If you've been reading the description of career coaching services on this web site you might be wondering how I'm going to help you, specifically, with your career change. You might be asking yourself, "Doesn't she need to know a lot about the business or career I'm in, or the business or career I want to get into?"

Not necessarily. I have coached people in a wide range of fields - including corporate managers, doctors, novelists, massage therapists, artists, musicians, linguists, dancers, accountants, realtors, nurses, graphic designers, landscaping contractors, entrepreneurs, social workers, manicurists, grant writers, plumbers, multimedia developers, acupuncturists, photographers, psychics, aestheticians, strategic planners, chiropractors, publicists, hair dressers, web designers, florists, sales professionals, teachers, nutritionists, lawyers, and others. Every time I work with a person I learn more about their profession or field of interest. But, the skills for working with people in career transition, no matter what the profession, are generally the same.

That's great that I'm not going to "tell you what to do,"  you may be thinking - but what if you want some advice? Shouldn't you be working with a person who has some experience that allows them to relate to what you're talking about, and to steer you in the right direction?

Yes and yes. Although coaching is always about you and what you want and think and decide, I am prepared to give thoughts and suggestions if and when you ask for them. I have worked in a variety of professions and this experience has given me many points of reference. Now I know that the work I have done in many different fields was preparing me to be an effective career coach.

Some of the fields I've worked in include: construction and construction management; architectural design; state and national environmental and energy policy; citizen advocacy; video production for private clients, cable television, and public television; corporate training development and delivery; the food business; corporate computer services; consulting to manufacturing and health care organizations; teaching yoga and meditation; book and video publishing; network marketing; product development research; international marketing; and multimedia production. In the course of all this I've been employed by both small and medium-sized businesses as well as huge corporations, and have run (and continue to run) my own small businesses.

"How can you have worked in so many fields - you look so young!"  I get this frequently. Yes, I do look young. Actually, I've packed a lot into my 43 years. If you'd like to know the specifics of my background and experience, read About Melanie for even more information.

So, if we're coaching together and you ask my opinion about a decision you want to make, or an action you want to take, I'll give you my input if it seems appropriate.