Beyond the Degree: Leveraging Career Coaching for Job Search Success
Deven’s story begins back in his home country in India, where he used a global hub to search for schools that offered rigorous training in finance and accounting. After thorough research, Deven concluded that he wanted to attend Baruch College, since it is in the heart of New York City where there are numerous career opportunities. By January 2022, Deven turned this desire into reality and commenced his graduate studies in finance at Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business.
Being in an entirely different country, Deven faced a few challenges not uncommon to international students. For one, he realized that the United States education system is different from that in India: U.S. schools believe in a holistic approach to learning while schools in India focus mostly on exams. In addition to academic matters, Deven also had difficulty figuring out the best time to apply for summer internships. Eventually, he learned that the best time to do so for finance internships is at least six months prior. Yet as an international student, finding internships at all was in itself hard. He therefore sought the Graduate Career Management Center’s help and particularly met frequently with GCMC Career Coach, Lindsey Plewa.
Dr. Lindsey Plewa is a certified career coach with a Doctorate of Higher Education from Northeastern University and a master’s from New York University (NYU). Lindsey’s research at Northeastern focused on international students’ search for employment in the U.S., so she was well aware of the particular challenges Deven might face in his search.
Lindsey’s first meeting with Deven mainly focused on getting to know him. “We suggest that students first schedule what’s called an Introductory Appointment with us,” Lindsey stated. “In that meeting it’s a get-to-know you session where we talk about your past work experience, why you came to Baruch, what your current career goals are...and then we’ll talk about ... your skills gaps. Is there a gap between the skills you have and the skills you need for the job that you want? That’s usually a common first or second appointment.”
“[The introduction meeting] helps you clear your doubts,” Deven claimed. “You can also ask some of your questions.” After establishing his career needs, Deven and Lindsey worked on his resumé and networking skills. Through Lindsey, Deven also had the chance to meet Baruch alumni throughout his program.
Lindsey particularly recalls working with Deven as he searched for a full-time job. Since he specifically wanted to prepare for interviews, they first discussed his value proposition: “A value proposition is the unique hard or soft skills that you offer a potential employer,” Lindsey described. “Before going into an interview, it’s important to know these things because an interview is all about communicating your value.” Lindsey and Deven then identified what potential employers would look for and what Deven had to offer. Afterward, they practiced STAR stories in which Deven would describe a Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Finally, Lindsey and Deven worked on questions he might ask interviewers: “By not asking questions, it might signify your lack of interest. Think about your questions as an opportunity to learn more about the role or the company or think about your questions as an opportunity to build rapport with the interviewer,” Lindsey advised.
Deven found working with Lindsey extremely helpful, not just in helping him land a full-time job but in also eliminating his worries and doubts. In the context of networking, for example, Deven recalled: “There was a time when I was confused if this [was] my right strategy...when trying to network. [Lindsey] reviewed my work, and she gave me some valuable points, which helped me to network with the right people. It was way more effective than when I was trying to [do it] on my own.”
It was therefore important for Deven to meet with Lindsey frequently. At most, he tried to meet with her once a week and at the least, he tried to meet with her twice per month. He emphasized that by working closely with one coach, he was not only able to establish a professional relationship but also to finetune his professional skills. Deven also took advantage of the fact that he has access to the GCMC for life. Lindsey stated, “We’ve continued to keep in touch even after he graduated and after he got a full-time role.” They now work together to discuss on-the-job challenges or opportunities.
Deven recommended that current students, especially international students, meet with the GCMC career coaches. “Have a meeting with them on a 1:1 basis,” he said. “And try to connect with them frequently because the more you connect with them it actually helps you to stay updated in terms of job [searching], networking, or [reaching] your career goals.”
And for those who may be hesitant to use career services, Lindsey commented, “Don’t be afraid to make an appointment even if you don't know what you want to do, or you feel behind and you haven’t done what you think you should be doing. We are support. You are in the driver seat of this process. You’re driving your career; you’re driving your job search. As a career coach, we’re in the passenger seat giving directions, providing resources.”
Even though the job-seeking process was not easy, especially as an international student, it is evident that working with Lindsey paid off for Deven. He valued her advice and coaching: “Lindsey has experience and expertise.”
“I’ve never searched for a full-time job outside of the United States, so personally I can’t attest to what that’s like,” Lindsey said. “But to [search for a job outside your home country] takes guts, it takes perseverance, it takes work ethic, it takes adaptability and being okay with being uncomfortable. It’s very easy to give up. I'm proud of Deven for really going after it and not giving up.”
About the author:
Elizabeth Moy is a graduate student in the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences at Baruch College, pursuing an MA in Strategic Communication. She is also a College Assistant with the Zicklin Graduate Career Management Center.
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