder of her action steps. Coach will assist the client in developing a post-coaching intervention tools checklist.
Objective 4:
Client will follow her study plan and pass all state required examinations following completiong of the teaching certification program. Client will apply for licensure once exams have been passed.
Accountability coach will check in by phone to assist the client in staying on track with her study plans, and that she has registered for required exams within the first month following completion of the teaching certification program.
Objective 5:
Client will apply for teaching positions at high schools within a reasonable commute radius of 45 minutes from her home and attend any offered interviews. Client will prepare a resignation letter and transition from accounting to secondary education.
Accountability coach will assist the client in preparing for the hiring process by reviewing her resume and providing feedback, and role playing for interview preparation.
Coach will provide follow up services at the client’s discretion until sucessful completion of her primary goal.