Students
Career Coaching
CAREER COACHING (EXPLORATION, PLANNING, & JOB SEARCH) SERVICES
Purpose and Responsibilities
Purpose: Career coaching is designed to empower you to: explore and identify your initial career goal, choose an academic major based on your career goal, help you identify opportunities for gaining career-related experiences, and/or teach you self-directed job search methods. Self-directed job search methods include: writing a resume/cover letter, teaching you how to research employers, coaching you on employment skills, developing a personal job search plan and preparing for the interview.
Format: A Career Services staff member will meet with you individually for up to 45 minutes in their office, via video or phone call. Some of your questions will take just a few minutes to answer. Some assistance may take more time, as career development and the job search are multi-step processes.
The Goal: A student’s work is expected to be self-paced and self-directed. The Career Services staff will provide coaching to assist with career exploration and job search. We will guide and encourage your efforts, but you are responsible for any research or work assigned. The Career Service’s website is a very helpful and you will find additional resources there.
Confidentiality: The discussion(s) you have with the Office of Career Services staff are private and confidential. The level of confidentiality includes moral and ethical confidentiality, but not legal. Your session and its content will not be discussed with other students, employers, or university staff without a need to know. However, some university staff may need information that you have shared. Notes about your session will be recorded electronically and if/when you return, any staff member can start where you left off. Also, since the University uses a case management approach to promoting student success, your Career Coach will record the date of your visit and topics covered in an online case management system only used by University personnel.
Please note that confidentiality will need to be broken if:
- A student discloses that they are in danger to themselves or others
- If it is learned that a minor, elderly, or vulnerable adult is in danger
- If there is a situation that applies to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and/or Title IX Act. Information about VAWA and Title IX can be found on the University’s website(http://www.usf.edu/diversity/title-ix/index.aspx).
The discussion(s) that you have with graduate students and/or Career Peers may be conducted in a student/group work area where confidentiality is limited. It is not intended for confidential career coaching. If a student needs confidential career services, the student may be referred to a Career Coach for an appointment based on the determination of Career Services staff.
Student’s Responsibilities:
- Be willing to invest time and energy into your career goal.
- Be willing to share your career goals and career visions.
- Complete homework/research assignments.
- Be punctual for any follow-up appointments and call Career Services in advance if you must cancel or reschedule an appt.
- Report your acceptance of a career decision or employment offer.
Career Coach’s Responsibilities:
- To treat each student/alumni with respect.
- To honor the choices and decisions each student makes.
- To listen and be patient.
- To be honest and tactful when giving feedback.
- To offer suggestions which are compatible with the student’s career goals.
- To deliver competent, quality career services.
- To be as punctual as possible and free from distractions during sessions.
Or call our office at 727-873-4129