Career Coaching

By Sally Gornik

God instructed Moses concerning building the Tabernacle when he told him, "See, I have chosen Bezalel,... and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts..." Also, God said, "I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you." Exodus 31:1-6

Although God does not directly match us to work as in Moses' day, he does provide a process that aids us in finding the best work fit for our gifts. That process, career development, can be a life-long process of knowing yourself, knowing the job requirements, and fitting the two together. In addition, a person trained in career counseling and administration and interpretation of career inventories, called a career counselor or coach, usually conducts the process. Christian career coaches not only help people discover their God-given gifts, but also encourage them to use their gifts to God's glory in their work life.

My career exemplifies the above process. In the fifties, I earned an R.N., worked 5 years, and then became a stay-at-home mom raising three children while doing volunteer school and camp nursing. In the late eighties and early nineties, I earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Baltimore, and a MS in Counseling from Loyola. After an internship at Essex Community College, I was hired as the full-time counselor for a new student support program. I spent six enjoyable years doing academic, career, personal, and transfer counseling with a diverse population. However, in October 1999, at the clear direction of the Lord, I left Essex. This was just over a year before my husband's sudden home going.

Although I had wanted to start a career coaching ministry in 1999, God's timing intervened until October 2003 when I submitted a Ministry Proposal to the Ministry Empowerment Team (MET). The MET approved the proposal in December 2003. As a result, Central Career Coaching was born.

Shortly after the MET said to move ahead, and without any promotion, I started receiving requests for help. People from all stages of life have contacted me. So, whether you are a senior in high school, a college student, or a person in the workforce considering transition, God can use this process to help direct you.

In career coaching, a number of career inventories are used to help explore your skills, interests, work preferences, values, and career beliefs. The career coaching is a free service except for a small fee to cover the purchase and scoring of inventories. Appointments can be made by calling me.

See also NV articles: New Career Coaching Ministry and Work: What Is It?!.