Career Coaches & Counselors
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Practical Career Counselor Needed
Dec 2011
I am looking for a practical career counselor. There are
many great reviews for career counselors who help with
determining live/work balance and fulfilling your dreams,
but I am looking for someone who can give practical
assessments on career paths with concrete steps to maximize
one's path. Experience in high tech hardware/software
companies and clean tech would be ideal. We are looking for
someone who could potentially help with introductions and
networking opportunities and give solid advice about job
prospects in different high tech industries for someone who
has been working in those fields for the last two decades
but is looking to figure out next steps.
Thanks.
Practical seeker
Your post made me wonder if you are really looking for a
counselor because your needs seem very specific. This is
especially true if you are looking for networking
opportunities in a specific area. Have you considered (or
tried) doing informational interviews in your industry of
interest? It seems you need guidance from someone who is
especially knowledgeable about the ins and outs of a
particular area. I have found informational interviews to
work really well as a tool to meet people and to just get a
different view of the my industry by talking shop. Finding
out what steps they took to obtain their success might give
you ideas and motivate you to move in that direction. It's
just a thought - best of luck in your career endeavors.
- anon
Sherry Berman is the best career counselor! She gave me
practical exercises to do to help me understand my
relationship to work and what sort of career choices would
fit 'my design', who I am and what I am good at and love to
do. She is incredibly insightful. It actually felt like
therapy to work with her...therapy that was very direct and
all related to figuring out the right job for me.
You can find her at http://www.switch-careers.com/index.html
Good luck on your transition!
A happy Sherry client
I used Sean Brennan and WordGuild Writing Services for
assistance with the written portion of my law school
application. While my writing skills are excellent, Sean
was invaluable in helping me further shape and polish the
material required for the admissions packet. His ability to
hone a clear voice and sharpen the focus of both short and
extended pieces of writing is excellent. We worked entirely
via e-mail, and his support and written feedback were clear
and focused. I strongly recommend his services. A.M.
Looking for Career consulting
Nov 2011
I am a scientist (biologist) who is thinking on career
change. I am looking for a good Career consulting. Anyone
have recommendations?
You may already have seen her name in the archives, but I
HIGHLY recommend Toni Littlestone. She's worked with a lot
of faculty at UCSF and Cal, and has a lot of wisdom (and
specific tips) about career transitions for academics,
scientists, etc. My friends and I have nothing but great
things to say about her!
tonilittlestone@gmail.com
510-528-2221
(she works by phone or in person in Albany)
--Good luck with your transition
Career counselor for 22 year old
Oct 2011
I'm looking for recommendations for therapists who can
provide both career counseling and emotional support for my
22 year old who has dropped out of college and seems
overwhelmed about what to do next.
anonymous
I have had experience with an excellent career counselor, Toni
Littestone. I know she is already in the BPN recommendations, but in
case you didn't come across her name, here's her contact info:
510-528-2221
tonilittlestone@gmail.com. She has been around a long time and would be
a good match for your young adult.
good luck!
local BPN parent
Although I understand your desire to find someone who does career
counseling and therapy, I don't think there are many qualified people
who do both. Most therapists don't do career counseling. By this, I
mean, the use of assessments and other tools to help someone discover
their interests, skills, values, personality type, and preferred work
environment, and how these might translate into possible jobs and career
paths. Career counselors are specifically trained in these areas and are
knowledgeable about a variety of resources to help someone explore
careers and ultimately, make good career choices. Sometimes career
counselors refer someone to a therapist when issues such as anxiety,
depression, low self-esteem, alcohol/drug abuse or other issues get in
the way of making progress with career counseling. So, whomever you
decide to go with, make sure they have the qualifications and experience
to do what your son needs.
A Career Counselor with over 20 years experience
I paid for my 24-year-old to have a few sessions with Toni Littlestone,
who you can find reviews for on the BPN website. It was very helpful
in helping identify what he likes to do and what he would be good at.
It's not a magic bullet. but it got him thinking about his future, which
was worth it.
Need a recco for an amazing career coach
Oct 2011
Hi BPNers, I'm looking for a special kind of career coach
who has their finger on the pulse of the current job market
*and* is willing to talk very personally with me about my
strengths and weaknesses - and what options might be a good
fit for me as a whole.
I'm done trying to shove myself into a mold that doesn't
fit. I am now okay with the fact that some things about me
are just here to stay. For almost two decades I have tried
to listen to criticism, emulate others, adjust the way I do
things, and, despite some great lessons, I always end up in
the same place.
Where can I fit that the way I am isn't a problem? Where can
I shine? I have so much to offer and I want to be seen.
I'm currently focusing on independent projects that are
rewarding, so I think I'm on the right path but I could
use a little sage advice and counseling from someone who's
going to be real about who I am and where I (as I am) can
excel.
Thank you,
- Enough!
When I read your posting, it reminded me of my own situation
for many years. It sounds as if you are a step or two ahead
of where I was back then. I used to try so hard to improve
my weaknesses, with very little to show for it. Then I
started working with East Bay career counselor Toni
Littlestone, who uses 'strengths based coaching,' (she
explained to me that it has become more of a growing trend)
which helped me focus on what I am naturally good at, or my
core flow of natural abilities. I learned how to make career
choices that focus on my best skills and the things I prefer
to do, to work around or avoid the things I am not good at,
and do really well in my career. Most importantly, she
helped me stop struggling to be someone I am not. You also
said 'sage advice and counseling,' and that is just how I
would describe the counseling relationship. Toni was able
to speak to me directly, with understanding and kindness,
and also really respected my own wisdom and helped me bring
out the part of me that knows what's best for myself. She
also works with many people in different careers, so has a
great sense of trends. You could visit her website,
tonilittlestone.com, or call her at 510-528-2221. Happier
Now
Career Counselor Needed
Aug 2011
My husband would like to work with a career counselor to
help him move out of his current situation and move to the
'next level' He has been in his line of business for near 20
years and would like a practical, no nonsense, kick in the
pants kind of counselor who will be able to push him and
provide very practical and usable advice. He did go to one
and heard a lot about get out and 'network' with no real
practical tools to do accomplish the goal. He really deals
much better with someone who could help provide a practical
outline for how to achieve his goals without it being too
vague. I did look through the current information, but did
not find any recommendations that seemed to be a good fit or
that were really recent. thanks in advance for any advice!
I wouldn't say that my career counselor, Toni Littlestone,
was really 'kick in the pants' - she has a very warm style.
But I have to say that her effect on me was totally 'kick in
the pants'! I'm introverted, so, like your husband, I needed
a serious push to get out and network after 16 years of
being stuck in my job, with my career world shrinking.
I didn't feel like she was rough on me at all, but she
definitely got me identifying who I needed to network with,
what order I should contact them in, what I should say, what
I should do afterward. And she shared with me her gigantic
network (I think she's been counseling for over 20 years
now). Then she got me out there connecting with people - some
in person, some by phone and email--and keeping track of
what everyone said and how I should follow up.
She doesn't often use words like accountability, discipline,
etc. - that's not really her style. But I've had coaches, and
I have to say that Toni's warmer way of pushing me worked
much better than the coaches' overt 'kick-butt' approach. I
actually found myself much more motivated in non-career
parts of my life, too. I started exercising again and playing
piano. I've sent a couple of friends to Toni, also, and we
all comment on how she's really warm, but somehow got us all
going.
She's at 510-528-2221 or tonilittlestone.com.
Good luck to your husband!
My career coach, Toni Littlestone, had a practical,
down-to-earth approach that motivated me to move forward,
but not by her pushing me, more like me learning to push
myself. She got me to identify my priorities and set goals
that I could buy into, and helped me create a plan with
concrete, manageable steps. When I started, I had a lot of
resistance (fear!) and could only commit to 15 minutes a day
of work on my career, but then I worked up to two hours a
day. We also worked on interview skills and salary
negotiation, and for the first time in my life, with
coaching, I got better at networking. At first, I really,
really didn't want to network, but Toni persistently taught
me how, and step-by-step I learned to reach out effectively.
Now I have a great new job that I would not have gotten
without the combination of all the skills I learned
(especially networking). I found that I needed to find ways
to motivate myself, not have someone push me, and Toni was
perfect for that. Her website is tonilittlestone.com. much
happier now
I've worked with Carrie McKiernan both in figuring out how
to search, and in preparing for interviews - she was very
pragmatic and direct, while being very compassionate. She
even helped with the negotiation of salary once I had an
offer as well-- I'd highly recommend her, as now I have a
job. Her website is www.carriemckiernan.com. Good luck!
Gainfully Employed
Career Counselor or Therapist?
April 2011
I'm looking for a sensitive career counselor or possibly a therapist
that works with career issues. Basically I need to reenter the
workforce after staying home with my child, and have a whole lotta
career baggage from before then to deal with, and may need to make a
career change. And unfortunately, don't have much to spend on a
counselor/therapist. Has anyone ever worked with the Bay
Area Career Center? Or are there any sliding scale counselors or
therapists in the East Bay/SF to recommend? Many thanks.
If you decide to go the therapy route you may want to check out The
Women's Therapy Center as a sliding fee option www.womenstherapy.org
Best of luck.
anon
My career counselor, Toni Littlestone, has been recommended
here a million times, and with good reason! She's wise,
experienced, and practical, as well as sensitive,
empathetic, and insightful. Like you, I had baggage to deal
with, and, at the same time, I needed really practical
guidance going forward. I feel like she has a lot of the
strengths of a therapist, while being grounded in
work/career realities.
I went to her first when I was looking for a job after a
break from work, and she was incredibly helpful with finding
my direction and getting my job. (I LOVED interview
practice with her!) And I've actually gone on seeing her
over the years because she isn't ''just'' about going back to
work or finding a new job--she's really helped me with
on-the-job political issues, succeeding at work (including
not getting in my own way), requesting-a-raise practice,
life balance, etc.
Toni is at 510-528-2221, and you can visit her website to
get a feel for her style, tonilittlestone.com. --Good luck!
Career Counselor
April 2011
Can you recommend a career counselor for my 50ish
technically oriented husband?
I enthusiastically recommend Dan Quinn as an outstanding
career counselor. Dan is a skilled therapist who has
extensive experience in the corporate arena. He has
advanced training in cognitive-behavioral psychology and is
also a certified Positive Psychology coach. He was the CEO
of a very successful technology consulting firm. All these
experiences give Dan a great perspective when working on
career issues, and he is also very funny (a sense of humor
really helps!), insightful and compassionate. I can't
recommend him highly enough. Check out his website for more
info: Www.DanQuinn.Info heidi
Career counselor for nonprofit worker?
March 2011
My sister-in-law is a 45-year old program manager at a
nonprofit. She's looking for a career counselor that can
help sort through new career options including grad school,
law school, and other possibilities, as well as skills to
write resumes and do interviews and conduct a job search
after 12 years at the same job. Understanding the work life
of a progressive doing social change work a plus but not
necessary.
I've already sent her the names of the people on the BPN
website, but, with the exception of Toni Littlestone,
they're quite dated. Does anyone have any recent experience
with a career counselor?
Thanks!
I recommend Lisa Rothman for resume writing, career
counseling, and someone to help you with your cover letters.
Lisa also does job interview coaching and coaching for
anyone who has to do any type of public speaking such as
speaking for fundraisers, speaking to the media, or speaking
to your board members. Lisa helped me re-organize my resume.
Even though we are experiencing tough times in the job
market; about one third of my resumes that I sent out after
having Lisa do her magic received a request for a phone
interview. She is also a very nice person. Her website is
http://www.lisarothman.com has her pricing information.
Contact Lisa Rothman at her email: lisa@lisarothman.com or
phone: 510-387-7524. Joy
I would like to recommend Lisa Rothman. She definitely
understands the work life of a progressive doing social
change work - as well as general career counseling and
resume re-working. I was really pleased with the dynamic
ideas she had for my resume, as well as her flexibility with
whether I do the re-writing, or she do the re-writing. She
has great knowledge of the non-profit world as well.
Working with her was inspiring... Her email is
rothman.lisa@gmail.com I'm still in my same position, but
feel ready to search should it become necessary. Good luck!
non-profit colleague
In addition to myself, I have a few friends who have
transitioned into or out of the nonprofit work world, or
needed on-the-job advice, and worked very effectively and
happily with Toni Littlestone. I know that you already
mentioned her, but thought I would chime in about my
experience and the feedback I've gotten. Toni was
supportive, knowledgeable, an empathetic coach and wise
guide for me as well as others. I've also gone back to her
from time to time when I needed additional help, for
example, about communications at work or interview practice.
My career has continued to thrive, partly because of access
to a coach who has come to understand my career path and my
career style. You can reach Toni at tonilittlestone.com or
510-528-2221.
Best wishes on your path
I recently worked with Lisa Rothman (who I also received a
referral from Berkeley Parent's network). I've been involved
in non-profit for several years, Lisa helped me rethink and
rework my resume. She was very professional and easy to
work with. I would highly recommend her. You can reach her
at lisa rothman rothman.lisa@gmail.com. She also has a
website http://www.lisarothman.com/.
I have a suggestion and the service is either no cost or
limited cost. Jewish Vocational Services (JVC) in San
Francisco provides free career counseling and help with
resumes, job searches, and other necessary skills. They have
a person who specializes in nonprofit employees.
I cannot say enough good about them, having used myself and
sent others to them. cs
It sounds like Lisa Rothman would be a great fit to help
your sister (www.lisarothman.com). I also work for a non-
profit and she recently helped me update my resume and
prepare cover letters for some new opportunities after 5
years in the same job. Lisa was amazing to work with. She is
very energetic and I found she hit the perfect balance
between providing concrete help and advice and building my
confidence by emphasizing my strengths without being over-
the-top. She is also very efficient and producive which I
really appreciated because it enabled us to get the maximum
output from our time together which was important to my
limited budget. Last week I was offered one of the great
jobs she helped me apply for : ) Best of luck to your
sister! Julia
Was glad to see all of the recommendations last week for
Lisa Rothman - I've worked with her, and she's terrific!
Efficient, energetic, enthusiastic, and inspiring. Lisa has
assisted me in a a variety of capacities -- networking
advice, resume revision, website editing, elevator pitch
preparation -- and I have found her to be an excellent
collaborator both in person and on the phone. I particularly
appreciate her availability and responsiveness. There were a
few situations where an opportunity arose but I had to act
quickly: Lisa provided phone coaching and helped edit my
cover letter over a very tight time-frame, which was a huge
support in maintaining my momentum and optimism. She also
gave me some excellent advice when I was invited to join a
non-profit board: she accurately identified some potential
problems and pitfalls, while at the same time helping me see
how this opportunity fit in with my overall life goals,
practical concerns and financial needs. Her website is
http://www.lisarothman.com and has her pricing information.
Contact Lisa Rothman at her email: lisa@lisarothman.com or
phone: 510-387-7524. Glad to have her as part of my team!
Career counselor for lawyer
Feb 2011
I am a lawyer who has the feeling (as so many lawyers do)
that this may not be the career for me. I need someone to
help me discover what I really like doing with my work day,
offer concrete suggestions about possible other careers (or
other options that would be a better fit for me within the
law), and be realistic about my chances of getting other
jobs. Any recommendations for me? Thanks everyone. Making
changes
If you are a current, active member of the California Bar,
contact the Lawyer's Assistance Program through the Bar.
You are entitled to two or three free hours of career
counseling as part of your bar dues. There are a number of
counselors on contract with the Bar, one near you! I've
heard great things about the woman in Walnut Creek, not so
good about the woman in North Berkeley (Linda?) lawyer
Seeking career counselor for divorcing SAHM
Oct 2010
I am a stay-at-home mom, soon to be divorced. I have an old
career that doesn't fit me any more and that I've barely
been doing for the last 5 years, so I have almost no
connections left even if it were what I wanted to keep on
doing. I don't know what kind of career would be right for me.
I'm looking for someone in between a career counselor and
life coach who can help me with the intense emotions
surrounding this huge life transition; help me think about
what kind of career could make me happy and give my life
more meaning, purpose and community; and help me take
concrete steps towards moving into such a career. I'd like
to find someone affordable, if possible, since I don't
really know what my money situation is going to be, going
forward. At the same time, I don't want to cut corners on
what could be the most important counseling I ever get.
I'd appreciate any recommendations of people who might fit
what I'm looking for, as well as advice about what kind of
work I could do on my own ahead of time to make the
counseling sessions as productive as possible. I'm curious
whether anyone out there has used the public career
counseling services offered by Cal, and whether they are a
good fit for me or are more narrowly focused.
Trying to find my path
I took a career exploration class at the College of Alameda
during the spring semester of 2009 and found it *very*
helpful. I, too, am a sahm and needed to figure out what my
next act/career would be. The class was taught by one of
the career counselors from the college and she was very
good. There were a variety of people in the class (some
looking for new ideas after being laid off; some considering
a change but not knowing what it should be; some thinking
they were already in a position that was a good fit but
wanting some validation of that; sahm's that needed to start
over; etc.) It met once a week in the evenings. And you
couldn't beat the price. It don't know if it's still
offered but the Peralta catalogs are all online.
Anon
I am in a similar situation--looking for full time work after ten
years of grad school, children and self-employment--so I hired a
career coach to help me focus my job search, assist me with preparing
resumes and most of all, coaching me through the interview process.
I hired Joel Garfinkle at http://www.dreamjobcoaching.com/
and he's been great. You hire him by the month for unlimited email
access and three consulting sessions. He has provided me with
invaluable practical information, interview techniques and
compassionate support throughout. Good luck!
mari
I went through a break-up several years ago, and received so
much support and help from Toni Littlestone, a career and
life coach who has worked with many women in this situation
(including a couple of my friends). I needed more than a
career coach, and Toni was a combination career coach and
empathetic, wise counselor - she helped me weather the storm.
In addition to her warm encouragement and practical,
knowledgeable guidance, she was great about suggesting free
or low-cost resources, which enabled me to get enough
support as I went through my transition. I'm happy to say
that I am now a working mom who still has time for my
kids - I'm thriving! You can reach Toni at 510-528-2221, or
check her website, tonilittlestone.com.
--Best wishes for your transition
Career Counselor-works w/ Artist/Creative types
May 2010
I am trying to reinvent my career after being a stay at home
mom for the last 6 years. I use to be a Art Director but am
not at all interested in returning to that type of job. I
need help thinking about a career that would plug into my
creative side but keep me gainfully employed. If you know a
career counselor that works with artists and creative types
I would love to have their name and contact info. I need
someone with proven experience and strong tools to help me
focus and help me find a new career path.
Thanks
Victoria Zenoff is amazing. Drop everything and go see her.
If you are willing to do the work (she will give you
assignments between sessions) it will pay off for you. You
will learn more about yourself and untapped strengths. Had I
not gone to her, I would not be doing the kind of work I am
today. http://www.victoriazenoff.com/ VZ Fan
Academic Career Coach
Mar 2010
I am looking for references for a career counselor or life
coach who focuses on the academic profession, ideally with
knowledge of the social sciences and/or public health. I
have completed postdoctoral training, and am considering the
kinds of options available to me in academia, honing in on
my own professional goals, and weighing these factors with
my desire to keep my family here in the bay area, as well as
increasing hopes for overall life balance that seems hard to
realize given the cost of living here. I would really
appreciate suggestions for someone who is familiar with
academic career paths; who pushes clients toward their
vision through concrete and realizable goals; who asks
difficult questions (ie is very engaged in approach); who
brings an appreciation for work/family balance for women in
academia, and understands the necessity of both; and who
considers their role as discrete as opposed to long-term.
Hoping for balance in academia
I highly recommend Omega Coaching/Helene Dublisky. I
believe she can provide you with exactly what you are
looking for. She is phenomenal. Her experience includes
having worked with individuals in Public Health/Academia.
Her number is 444.5211.
www.omegacoaching.com
Good luck in your search!
Juliet Saxe, Ph.D. is a career and executive coach and has an
office in North Berkeley on Solano Avenue. She has a lot of
experience across many industries and works with academicians.
She has a number of private and corporate clients in the Bay
Area. Her number is 510.375.2957 and email is
juliet@nextsteppartners.com. throughout my experience with
her, she has been very easy to work with, very clear,
insightful and helpful. i would definately recommend her.
good luck!
New mom looking for career counseling
July 2009
I'm hoping someone can recommend a career counselor. I am a new mom
and I have been out of the work force for 9 months now. I was a print
(graphic)designer and I'm not sure if it's best that I go back to it
because of the long hours. I'm looking for someone who is
knowledgeable about what types of jobs are in demand now. Sliding
scale would be best. I don't want to spend a year in therapy,
personality tests would be fine. I'd like to create a career
plan/strategy quickly. Thanks!
NewMom
My next-door neighbor who has now moved back East got great help at this
stage from a few sources. She formed a group of three moms in the same
situation and met for coffee and brainstorming once a week. She also
met every two weeks with career coach Toni Littlestone in Albany for
one-on-one focused help. She said that Toni helped her especially with
confidence and how to present herself positively, as well as thinking
very concretely about life balance with her family. She also took some
classes to update her computer skills at Piedmont Adult School, and
joined Toastmasters to learn presentation skills.
supportive
August 2008
My husband has found himself in the job market at age 55 and in
his field he is competing with 30 year olds. We need to
''re-package'' him (maximize his strengths and minimize his
deficits) and are seeking the advice of a career coach for this
purpose. He is not entrepreneurial but instead wishes to be
employed at a stable company. We know about Marty Nemko, and would
like other recommendations from this group.
anon
Toni Littlestone
has been recommended here many times for
career counseling/coaching, but I have to chime in and say
that she really is wonderful. I'm in midlife myself, and,
based on my experience with her, I think she'd be very helpful
in the situation your husband is facing.
I went through something like this, and got a tremendous
assist on the interview practice/self-presentation part from
Career Coach, Toni Littlestone.
We roleplayed
many interviews, and just about everything we covered helped
me present myself much more powerfully in interviews. ...
I had a great experience with Toni Littlestone,
She is incredibly
knowledgable about many environments and executive skills. ...
July 2008
I am looking into the possibility of using a Career Coach for
my husband who was unexpectedly laid off from his biotech job
earlier this year. Does anyone have any recent experiences and
recommendations? I understand that these individuals have to
be jack-of-all-trades but if anyone knows of a career coach
that has some experience with biotech in particular that would
be great (my husband was a PhD level research scientist).
Thanks!
I work in biotechnology and have been in the field for ten years.
Over this entire time, I have worked on and off with Toni
Littlestone, career coach in Albany, about all my job changes,
office politics, interviews, resume tune-ups, dissatisfactions,
promotions--really, everything. ...
Oct 2007
I have a B.F.A. and have been animating for fifteen years. I am dissatisfied
w/my job and need to rethink my career. Looking for a career counselor who
understands visual artists. Thanks.
anon.
I can recommend Louise Goeckel, career consultant and coach. I am a
professional visual artist and a master teacher. Louise has been very easy
to work with and has been very valuable as I grow my business. ...
Jan 2007
Hello, I am looking for a crackerjack, gifted career counselor,
who might specialize in creative blending of skills and
interests as well as narrowing in on a field and work style.
Experience in education, business, entrepreneurship, mid-life
changes and women returning to workforce preferred. Any ideas
you have would be much appreciated! Thanks!!
anon
Over the past few years, I and several
of my friends have had excellent experiences with local Albany
career counselor Toni Littlestone, who helped each
of us with very different questions. ...
I would like to recommend Louise Goeckel.
Louise
has a broad background and she is able to help us discover our
own style of working and our own creativity, strengths,
interests, passion and share it with the world....
I have a recommendation for a dynamic career counselor,
Louise Goeckel of ''Let's Go Forward.''
After a session with her I know more about myself and my
career path, and have a fresh, positive perspective....
I have a recommendation for a great career counselor,
Louise Goeckel of Let's Move Forward.
She really
is good at helping you get to your heart wishes and acting on
them. Louise is amazing ...and in a very fun, supportive and
authentic way!
...
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 a ccouselor who he felt was
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
... after [working with a number of other] 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....
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....
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....
my husband had been complaining about his field and job, so i took him to see
marty nemko,
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.
I went to a career consultant in San Francisco ... 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....
Hi There,
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.
Tiffany
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)....
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. It is offering two key components -
career counselors and workshops. In paticular they offer one
specific workshop called Self Assessment. It was PHENOMENAL!! ...
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 am in a medical career
and have used a career counselor over quite a few years to help me
navigate. 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....
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. ...
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....
June 2004
I am currenty 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....
I would wholeheartedly recommend
Toni Littlestone 528-2221 as a
wonderful and understanding person and a very effective career
counselor....
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.
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. He just took a job
that he feels he successfully negotiated salary for ....
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 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
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
I first started working with Andrea Bauer
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). ...
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
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 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
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.
Margaret
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.
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