Career Counselors
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Career Counselors
June 2006
My husband has been unhappy with his job for some time, and is
motivated to get some professional help in finding something new.
He is currently in education administration, but is willing to
move to other related fields that would value his great people
skills and management style and compensate him better.
Several months ago, he met with Toni Littlestone who is highly
recommended in the BPN archives. He felt that her services are
not what he's looking for--that she was more of a life coach,
almost therapist type of counselor. I guess he is looking for
something more straightforward. He says he would like to meet
with a knowledgeable person who could say, ''Based on your
strengths and experience in A, B, and C, you could get a great
job doing, X, Y, or Z.'' Also, we wants this person to be
well-informed in the various pay ranges for different jobs. His
field is pretty low-paying right now, and he does not want to get
into another area that will max out pretty quickly.
Any suggestions?
Partner hoping to help
I read your message about what you (or your husband) want in a
career counselor, and that is what I used to want, also. I went
to a lot of career counselors for one or two sessions, and found
that is very rare. Because career counselors work with people in
so many fields, they don't really have the ability to give such
specific recommendations about exactly what each person could do
with their skills in exactly which new jobs, unless they happened
to work a lot with your current/old field in particular, perhaps
in a former career of their own. I ended up doing the networking
and research myself, and learning what I needed to know
firsthand. Ironically, after all those career counselors I met
with, I did end up working with Toni Littlestone, who acted in my
case not as a ''life coach'' or ''therapist'' type of counselor but
as a good, solid guide who helped me keep on track and keep
researching my options. By the time I met with Toni, I had seen
so many others that I was more willing to buckle down and do the
work, to take more proactive responsibility myself and not wait
for someone with answers to do it for me. Although in the
beginning I wanted someone who could magically save me the
footwork, I found in the end that I became more knowledgable and
powerful by doing the exploration and networking and discovery
myself, with guidance, help, and lots of feedback and reality
checking along the way. I got my new job in a new field because
of so much networking. In the beginning, I wasn't that good at
meeting people and presenting myself, but I got much, much more
confident, from roleplaying in sessions and then getting out
there and doing it. It's not that easy to go into a new field,
especially by ''resume alone.'' When people met me, they could
see/hear that I was capable and had good skills and ideas. By the
way, some of the earlier counselors I met with offered me
concrete ideas of what I could do, but they always turned out not
to really fit what I wanted or what employers would hire me for.
Once again, I really had to get out there and figure it out by
meeting people (lots of them) and finding out for myself.
successful career changer
My husband has *the best* things to say about Andrea Bauer (650-802-8936). A while back he was
contemplating a career change, but he didn't know to what (or even if he should change at all,
given the economy). She helped him figure out what he enjoyed doing, what he was good at, and
how it fit us financially. I think my husband likes her because she has tons of practical
experience in her industry but she's also extremely intuitive; I remember him hanging up the
phone after the initial consultation and just being blown away by what he had already learned in
30 minutes. In the years since my husband first saw her, we have referred several people to
her, ranging from computer wonks to photographers, and all have come away with good things to
say. See http://www.coachbauer.com/ for further info (look at the Private Coaching section).
I believe she still starts off with a free phone consultation, so your husband could see if she
is a good fit or not
Tori
Susan Urquhart-Brown is a career counselor with Career Steps in
Oakland. To find out more about her and her services, visit:
http://www.careersteps123.com. I've attended one of her business
success groups (for those of us who have our own business) and
got a lot out of it. 510 531-2071
Melanie
A few years ago, I decided to leave academia and felt overwhelmed by options and unprepared to
make career choices. I met with Sepha Schiffman, a career counselor in Albany, (510-558-3458)
and was extremely happy with her. She was proficient at helping me discover my career
preferences -- everything from figuring out my likes/dislikes in terms of job responsibilities
to work schedule to work environment -- and from there, helping me narrow down career fields. I
can't say enough about how helpful she was. I love my new career (I'm still in the job Sepha
helped guide me towards four years later) and wouldn't have been able to sort through the career
guides/personality testing, etc. by myself -- there's so much info, I found it paralyzing.
Sepha is articulate, knowledgable, and worth every penny of her fee.
Good luck to your husband!
Amy H.
my husband had been complaining about his field and job, so i took him to see marty nemko
(www.martynemko.com), who did exactly what you're saying. very knowledgeable, pragmatic and
no-nonsense. we met with him for about an hour and he taped the session so we could refer to it
later.
My wife asked me to post because of possible similarities that
might help. I was the top educational administrator of a small
business college, and I wanted to go into something else that
would use my abilities. I went to a career consultant in San
Francisco, a man who charged $200 an hour and promised clear
direction and even leads (which turned out not to be the case at
all). After spending over $2000, his idea for me was to go into
the marketing field in a large corporation. He tried to make my
resume look like that, but it just wasn't believable. I also
wasn't that interested in marketing as a field, but I thought
that if I was supposed to have some of those skills, why didn't I
use them for myself. I talked with a neighbor and got connected
up to try a stint in the recruiting field. It was good
experience, but I ended up not liking it much as a real career
path. Then, after talking to as many people as I could, I decided
on local government administration. I did some networking on my
own and started landing interviews. At first, I did not do well
in interviews. My wife had been getting ongoing very helpful
coaching on politics at work from Toni Littlestone, so I decided
to go in for interview coaching. It really worked. I found that I
didn't have a good sense of how I was coming across, and had a
hard time not sounding like a college administrator, but with
role playing, which felt awkward at first but got easier, I
really improved my presentation and could translate my educator's
perspective to the government. Toni encouraged me to do more
research about the issues facing the government entities in which
I was interviewing, and had several clients who worked in the
government whom she connected me up with for background. After a
persistent search that took a while, I landed a great job with
smart colleagues, a good salary, great benefits, and decent
hours. The other area I considered seriously was administration
in a much larger college, which I also think I would have liked,
but government is fascinating. I thought originally I wanted to
go into the corporate world, but after talking with more people,
I found that it did not match my personal values. I have to say
that at the start of my transition, I had the illusion that I
could get someone to do much of the heavy lifting for me, which
is why I was willing to spend $200 an hour. When I woke up and
got into gear, my skills as the head of a small college made me
able to be the head of my own career search, and to know when I
was floundering in the interview process and get targeted help.
Toni was also great at helping with the salary negotiation part
of the interviewing process. I ended up getting $20,000 more than
the initial offer (which was a big improvement on my former
salary). I've been in my job for three years now, have gotten a
promotion (also with help from Toni), and am happier than ever
career in gear
Hi There,
In response to your message about career counseling, I have a couple suggestions.
1) JFK University in Pleasant Hill has a Career Counseling center and their rates are
discounted. I think it's primarily staffed by Master's Students who are working on related
degrees. I'm thinking $25 - $50/ session. Professional Career Counselors charge anywhere from
$125 - $250 per hour.
2) I am a seasoned Recruiter with over 10 years of experience working mostly in-house for
high-tech companies in the Bay Area. I am also an Organizational and Human Resources
Consultant. I'm employed full-time for a wireless company in Emeryville right now, but would be
happy to meet with you or your husband for 20 minutes at no cost. If you need more time/ want
more ideas, then I'll need to set up a fee arrangement. Just let me know if you'd like to chat.
I have a very no-
nonsense approach and I'm also very entrepreneurial... so corporate or small business ventures
or non-profit is all in my realm of experience.
Best regards,
Tiffany Felicienne
March 2006
Has anyone had a really good experience with a career and/or grad
school counselor for an adult child who has finished college and is
not sure what to do next? This seems like such a difficult time in
life. High school was straightforward, with the goal of college
clarly in mind. College wasn't that difficult to get into with so
many choices for college education in this country. But when kids
finish college they have to face the big world and it is scary and
competitive and there is no one to guide them as in the past. Typical
career counselors give interest inventories and then tell the clinet
to go and research the results. I am looking for a more personalized
approach for a 24 year old. Thanks. Lydia
I had a similar problem after I graduated from college -- some call it the
'quarter-life crisis'. I saw Dr. Elayne Chou, licensed psychologist at the Tang
Center (UC Berkeley); she also has a private practice on Shattuck in Berkeley
(510-435-9773). I was disastisfied with the 'career counselor' at UC Berkeley's
Career Center since this 'counselor' only read me my results from an inventory I
had taken -- I could have done that! Aside from using self-assessment exercises,
Dr. Chou approaches career counseling with a dose of psychology; she teases apart
any psychological input that might be affecting your motivations, desires,
indecision (which was a big one for me!), etc.. She's warm, easy to talk to, and
is very intuitive. I highly recommend Dr. Elayne Chou as a career counselor!
Rebecca
I know of a psychologist who is also a career counselor who may
be able to help out a senior (she does work at CAL). I've posted
her name a couple of times before- Dr. Elayne Chou (510)435-9773
Feb 2006
I'm unhappy with my job, which I've had for many years; it
involves writing software for biomedical applications. The
problem I'm having is that I can't even imagine what sort of job,
or career, would make me happy. I'm thinking I might need a
career counselor, but it'd have to be someone who understood
software. I need someone who could understand something like,
''I've done plenty of perl CGI web forms, but only a little PHP
and no ASP, so what kind of web jobs could I get?'' Maybe there's
a career counselor out there who used to be a software/biotech
headhunter??
Burned out techie
Hello. I have the perfect solution for you: Bay Area Career
Center. They are the reformulated Alumnae Resources/Lifeprint
orgnazation that was in San Francisco until it folded. It was
truly a shame. I think it hit some financial challenges when the
dot com bust occured and a good amount of its funding dried up
from their corporate sponsors. I think some of the counselors
who had a passion for helping others regrouped and have
developed BACC. Although it appears to be a very streamlined
version of AR, I think it is offering two key components -
career counselors and workshops. In paticular they offer one
specific workshop called Self Assessment. It was PHENOMENAL!!
You go through a series of excercises to explore your values,
your skills, interests, personality and work environment. You
probably already have some sense of this in your head but when
you are done you end up with a comprehensive understanding (on
paper). And when you then see it in black and white it really
allows you to take the information and use it to assess many
aspects of your jobs and yourself in terms of how to pursue new
jobs/careers. Sometimes you learn that you actually have skills
you like, but its the company which is the wrong fit, or the
wrong industry. It helped me hone in on certain
skills/interests/traits to stay focused on and to pay attention
on areas to stay away from. It's a great tool for jumping into
figure out what you want (and what you don't want). I think
getting your thought process out of the tactical 'technical
alphabet soup' (I happen to be technical too) and use this
opportunity to look more strategically at what I mentioned above
will help tremendously. Once you go through the assessment it's
then quite useful to continue individual sessions if you need to
and they will leverage the info. I think if you aren't into
taking the workshop (with others) you can probably do it in an
accelerated version one-one. I did feel that the input from the
others perspectives in the workshop was helpful. I can't say
enough about the course. I have a friend who went through it too
and she is also a proponent of this process. The cool thing
about the counselors is that you can read up on their profiles
and pick one that you think would be a match to work with and
also have an informal interview first before selecting. They've
all dealt with high tech folks there so I don't think you can go
wrong with any of them. Anyway here is the website:
http://www.bayareacareercenter.com/
Please feel free to get in touch with me if you want to talk
further.
Hilary
Feb 2006
Hello,
I am currently a Physician Assistant looking to switch careers
slightly into more Health Education/Public Health focus and away
from clinical work. I have some health ed. work experience but no
formal education beyond my PA degree. I am interested in seeing a
career counsellor to figure out how to best make this change. My
questions are 1) does anyone know of a career counsellor with an
emphasis on the health professions? 2) what exactly does a career
counsellor do? Can I expect help with auctual leads to people or
organizations or is it more like traditional conselling except
talking about work? 3) Does my situation sound like one in which
career counselling would help or is there something else I should
be doing? I already read What Color Is Your Parachute and did the
suggestions (ie informational interviewing) there, which was
really helpful but has not landed me a job.
Thanks so much.
I have the folks for you: www.pathwaysconsultants.com
My friend, Amanda Gerrie is one half of Pathways and has worked
with folks from a variety of fields (including health care)
going towards a variety of other careers. She's very good at
helping you turn your vague notions of what you don't want into
specific notions of what you do want. She can help you explore
your dreams, but you'll come out of some counseling or coaching
sessions with a practical plan.
Career Counseling involves asking a lot of the right questions,
and sometimes you just can't get there with a book. Good luck!
Katie
I was out of town so am responding only now. I am in a medical career
and have used a career counselor over quite a few years to help me
navigate. I am trained and have worked as a nurse practitioner, have
worked in research nursing, and now have worked in very interesting
biotechnology jobs that use my medical background for several years (I
did clinical trials coordination, and now work in regulatory affairs, a
challenging and fascinating area to me). My career counselor, Toni
Littlestone, does not specialize in health care careers, but has been
incredibly helpful in thinking through options, strategizing my next
moves, interview practice, and dealing with all the workplace politics in
the biotech field. I should say that even though it's not her specialty, she
has worked with many, many people in health care, as well as lots of
other careers. Her contact info is 510-528-2221 or workvision@aol.com
happy with job
I know of a career counselor (who is also a psychologist) who
would be able to speak with you about what she could or could not
offer you in terms of her services. Dr. Elayne Chou (510)435-9773
Nov 2005
I'm wondering if anyone out there in BPN land is a career
counselor for either high school or college students. I'm
considering graduate school in counseling - specifically career
counseling. I have a background in Human Resources and I think
my skills would fit nicely in career counseling but I wanted to
hear from people who are in field to learn more about it. What
are the pros and cons? Do you like what you do? What would you
change? Are jobs in this area tough to come by?
Thank you.
I just worked with the Bay Area Career Center in SF and the woman there was wonderful. There was a huge difference between using her and using my alma mater. However, I have yet to read ''Bait and Switch'' which is Barbarba Ehrenreich's new book, which sounds like it deals with this topic, and whether you are just a clearinghouse of information and the client really does all the work, or whether you can be truly helpful to people.
Maybe you can help the people who could actually help themselves but are unsure?
Nov 2005
Newly single mom looking for career counselor who is skilled in
getting stay-at-home moms out in the working world again.
Jennifer
I recommend Toni Littlestone, who works out of her home office.
Her email address is WorkVision at aol.com. She is very attuned to
the individuality of each client, is non-judgmental (and hence
encourages real candor), and is knowledgeable about career
options of all types. She will NOT, however, ''tell you what
you should do.''
I know she has been recommended many times on this site, but as a
single mother myself, I just need to say how much I was helped by
Toni Littlestone. At a very hard time in my life, when I was
having to return to work despite not wanting to--at all--Toni was
warm, supportive, and practical. She helped me carefully examine
my skills and preferences, look at possible careers that I might
actually like, and take structured small steps toward going back
to work, including help with my networking skills, resume,
interviewing--and my inner resistance to the whole thing. I am
now in a job I love with great colleagues, and feel so much
happier and more secure. She also helped me think through what
kind of childcare I needed and how to explore the best options
for me and my kids. I found that Toni was extremely respectful of
my feelings and needs. She did not have any agenda about what I
should do. I had a lot of different directions and ideas, and she
helped me sort things out and find my own way.
thriving in my new life
June 2004
I am currenlty a SAHM with 2 kids under 4 - I am thinking about
getting back into the workforce in another 6 mos. or so but what
I find is that I'm pretty stumped about what I really want to
do, and how to combine my interests with something that actually
makes money and fits in with being the primary caretaker in the
family. I'm considering seeing a career counselor but don't want
to spend the money just to have someone run me through a bunch
of personality tests (I've taken them already - not a big
help)... can anyone recommend a pragmatic effective counselor?
Or even a useful book that might help me focus my interests?
thanks.
searching for inspiration
I saw Sepha Schiffman (510-558-3458) for help with a mid-life
career change. It was the best thing I could have done. She
helped me identify attributes of work that were important to me
and then to explore career choices that would meet my needs.
I highly recommend her.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Toni Littlestone 528-2221 as a
wonderful and understanding person and a very effective career
counselor. In the space of months she took me from
cluelessness to career possibilities and i too had all the
personality tests which had been completely unhelpful. She
helped me REALLY understand myself, my skills and my needs. I
have recommended her and others have been very happy and made
career switches as well. I cannot recommend her highly
enough. She is very talented at what she does!
I went to Toni Littlestone in Albany, as did a couple of my friends who
were transitioning from being at home with kids. We all found her to be
sensitive, responsive, intuitive and practical. She uses exercises and
tests only as needed, not as part of any standard, one-size-fits-all
program. She has 20 years' experience, and her depth, flexibility, and
non-judgmental attitude were great. Also, she has a kid, so understands
parenting and career balance issues very well. She's just off Solano--
528-2221 or workvision AT aol.com.
--Been there
Sept 2004
My husband is quite unhappy and stressed in his current job, but
due to the rise and fall of the tech industry, is hesitant to
leave his current position, feels that his resume/career may have
''holes,'' and is uncertain about what job or career changes he
should make next.
Does anyone have personal experience with this kind of situation?
Any advice? Also, I was thinking he might benefit from a career
counselor and am looking for a recommendation.
Thanks.
My husband recently met with Toni Littlestone, a career counselor and
she was great. Her phone number is 510.528.2221. He just took a job
that he feels he successfully negotiated salary for, and knows that he
made the right choice for himself and our family at this time. What a
relief it was that have an experienced person to guide him (us). Good
luck!
Jennifer
May 2004
Has anyone used the university's CDOP Career Counselling
program? If so, would you recommend the counselling service you
used? Please share names of specific counsellors and any general
comments. Thank you!
Next move?
Re CDOP Counseling at UC Berkeley.
I had a very good Consultant, Janet Morimoto at Right Management
in San Francisco. Feel free to email or call me at x34722 to
discuss. John
May 2003
Can anyone recommend a career counselor or a life coach
who helps individuals figure out the answer to the
question ''what do I want to be when I grow up?''. I am
currently
a 30-something SAHM who has been in career transition mode for a
few years now. I've done all the career assessment tests, now I
need to get to the next level. I live in Oakland, so local
recommendations are best, but I appreciate all suggestions.
Thanks!
Laura
I am a career counselor/life coach, certified by the Hudson Institute, with 12
years experience in Recruiting and Employee Relations. I'm doing my best not
to work right now, though, as I have a 11 month old daughter. I'd be happy to
meet with you and see if I can offer some focus for the price of a latte, as I'm
missing the engagement that work offers, but am not ready to shed my stay at
home mom status. If I think I can help you in a session or two, I'd be glad to
do it as a favor from one Mom to another. If we decide it will take longer, I
can offer some referrals. You can contact me at
carrie AT swensonconsulting.com; I'm in Montclair.
Carrie Swenson
I have a friend that has gotten involved in an organization
called Avatar. She loves it because it helps her sort our her
life goals, values, and priorities. There's probably a website
you can check out. They have weekend and 10-day seminars with
personal coaching.
Kristene
I was a SAHM who was very busy with kids and volunteer activities
but feeling adrift. I couldn't figure out how and where to return
to work. I went to Nina Ham, who was recommended by a friend who
was in a similar boat. I found sessions with her to be quite
helpful - going beyond the career counseling stuff and into
thinking about what I wanted my Life to look like. That was about
2-1/2 years ago, and though I didn't go right out and shake up my
life right away, I recently realized that all of the changes and
directions that I was able to begin to imagine and articulate
with Nina have now come to pass. I have the makings of a new
career and identity that feels right and is rewarding, a ''room of
my own'' to work from, a better balance of home, paid work,
volunteer work, and family, as well as bringing other aspects of
my life into balance (spiritually, creatively, physically). Nina
didn't wave her magic wand - but she was a key piece of what it
took for me to recognize what I needed and begin to move toward
it. Her number is 524-8647 and email is NinaHam@aol.com. Her
office is on Solano.
Good luck!
=Natasha B.
I worked with a personal coach for about six months, which was
a very positive experience (except that my life was too chaotic
to really make the most of it at that time...so I hope to get
back to working with her some time down the road). The only
real downside is that she is up in Grass Valley, CA, so the
only time we met face-to-face was to do the first session --
sort of an intake/get to know you session. All other sessions
were by phone. Worked fine, but some people might need/want
the face-to-face relationship. Certainly worth calling this
woman, to see if you ''click'' (that's the most important thing,
really): Janice Knight, KnightLine Consulting, 530-273-0700,
or at klcbest AT gv.net
Alison
Hi Laura. I help people get to the next level and beyond. I\222d be
happy to support you in clarifying what you\222d really enjoy
doing. My coaching practice is called Learning Conversations.
The website is here: http://www.learningconversations.com. I\222m
in Berkeley. ~Claudia
I can heartily recommend Susan Van Horn, who runs Real Coach 4U.
She can help you turn your life around. First sesion is free,
and you would be wise to give it a try. If it doesn't seem like
the right fit, you can walk away, but I think her style might
suite you very well. Susan runs a retreat center in La Selva
Beach ( very close to Santa Cruz) and I believe she can either
hold the sessions there or over the phone. Susan can be reached
at 831-684-1003. Good luck in your search!
Milena
For the person looking for a career counselor.... I'm posting this on behalf of
my husband who thinks his career counselor is the bees knees:
Andrea Bauer
650-802-8936
coachbauer AT aol.com
http://www.coachbauer.com
I first started working with Andrea a few years ago when I was evaluating a
career change. I couldn't really figure out what to change or why (or if) a
change was even necessary at all. I found answers to my questions
through meetings, phone conversations, and ''homework'' after about 5
sessions (not including intake or the ''trial'' call). Best of all, I internalized much
of what Andrea teaches through her coaching. I have referred several friends
and family members to Andrea. Everyone who worked with Andrea found their
experience productive and rewarding.
Actually, I have continued to engage her whenever I have tough career
questions. It's absolutely great to have someone who knows me who is neither
family nor colleague, who can provide impartial observations, and who can ask
questions that *I* hear differently (because of her impartiality). Well, and
they're good questions, too, of course!
Andrea is naturally intuitive and is a talented observer/listener. She Believes
work can fulfill you. She has a giant bag full of tricks to help you ''just-get-it-
done'' once you know what it is you're to do.
Practically speaking, Andrea begins working through a free trial phone session.
I recommend that you e-mail her:
any questions you have about her or her approach,
your reasons for pursuing coaching,
your resume,
significant hobbies,
anything that makes you, you
In my opinion, this material helps Andrea help you.
Anyhow, if after the trial call you and Andrea feel there is a ''match,'' the next
step is typically an ''Intake'' meeting. Intake is best in-person and includes (may
vary based on your needs):
Values ID Exercise,
Wheel of Life Balance Exercise,
Future Self Visualization,
Goals
After intake, you and Andrea will design a meeting plan (frequency and
duration) that fits your goal(s). Expect most subsequent meetings to be phone
meetings, often with e-mail follow-ups. Even though she is located on the
peninsula (Redwood City), I'm not sure it matters since an in person meeting is
strongly recommended only for the initial intake. (One of my referrals worked
with Andrea from Virginia!)
tori
March 2003
For 3 years now, I've been trying to patch a career together
after being laid off from my job as a instructional designer and
technical writer. I've done all sorts of short term freelance
jobs while looking for something permanent, but I don't seem to
be able to get a job. I have applied for hundreds of jobs, and
am very discouraged, not to mention close to broke.
Does anybody know a job coach or mentor I could work with to get
some guidance? I've checked the names on the website, but the last posting
is about 2 years old. Also, are people still using headhunters
to find them jobs?
Thanks!
Both my husband and I (and another close friend) have used Toni
Littlestone in Albany. I am sure her name is in the phone book.
She is really great. Very upbeat, lots of good ideas.
kathryn
I recommend Toni Littlestone. She has an office in her
house on Curtis St in Albany near Solano. She is warm,
open, and non-judgemental. And helpful, of course! Her
number is 528-2221.
Lucy Mattingly
Rachel Kadosh is a local Career Consultant. She does coaching,
workshops and job searches for executives, but also has a
private practice for people like yourself. Her background is
in recruiting for high tech companies, though she now focuses
on consulting with those in job search mode.
Good luck.
Aquacena
Hi-
I am part of an innovative career/life's work organization called The
Life's Work Center.
Below is the info about us that I have been posting on Craig's List. If it
piques your curiosity then e-mail me and I'll be happy to talk it over in
more detail.
Good luck!
Sondra
DEFINE YOUR LIFE''S WORK-
COME TO THE NONPROFIT LIFE'S WORK CENTER.
Our groups are for anyone wanting to find more than a job: anyone fully
but miserably employed, underemployed, or underchallenged by work.
Anyone chronically underearning or unemployed. Anyone wanting to
pursue a lifelong vision. Anyone strongly motivated by ideals, values, or
a
sense of mission for a world very much in need.
COUNSELING GROUPS
In a group setting, explore and thoroughly define what your life's work is
through a full series of innovative and thought-provoking exercises,
while being mindful of the needs of your human spirit. Groups meet
once weekly for two hours; each participant stays for six to nine months.
You join a group already in progress, but the curriculum is designed to
accommodate newcomers at any time.
The fee is proportional to income. There are three groups under way, all
at LWC, very close to the 24th and Mission BART station in San
Francisco: (1) Mondays, 9:30-11:30 am (2) Tuesdays, 6-8 pm (3)
Thursdays 6:15-8:15 pm (4) Saturdays,10-12 pm. Additional groups
starting soon.
Call or e-mail Tom Finnegan, executive director, at 415/821-0930
tom AT lifesworkcenter.org
Sondra
Nov. 2002
I am seeking a recommendation for a job counselor who
brings a social change persepctive to her/ his practice. I'm
a single mom looking to make a career transition and would
like the guidance and support of a job counselor who has
worked with folks who have a history of doing work that is
somewhat aligned with their political/ social values. This
economy is very challenging for those of us who are raising
kids in the extremely expensive Bay Area and who need to
both pay the bills and do meaningful work. I have checked
the website but have not found this resource. I'd appreciate
any recommendations.
I don't know if he still has private clients, but Marty Nemko has ideas
that seem in line with your values. I am making my judgement based purely
on his weekly radio show on KALW. See w.martynemko.com His contact info
from the web site: mnemko AT earthlink.net or 510-655-
2777.
--johnt
I know of a place that provides the type of career counseling you are
seeking. It is called the Life's Work Center, and it is based in San
Francisco, with easy access to BART. I have been in their counseling
program since April and have
found it to be the most wholistic approach to my career quandries I have
ever participated in. The founder and Executive Director, Tom Finnegan, is
wise, enthusiastic and very adept at what he does. The groups meet once
weekly for 2 hours, the cost is very affordable and you have the
opportunity to meet up with all kinds of different people who are searching
for work that is aligned with their personal values.
Tom would be more than happy to speak with you about the program. He can be
reached at 415-821-0930. I too would be happy to tell you in more detail
about my experience.
Good luck!
Sondra
I strongly recommend Toni Littlestone in Albany. She is a
single mom who has lots of clients working for social change
organizations. Her number is: 528-2221. If you would like to
talk with me about Toni or my own stuggle with similar issues,
email me. Good luck!
Deborah
Seeking job counselor for long-term change
2001
I am looking for a job/career counselor. I'm tired of looking for,
and occasionally finding, low-paying short-term jobs, and it's clear
that at my age, without additional graduate work (which I will almost
certainly not be able to do) I won't be able to get the kind of job I
think I want. So I need advice . I've looked at the UCB Parents web site,
and I'm not interested in Alumni Resources, although I know they do good
work. Does anyone have experience with a competent and sympathetic counselor
of this type? I'd prefer Berkeley or Oakland or a location near BART.
In the past, I have recommended my friend Sepha Schiffman to the the UCB
Parents newsletter. Since that time, I have actually used her services to
help me make an important decision about my own career. I have always known
her to be warm and compassionate but working with her, I found that she
also had many insights about the Bay Area job market and was knowledgeable
about my fairly specialized profession. Give her a call at 510-525-8553.
She works in Berkeley.
Margaret
I used jewish vocational service (jvs) in sf (very near bart) & was quite
pleased.
I forgot the name of the counselor i used - i think Jane was her name.
Their rates
are pretty reasonable, and i'm happily pursuing a graduate degree in my new
field
right now!
Michael
A career counselor who has been extremely helpful to the several people I
have referred to her is Linda Artel. Her office is in Berkeley. Her phone
is 510-599-9244. She has worked at Alumni Resources as well as privately
Leah
Time to move on - seeking career counselor
2000
I am looking for recommendation for a Career Counselor - specifically
one who deals with individuals who are currently stuck in their professions
and need to move on, yet they are scared and unwilling to do the work to
find a new, rewarding job. It would also be helpful if this counselor
specialized in careers for scientists trying to break out into the high-tech
market. I am hopeful that my spouse could find something else that would
bring
him more reward, money and security. It is just that I need someone who can
convince him of that as well as find him resources to also have him believe
that
he can change jobs AND have happiness, wealth and security. Thanks
Margaret
I'd like to put in a plug for a friend who is warm, sensitive and funny.
She has helped many people in your husband's situation. Call Sepha
Schiffman, Career Counseling & Personal Development: 510-558-3458.
Tom
I suggest the services of Debra Condren at www.superiorcareer.com. I went
and she led me
through a wide battery of tests. I am on the path to a new career, and have
a much better
understanding of my potential and desires for the future. She is not cheap,
but consider
it an investment.
Tom
toby
For career counseling, try Alumni Resources in the City. Web site:
http://www.ar.org/
Aug 1999
Can anyone recommend a career counselor outside the UC career
services? This
is for my husband, who is already a successful Silicon Valley
programmer but
who is longing for a career that will make him happier, so any
recommendations for counselors who have helped people make the switch
AWAY
from a standard professional career would be particularly
appreciated. Thanks.
I highly recommend Alumni Resources in San Francisco. Despite
the name, you don't really have to be an alumnus of anything, and
they're not affiliated with any university. I spent 3 months working
through
career issues about 10 years ago, and it was one of the best
decisions
I ever made.
Jeff
Job Counselor for Ph.D. leaving academia
Oct 1999
I am an experienced (tenured) faculty person in the Humanities at UCB.
Recently I have been plotting an escape from 1) the Bay Area and 2)
possibly academics. It seems to me that I have heard of job
counselors who help people with mid-life career changes, and I wonder if
anyone out there has heard of such a person who works with errant PhDs.
Any suggestions would be most welcome.
Alumnae Resources, 120 Montgomery Street in San Francisco. 417/
274-4700.
There are other orgs too, including New Ways to Work and Forty Plus.
But by calling AR, you can get a lead to the others.
Dr. Andrew Green at the Career Center on Campus (Banway Building on
Bancroft b/n Oxford and Shattuck) works with and for Ph.D. students
and presumably for people who have gotten their Ph.D.s too. Dr. Green
himself was a former professor. His web site is:
http://career.berkeley.edu. Good luck.
I've been working with a career management firm in the City called
Bernard Haldane and Associates (415 391-8087). I am very pleased with the
quality of help I have received, thus far. Clients work one-on-one with an
advisor to identify skills, accomplishments, and to determine a work
objective. The campaign (as they call it) is rather labor intensive,
though. I was told the first 4 assignments would entail 20 hours of
work at home, but I clocked far more. As part of the program, you are taught
how to market yourself, conduct information intervals, and even
negotiate salary once a job offer is on the table. I feel very confident that
I will soon be able to make my own escape from UC very soon! Oh, I should
mention, though, the program is not cheap. The cost is determined by
your current salary. Though, as part of a salary negotiation, you might be
able to recoup your cost. An added advantage is the contract with them
is good for 3 years from the date you sign. So, if you find a position and
a year later you decide your new career is not going in the right
direction, you can go back to Haldane without further cost. If you want
to discuss my experience in detail, please contact the moderator for my
email address.
Good Luck!
Though I never used her myself, I spoke on the phone
with Victoria Zenoff several years ago when I was
considering a major career shift. It would be worth
giving her a call and chatting with her to get a sense
of whether she would be a good counselor for you. Her
number (as of 4 years ago) is 510.526.5210.
Call Sepha Schiffman. She's a career counselor and a former academic
herself and particularly enjoys working with people considering a
mid-career transition. 510-558-3458.
March 2004
I am seeing a fantastic career counselor. Her name is Toni
Littlestone (510-528-2221). She is both an amazing listener and
really good at helping you unearth a career that is both
something that feels fulfilling and fits with your skill set. I
can't say enough about how much she has chagned and is changing
my life. I think working with her has been one of the best and
most helpful things I have ever done for my career and I wish I
had done it about 10 years earlier!! Definitely give her a call!
She also has a sliding scale to make it easier to afford.
--Looking forward to a better career
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