What triggered you to take up career coaching?

I had gradually and slowly become dissatisfied with my previous career. I felt that I had learnt as much as I could and needed new challenges. I was frankly bored! I tried to find ways of making my current career more interesting within the existing companies and I tried doing the same kind of work in different companies. Neither of these strategies worked so it was time to get some advice and input from another person and to make a change, so I took up career coaching with Figuring Out.

What type of work experience did you try out?

With the help of the coaching sessions and my homework to undertake associated research, I identified some key areas of interest. Figuring Out connected me to organisations that fitted the bill and after revising my CV, I went to meet them to discuss work placements. I quit my job, and took up 3 positions in different areas to experience different career options. These were fantastic opportunities, which included working with Polecat, co-owned by the former Head of Innovation at Microsoft UK; and working on a piece of government research for Freshminds. They positions were a combination of paid and unpaid positions.

How has the overall experience helped you to figure out your next step?

The Figuring Out programme has helped me identify those parts of a job that I do and don’t enjoy and use this knowledge to determine the most suitable career for me. In addition the process of research really gave me a valuable background of information which allowed me to see the ‘wood for the trees’ and gain a clearer view of the paths my career could take. The contacts and network that I have built up in the process have been invaluable for finding interesting and relevant job positions.

What triggered you to take up career coaching?

I was to looking to focus my thoughts in which areas of business I would like to work, and specifically interested in the field of social enterprise. I was looking to make contacts and perhaps to find a job in this way. the services offered by Figuring Out seemed both impressive and unique.

How has the programme helped you?

The coaching was useful primarily in that it told me how far I have to go in identifying my goals. My Coach connected me to MDs of some interesting small companies, including Eudemonic and Nubastar and Being Elemental relevant to my interests within the creative arts and events, and I had a great time learning about their various projects.

How has the overall experience helped you to figure out your next step?

I would say the entire experience has been very valuable to make contacts and give me an insight into aspects of the world of business generally to help me with my career. I am now considering my next steps in more detail.