What to Expect
New to coaching? Here’s a breakdown of what to expect before, during, and after meeting with one of our career coaches. Be sure to check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common questions.
“It was incredibly encouraging and relieving to have a professional to talk through my concerns with. The sessions helped me lay out my goals and create a plan, which made it easier to identify my strengths and make the best decision for myself at the time.”
Mona Zhao | M.A., Communication, Culture, & Technology, 2025
Before the Appointment
Pre-Coaching Checklist
Watch our “How to Make the Most of Your Coaching Appointment” video – Want a guided breakdown on what to expect? Our coaches have prepared a video on how to make the most out of your coaching experience. Review the video prior to your session to make the most of your meeting with us.
Identify your appointment type – Choose the type of coaching appointment that best meets your needs. Appointment types will be listed in Handshake when you book your appointment.
Provide context –The more specifics your coach has, the better they will be able to assist you. Be sure to provide as much information as possible in the Handshake booking description (e.g., what industries are you targeting, what types of jobs are you looking for, how long have you been applying, what round interview are you prepping for, etc.).
Share your career materials – Upload your most recent resume into Handshake so your coach can review it ahead of time. If you are seeking support on any other documents (e.g., cover letters, writing samples), share those as well.
Prepare questions and topics – Most importantly, come prepared with specific questions so we can focus on what matters most to you. Coaching sessions are only 30-minutes and are most beneficial when students come prepared and ready to discuss.
Find your appointment location – If you select an in-person appointment, you can find your coach in the Car Barn, suite 210. If you select virtual, your Zoom link will be sent to you via a Google Calendar invite in your email inbox, or your video access will be attached to your Handshake portal.
During the Appointment
The Graduate Career Center offers 30-minute virtual or in-person coaching sessions. You’ll work one-on-one with a career coach to explore your goals, build strategies, and clarify next steps.
Your coach will:
- Provide tailored resources for your career development
- Help you establish career goals
- Identify your needs and values
Your coach will not:
- Tell you what job offer to take
- Directly connect you with recruiters and employers
- Match you with open positions
After the Appointment
Some students may only need one session for specific and individualized career questions but for many others, the career planning process can be long and extensive. The best use of coaching is to book follow-up sessions for continued discussion about your progress. We recommend spending at least two weeks reflecting on your career coaching appointment and working towards actionable steps before booking again.