Higher Education Coaching
Whether you want to prepare for multiple rounds of interviews, practice a presentation for an interview (this is typical in student affairs roles), discuss working with international students (OPT/CPT/H1B) or other specialized student populations, or chart your career course in the world of higher education - I can help you meet those goals! As an experienced career coach for undergrad to executive level students and clients, I can also approach this meeting from a unique perspective. I can discuss other application of your skills if you are looking to either transition out of higher education, or into higher education from a K-12 role, private sector or non-profit.
What's included
YOU are in the driver seat. I am your guide (sitting in the passenger seat) :). I have a lot of different maps - and you get to choose which direction we go and which map(s) we use. Sounds like an adventure, huh? I always start our conversation asking for a quick update on your current state, followed by a question like, "What would you like to work on today?" or "After our time today, what do you want to have accomplished?" If you're not sure what the answer is the first time I ask this question - I'm happy to provide some suggestions. Over time, I find clients get the most benefit when they come prepared with a few different "action items" to discuss or work on - and/or a list of questions. Ultimately, only YOU know what you need. I can provide tactical guidance when it comes to concrete things and defined processes like resumes or appropriate outreach to a new networking contact. I can’t tell you what will be a good long term career fit for you. The truth is - you will likely do MANY different things over the course of your career. That’s ok. That’s the new normal. The question isn’t necessarily, “What do you want to do forever?” It’s, “What makes the most sense to pursue right now?”]\ My goal is for you to build the skills and confidence you need to navigate any major pivot from here on out. I want you to learn how to evaluate your own performance honestly (and compassionately) after an interview, or feel empowered to ask your boss what you need to do to reach your next promotion. My students and past clients describe me as: an excellent listener someone who cares about them - not just their job search a resume wizard someone who provides insightful and actionable feedback, especially about behavioral interviews a source of encouragement and accountability I am reachable by phone, text and email during regular business hours. I sometimes respond outside of these times - especially if there is a time sensitive offer pending, etc., that we've discussed in advance. Always feel free to reach out - I will respond as I am able. Always within 48 hours (though I try my best to make it 24 hours).
- Understanding of hiring trends and job leveling in higher education
- Salary expectations for different work across higher education
- Additional research resources related to higher education jobs
Meet your expert
Kira D.
Hi, I'm Kira, an ex-Disney recruiter with 12+ years experience coaching and collaborating with professionals at all levels of their career - from experienced executives in non-profits and real estate, to MBAs pivoting from arts to finance, to international students in STEM MS programs, and undergrad students working towards their first professional entertainment internships (USC Marshall, UW Foster, NC State, Pepperdine University). Though I am very comfortable with clients at all stages of life - in this season I have focussed my services on expanding oportunties for mid-life professionals looking for their 2nd or 3rd act pivot or shift. A lot of that is due to the first 10 years of my career in entertainment, before I found my way into coaching. I have had countless conversations with friends and colleagues over the last decade all with the same thing in common. We busted our butts to climb to the tops of ladders we defined when we were 25, and by 45 (or 35 or 55) that role we worked so hard to get wasn't a fit any more. Not for the people who we'd become along the way. These are some of the most challenging and stressful career changes for people and I just happen to LOVE working through these hard questions and guiding people through this process. Prior to Higher-ed, I worked for 10 years in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles in corporate media and feature animation production (DreamWorks Animation), as a C Level Executive Assistant, Casting Assistant, and in HR/Recruiting (Disney, Lucasfilm/ILM). I've navigated several significant career pivots in my life and have a unique ability to draw out a person's story and help them wrap words around what matters to them in a compelling and authentic way. I have a lot of empathy and compassion for people navigating this space - as I have personal experience with how challenging it can be! My clients and students describe me as: a "sanity check," a (kind) straight-shooter, a networking wizard, exceptionally empathetic and encouraging, insightful, the best resume note-giver they have ever encountered, and a killer interview coach! My main goal in any conversation is to help YOU get clear about your next step - and to identify what you need to do in order to reach your short and long term career (and life!) goals. I'm typically a good fit and have a lot of experience working with people who: - Are making a significant career pivot (to a different job function, industry or both). I'm an especially great fit for midlife professionals. - Are interested in careers in the entertainment space (film, TV, streaming, etc.) OR who are wanting to transition out of entertainment into a more "traditional" corporate role. - Are MBAs recruiting for internships or full-time for all role types (Corporate Finance, Marketing/Brand, non-tech PM, PMM, Leadership Programs, Supply Chain/Ops, Business Intelligence, Sales, Startups) outside of IB and Management Consulting. I have experience working with clients and students in IB and Consulting - but there are a lot of folks on the platform who have more hands on experience here. I will say - I do a mean behavioral interview - and have had folks with a bent towards IB and Consulting remark that they have benefitted from my approach to the behavioral portion of the interview process, while working with other coaches on the technical/case portion. - Are international students struggling with networking best practices in the US and understanding the basics of H1B and STEM OPT. I have worked with programs where 70-90% of the students were from outside the US. That said, I am not an immigration professional and cannot provide legal advice. I look forward to hearing more about you!