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Ann T Walsh
Career Consultant for young adults
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out below the answers to the questions I am asked most frequently!
- 01I work primarily with young adults, in their twenties and early thirties.They might be....finishing college, university or an apprenticeship; already working and in need of some mentoring or considering their next career move; considering further study or training or curious about setting up their own business. They might have lots of ideas about what they want to do, have NO clear direction yet, or they may find themselves torn between several different options.What matters most is that they are ready to take action! They are ready to take an active role in designing and creating a career they will love. And they are committed to doing the work needed to make this happen.
- 02Not at all. Working that out may be exactly where we start!I will help you reveal and understand your interests, strengths, values and ambitions, and explore the different opportunities and career paths open to you.You do not need to have your whole career figured out. The aim is to make a thoughtful, informed choice about the direction you want to take, knowing that your career will continue to develop as you gain experience, discover new strengths and interests, and encounter new opportunities.
- 03Yes. There are many different ways to get your career started, and further study is not necessarily the right next step for everyone.We can explore the options opening up to you - whether that means looking for a job, postgraduate study, an apprenticeship, professional qualifications or developing specific skills. We will consider what each option could offer you, the opportunities it might open up and how well it fits with the direction you want your career to take.The aim is to help you make an informed decision that feels right for you.
- 04Absolutely. This is a very practical part of my work which I really enjoy.I will help you develop a strong CV and LinkedIn profile, tailor applications to particular opportunities, build a bank of evidence that demonstrates your skills and achievements, and prepare thoroughly for interviews.I also review CVs and applications between sessions and help you research relevant opportunities as part of my Career Assets Review & Search Support.Rather than simply doing these things for you, I will help you learn how to do them well yourself - so you become increasingly confident and capable of managing your own career. Though when appropriate, I will draft a version of a CV for you to consider and revise.And if you are open to it, we will use AI tools.
- 05Getting your career started does not necessarily mean working for someone else.Over the years, I have helped many people explore business ideas, develop their initial business plans, source funding and set up businesses of their own. I find this work particularly exciting and enjoy it immensely.If working for yourself is something you are considering, I will help you explore what that might look like - from developing your initial idea into something customers are willing to pay for, to working out how you will reach those customers and how the business can be financially viable.We will also look honestly at whether working for yourself suits your personality, values, strengths, ambitions and the kind of life you want to create.If you decide to proceed, I will mentor you through the process of turning your idea into an initial business plan - defining what you will offer, understanding your market and customers, thinking through how the business will operate, developing the financials and exploring potential sources of funding.And remember, you do not need to arrive with a fully formed business idea. Sometimes the starting point is simply: “I think I would like to work for myself. What might that look like?”
- 06A coach helps you find the answer.A mentor shares their experience with you.A consultant: brings expertise and works with you.I describe myself as a Career Consultant because my approach combines both coaching and mentoring skills with expertise learned through years (decades!) of working with people to help them with their careers, primarily young people.Sometimes I will ask questions and help you find your own answers. Sometimes I will share my knowledge, experience or perspective. And other times I will roll up my sleeves so we can work practically and proactively on something together.I will use whichever approach is most useful in helping you move towards your career objective.
- 07Ideally, yes. The more you put into the work we do together, the more you will get out of it.Making progress with your career involves taking action and ideally this means you do some work between our sessions.Depending on your objective, 'work' might mean gathering evidence of your skills and achievements; developing your CV or LinkedIn profile; researching opportunities; making contacts; practicing interview answers; completing applications; experimenting with ideas and trying things out; or taking other agreed actions.Do not worry though if you don't get to do the work agreed, it is not a problem whatsoever. Remember the work is to help you progress, not to add pressure - so if you don't get to it, that is absolutely fine.
- 08Yes - if you give me permission to!We will agree the actions you are going to take, and I will check-in, ask how you are getting on and give you a little push when I think you need one!I also understand completely that sometimes life gets in the way and you do not get to do what you intended. That is absolutely fine. At the end of the day I want you to achieve your objective. I encourage accountability to help you make progress - not to add pressure or make you feel guilty when things do not go to plan. The important thing is to let me know. We can look at what happened, decide whether the plan still makes sense and work out the best way forward.
- 09Yes. What we discuss in our sessions is confidential.If a parent or someone else is paying for your sessions, you are still my client. I will not share what we discuss, the decisions you are considering or the work we are doing together without your permission.There may be times when it makes sense to involve a parent or someone else, particularly if you would find their input or support helpful. If so, we will agree that together first.The only exception to confidentiality would be if I had serious concerns about your safety or the safety of someone else.
- 10A Career Intensive is my recommended option to help you make significant progress towards setting and achieving your career objective.We work together over 4–6 weeks, giving us the time and continuity to build momentum, respond to opportunities as they arise and adapt our approach as you learn more along the way.Your Career Intensive includes:3 x Career Consultancy Sessions, 4 x Career Check-ins, 1 x Career Assets Review & Search Support allocation and Responsive Support via WhatsApp between sessions.It works particularly well when you have an important goal e.g. working out what you want to do, finding a job, changing career direction, making a significant decision or preparing for a particular opportunity. A Career Intensive allows us to work together, virtually without restraint, for an intensive period.The Career Intensive costs €500, payable in advance.The advantages of a Career Intensive over Pay As You Go are that:you do not have waste time and energy at the end of each session working out if you would like to do another session; you really commit to ensuring we can build the momentum needed to achieve your career objective; a Career Intensive also offers Responsive Support via WhatsApp between sessions. This kind of ongoing contact between us really helps you to make progress, fast.
- 11Yes, you can work with me on a pay-as-you-go basis if that suits you better, choosing from the following options:Career Consultancy Sessions @ €100 for up to 90 minutes. Once we are working together you can also book Career Check-ins @ €25 for up to 20 minutes.Career Assets Review & Search Support can also be booked separately @ €100 for up to 90 minutes.You might want help with one particular decision, an upcoming interview, your CV or application, or simply need a conversation at an important point in your career.Pay as you go can also work particularly well after a Career Intensive, allowing you to come back for support when you reach another decision point, challenge or opportunity. There is no long-term commitment. You simply book the support you need, when you need it.The advantages of a Career Intensive over Pay As You Go are that:you do not have to waste time and energy at the end of each session working out if you would like to do another session. you really commit to ensuring we can build the momentum needed to achieve your career objective. a Career Intensive also offers Responsive Support via WhatsApp between sessions and this kind of ongoing contact between us really helps you to make progress, fast.
- 12Payment is normally made in advance via Revolut or a bank using my IBAN. I will send you the payment details when we arrange your appointment.If you, a parent or someone else paying on your behalf would prefer an invoice, I am very happy to provide one.The Career Intensive is €500, payable in advance at the beginning of the 4-6 week period.For pay-as-you-go support, you simply pay for each Career Consultancy Session, Career Check-in or Career Assets Review & Search Support as you book it.
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