If you have a student between the ages of 14 and 25, you know this period is exciting. It can also be confusing and often stressful. The pressure to “figure out the future” can feel immense, for both the student and the parent footing the bill. My commitment to solving this problem began in a simple way. In 2010, I started volunteering in a high school career guidance office. Watching students struggle to translate their dreams into completed university applications opened my eyes. That’s where I found my life’s work. I launched my own coaching company in 2013. It was initially called The Right School Fit. Later on, I saw the deeper need for long-term planning and changed the name to Right Career Fit in 2018. This change reflected our focus on the whole professional journey. In fact, this month, October, marks our 12th anniversary of serving families and students!
Seeing Beyond the University Forms
That volunteer experience was an eye-opener. While I started by helping students fill out paperwork and meet deadlines, I quickly realized the real need wasn’t clerical. It was foundational. Students weren’t just confused by the forms; they were unsure about the direction those forms represented. They lacked a clear sense of their BEAVI © (Beliefs, Experiences, Abilities/skills, Values, and Interests). They didn’t know what truly excited them. They were uncertain about how their passion connects to a possible career.
I saw gifted and bright students choose majors based on what they thought they should do. They chose majors based on what their parents or friends recommended. They did this rather than pursuing what they wanted to do. This realization was the turning point for me. I understood that career and academic success start with self-discovery long before the application process. This inspired me to dedicate my academic and professional life to coaching. I focused on driving awareness of the vital role of the fundamental skills of career literacy for success.
Bridging the Gap: Strategy for the Next Generation
My coaching practice today is built on that first insight: Career Literacy is the ultimate competitive advantage. For today’s youth, the career landscape changes fast. A high-school sophomore needs a different level of guidance than a college senior preparing for their first job. However, both need a coherent strategy.
For parents, this means their investment in education and coaching is intentional and informed, not just hopeful. You don’t just pick a major. You explore your BEAVI ©. You test different pathways and make educational choices that genuinely align with your future goals. This holistic approach helps your students avoid costly mistakes. It ensures they are building a strong, authentic professional identity from the ground up.
The Coaching Advantage: Structured Support for Every Step
The 14-to-25 age range is defined by pivotal transitions: high school to college, college to career. My background started with those basic application requirements in 2010. It has evolved through years of deep-dive strategy and lifelong learning. This evolution allows me to offer you structured support at every turn.
Together with your student, we tackle various aspects of their academic journey. We help with selecting high school courses. We explore potential college majors. We also craft compelling internship resumes and master interview techniques. We focus on academic habits that promote resilience and self-advocacy. When a student understands why they are making a decision, they own the outcome. They gain not just a career plan, but the crucial confidence to navigate any professional challenge life throws at them.
Conclusion
My journey from a school volunteer to a full-time coach is a testament to my belief. I believe every young person deserves a clear, confident path forward. If you or your child are facing a complex academic decision, I am here to help. If you are facing an uncertain career launch, you have someone ready to provide you with the focused expertise and individualized strategy you need to thrive.
Let’s turn confusion into clarity with Career Literacy. Ready to design a path that truly fits your or your student’s future?
I am Hoda Kilani CCDP ®, CPCC, certified Career and Academic coach. As a private practitioner, I guide students, young people, parents, teachers and community partners to confidently activate what’s next. I travel the globe as a conference and event keynote speaker focusing on increasing Career Literacy.
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