Connect with personalized career development resources
Stanford offers two programs designed to personalize career and professional development support for staff: 1:1 Development Coaching powered by CoachHub and Career Counseling Network (CCN). Both programs provide valuable resources tailored to help staff develop critical skills and navigate their career path, but they cater to different needs and approaches.
1:1 Development Coaching with CoachHub
The 1:1 Development Coaching program is STAP-eligible and offers a three-month period of unlimited, personalized virtual coaching for benefits-eligible staff. For $800, participants gain access to customized coaching in areas like self-direction, change management, and leadership best practices; participants select their own areas of focus for coaching.
The 2023-2024 pilot included 305 employees from 14 schools and business units. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 92% recommending the program to a colleague and 91% reporting valuable skills and insights gained. Staff participants highlighted the transformative influence of their coaching experience. One participant noted, “Making a mindset change has opened opportunities for me to make more progress in managing my team and move forward professionally.” Another shared, “My coaching sessions have been illuminating, providing insight about myself and effective strategies for communication and problem-solving.”
Common topics staff focused on during their coaching sessions include self-appreciation and showing appreciation for others, authenticity, collaboration, growth mindset, and problem-solving. CoachHub coaches are highly qualified and certified, and create spaces enabling staff to accomplish their coaching goals. “My coach provided a safe and professional space for me to share challenges and brainstorm realistic solutions,” one participant said. The results of the pilot reflected staff successes in attaining goals and a sense that this program is worth the investment. Of the pilot participant group, 85% achieved their coaching goals and 83% viewed coaching as a good use of STAP funds.
Career Counseling Network (CCN)
Career Counseling Network offers confidential, personalized career development support with independent Bay Area career counselors. Focused on career growth, this service provides expert guidance tailored to their professional goals. For $175 per session, benefits-eligible staff can receive the support they need to advance and develop their careers. Participants can seek reimbursement of up to $500 per fiscal year through their STAP funds.
Although the program has been under the radar, it has seen steady usage, with 202 employees seeking reimbursement for career counseling between FY 2022 and 2023. CCN participants have shared high satisfaction with CCN. One employee praised their counselor’s supportive approach: “My career counselor is absolutely amazing! She provided more help than I ever thought I needed. She elevated my resume and gave me opportunities to explore best practices for job interviews. I am so grateful to know that Stanford provides professional development opportunities for staff. My experience working with her is one of the reasons I feel confident that I will achieve my career goals.”
Typical areas participants discussed in career counseling included clarifying career goals, developing career plans, identifying options, and crafting resumes or cover letters. Staff highlighted how their career development experience was characterized by a high degree of comfort with their counselor. Of CCN participants surveyed, 94% felt comfortable discussing career challenges and 92% found their counselor responsive.
“My career counselor is a gifted counselor who listens to understand with compassion and worked with me to identify options/solutions to move forward,” one staff participant shared. “I feel safe, which allows greater openness and usefulness for the one-hour appointment. I leave feeling greater clarity, fewer worries, with tangible next steps.”
Choosing the right program for your needs
Both programs offer distinct benefits for staff seeking to develop skills and enrichment opportunities in their role and beyond, and Stanford offers coaching services that address a range of needs. For a comparison guide that reviews personalized development services for staff, visit Cardinal at Work.
