Positioning Yourself as a Career Coach

Independent career development practitioners work in a wide range of settings, supporting individuals, educational institutions, employers, government bodies, charities and other organisations. Whatever their area of practice, being able to communicate their professional expertise and distinctive contribution is essential.

This interactive workshop will help participants explore their professional positioning, identify the people and organisations they most want to work with, and articulate what makes their expertise and approach distinctive.

Through practical exercises and discussion, participants will consider how their strengths, experience, values and professional interests can inform a clear and compelling professional proposition.

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of their place in the market, a draft positioning statement and practical next steps for strengthening their professional profile.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

•    Recognise the importance of clear professional positioning in developing an independent practice.
•    Identify the individuals, organisations and sectors they are best placed to support.
•    Articulate their distinctive strengths, expertise and professional contribution.
•    Develop a positioning statement that communicates the value they offer to their intended audiences.

Target audience

Independent career development practitioners, career coaches and advisers who are establishing, developing or refining their professional practice.

Speaker

Carolyn Parry RCDP FCDI is an award-winning career coach, author and founder of Career Alchemy, with over 25 years' experience in career development. A former President of the Career Development Institute (2021–2023), she was named UK Careers Adviser/Coach of the Year in 2017.

A TEDx speaker and author of Change Your Story and Supporting Achievers to Unlock Sustainable Career Success, Carolyn combines extensive professional experience with practical insights from establishing and running her own independent coaching business.

Her work includes developing research-informed career development programmes, coaching frameworks, publications and digital resources. She is a Fellow of the CDI and a Registered Career Development Professional.

This session supports the following CPD competencies:

•     Networking and Partnerships
•     Career Development Practice