Career Coaching or Career Counselling? What would be the proper choice?
What is the difference between career coaching and career advice and how can you combine them?
Career coaching and career advice are two popular approaches to supporting career development, although they differ significantly in methods and goals. Each has its advantages, and combining both processes can be particularly effective when someone wants to gain a full picture of their options and make informed career decisions.
Differences between career coaching and career advice.
1. The role of the specialist
– Career coaching: The coach acts as a facilitator who supports the client in discovering their own answers and solutions. The coach’s job is to ask questions that help the person understand their goals, values, strengths and aspirations. The coach does not advise or indicate specific paths – it is the client’s responsibility to make decisions and set the direction.
– Career advice: The career advisor is more of a guide than a facilitator. They offer specific information, analysis and recommendations based on the job market, available opportunities and the client’s skills. The advisor can help assess professional predispositions, indicate possible professions, and provide practical advice on applying for positions.
2. Scope of support
– Career coaching: Focuses on the client’s internal development, helping them better understand who they are, what their values are, and what path they want to follow to feel fulfilled. Coaching supports the development of soft skills, such as self-confidence, decision-making skills, or coping with pressure.
– Career counseling: Deals with specific, external aspects of a career. The advisor can indicate possible professions or industries, present an analysis of the labor market, help prepare a CV, cover letter, or job search strategy. The scope is more practical and operational.
3. Method of work
– Career coaching: The process is based on questions and reflection. The coach tries to help the client discover their goals and passions through appropriate questions, leading the client to independent conclusions.
– Career counseling: The advisor’s work is more direct – they provide the client with information and specific recommendations. The process is more one-way, as the advisor shares their knowledge and experience.
Combining coaching and career counselling – when and how?
Both approaches can be complementary. Career coaching works great when someone wants to understand their aspirations, goals and career preferences, but is not sure how to translate these values into specific career paths. Career advice can add a practical perspective – if the client already knows their goals, the advisor will help develop specific steps to achieve them.
For example, the process could look like this:
1. First stage – career coaching: The client begins working with a coach to gain a better understanding of their aspirations, strengths and values. During coaching sessions, they discover what career path they are looking for and what their motivations are.
2. Second stage – career counselling: After developing a coherent vision, the client moves on to work with a career advisor who will help them translate their vision into a specific strategy – they will indicate available career options, help prepare their CV and determine directions for action on the job market.
It is worth combining both of these approaches, because it provides full support: on the one hand, the client gains self-knowledge and understanding of their own motivations, and on the other – receives practical tools and knowledge that will help them operate effectively on the labor market.
It is a fast and dynamic process, consisting of a combination of internal exploration, analysis of possible scenarios, taking action. The process lasts from 2 to 5 sessions maximum.
If you need support in this area, write and arrange a session.
Have a good career!
Marta