Frequently asked questions
How is coaching different from Reddit, online searches, or generative AI tools?
Reddit threads, blogs, Google searches, and even Generative AI (like ChatGPT) can be helpful—but they aren’t built for you.
General vs. personal: Internet or AI advice is broad; coaching is tailored to your unique strengths, background, and goals.
Quality varies: Online tips can be outdated, misleading, or too generic. AI can be powerful—but only if you know how to prompt and apply it effectively.
No accountability: Reading or generating advice doesn’t mean you’ll act on it. Coaching gives you structure, strategy, and momentum.
I’m not against AI at all—in fact, I often encourage clients to use it. But like any tool, it depends on how you use it. Used poorly, it can confuse or distract. Used well, it can enhance your job search and applications. Part of what I do is help you figure out when and how to use tools like AI to your advantage.
Why do coaching when I could just set up job alerts and pay someone to revise my resume?
Job alerts and resume services can be helpful pieces of the puzzle—but they’re not the whole picture.
Job alerts tell you what’s out there, but they don’t help you figure out which roles are actually a good fit, or how to stand out once you apply.
Resume writers can polish your document, but without understanding your goals and story, they risk creating something generic.
Coaching ties everything together: clarifying your direction, tailoring your materials, strategizing how to approach the market, and holding you accountable as you take action.
Most importantly, I’m not just helping with this job search—I’m teaching you skills you can use for your next search, your career growth, and even in other areas of your life. It’s a teach-a-person-to-fish approach: you’ll walk away with tools and confidence you can carry forward.
Why work with you instead of another coach?
I’ve walked this path myself. As a PhD and former academic, I know firsthand what it’s like to feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about how your skills translate outside the university. I also bring experience from higher education, nonprofits, and industry, so I understand what big career transitions really look like.
My approach is equal parts strategy and support. Think of me as part of your squad: listening, advising, holding you accountable, and cheering you on along the way.
Do you just hate academia and want everyone to leave?
Not at all. In fact, leaving the tenure-track gutted me because I truly love academia. My department simply wasn’t the right fit, which is why I made the decision to leave. I know what it feels like to walk away from something you care deeply about, and I don’t take that lightly.
My goal isn’t to push people out of academia—it’s to support people in figuring out what’s right for them. For some, that means thriving within academia. For others, it means building meaningful careers beyond it. Because of my own experience, I’m well-positioned to help people in both situations.
What makes your approach different?
My coaching blends lived experience, research expertise, and teaching excellence. As a PhD, former academic, and award-winning teacher, I know how to listen, break down complex challenges, and help people build confidence.
But just as important: I fill gaps that most other coaching services miss for social science and humanities PhDs, postdocs, and contingent faculty. Too often, coaching is geared toward STEM fields, gives one-size-fits-all advice, or focuses only on resumes and job postings. I take a different approach:
Equity-centered: I understand the identity struggles and systemic barriers many clients face and create a safe, affirming space.
Holistic: We don’t just “get you a job.” We work on rebuilding confidence, clarifying identity, and creating long-term career strategies.
Community-oriented: I offer ongoing support and am building affordable group programs so no one has to do this alone.
Tech-savvy but grounded: I help you use digital tools (including AI) responsibly so they enhance, not derail, your search.
Accessible: With modified pricing, payment plans, free resources, and new affordable offerings on the way, I’m committed to lowering barriers.
In short: I coach with you as part of your squad—supporting, advising, and celebrating your wins while equipping you with skills you can carry for life.
Why should I pay this much for coaching?
I’ll be honest: I once balked at coaching prices, too. It felt like a lot—until I truly understood what coaching offered. Coaching is part of your larger career toolbox, like hiring a personal trainer for your professional life. It helps you get clarity faster, stay consistent, and avoid costly mistakes.
Because I know what it’s like to hesitate at the price tag, I try to make my services as accessible as possible (see below).
Why do sessions cost this much when we’re only meeting for X hours?
It’s a fair question—and the answer is that coaching is much more than the time we spend face-to-face. When you hire me, you’re not just paying for an hour on Zoom, you’re investing in:
Customized expertise: Years of experience as an award-winning teacher, researcher, and coach, all focused on your specific goals.
Behind-the-scenes work: I spend time outside of our sessions reviewing your materials, identifying patterns in your strengths, drafting feedback, creating tailored exercises, and thinking strategically about your next steps. Often, this prep and follow-up doubles or triples the “official” session time.
A bigger framework: Tools, exercises, and strategies that you’ll continue to use long after our sessions are done.
Accountability & support: I don’t just show up for the session and disappear; I’m keeping track of your progress, following up, and making sure you’re moving forward between meetings.
In other words: the session itself is just the tip of the iceberg. The real value comes from the planning, feedback, and strategic thought that happens when we’re not on a call—so you can walk into each meeting with clarity and walk out with an actionable plan.
What if I can’t afford coaching right now?
I want coaching to be attainable. That’s why I offer:
Modified pricing plans for students and contingent faculty.
Payment plans for anyone who wants to spread out the investment.
Free resources—including my blog and newsletter—for when 1:1 coaching isn’t possible yet.
You can start with free resources today and add coaching when it’s the right time for you. And stay tuned—there are plans to roll out more affordable ways to engage with career coaching tips and community soon.
Do you work with people outside academia or outside the U.S.?
Yes! While I specialize in working with PhDs, postdocs, and contingent faculty, I also work with people outside academia who are rethinking their careers. I welcome international clients as well—career transitions are a universal challenge, and my approach adapts across contexts.
Do you help people decide whether to pursue a PhD?
Yes. While it’s not my main focus, I do work with people who are considering whether a PhD is the right path. Together, we can explore motivations, expectations, and alternatives so you can make an informed decision before committing to the degree.