Matt’s Story: More Confident in My Professional Trajectory
Prior to starting work with CCC, I was struggling to get a handle on which direction I wanted to lean into. My career to that point had felt like a series of chance encounters, and I didn’t know how to proceed. Additionally, I had just come out of a toxic and discriminatory workplace (which included an EEOC mediation), so I felt I stood on shaky ground in my life and career.
Looking for the Golden Threads
I faced a lack of clarity and difficulty telling my professional story. I could list off my job titles, and I could find silver linings in what had been a haphazard career, but I couldn’t identify the “golden threads” that connected everything I had done.
Working with my coach, Michele, imbued me with a positive and optimistic outlook that I would have struggled to reach on my own. I had clarity about the kinds of roles I was seeking, and I had successfully weeded out dead-end job titles. The informational interviews I conducted connected me with some top people in my region and in my field. Additionally, Michele’s encouraging and uplifting validation helped me get clear on a side project that I wanted to build up. Though I did not end my CCC journey with a job offer in hand, I felt much more positive about myself, my career journey, and my ultimate destination as a result of the program.
CCC Career Coaches provide an objective, 3rd-person perspective on your career achievements and your goals; their feedback often elucidates roadblocks and creates accountability around your goals. The assignments–especially early on–provide ample room for reflection and narration. Overall, the program helps professionals gain clarity around their career themes and their overall professional direction, even if that does not immediately result in new employment.
Show Up for Your Program!
If possible, seize the opportunity to chat with Alison or one of the career coaches prior to signing up. Also, recognize that a program like this DOES demand personal growth and reflective work, so be prepared to really open up and let your whole self be seen.
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in this coaching program. It truly arrived in my life at the perfect time. I am currently in a new role (it’s my 6th week) that successfully combines all of my prior experience and that gives me a chance to continue to make a difference. I feel more confident in my professional trajectory because of CCC.