Your Expertise Speaks for Itself.
Your Documents Should, Too.
Executive Positioning—Handled.
Why Positioning Matters
You’re known for making decisions, delivering outcomes, and driving impact.
But your résumé, LinkedIn, or board materials don’t reflect that.
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They’re outdated. Incomplete. Or still sitting on your to-do list.
And while you’re not actively “looking,” you know this:
If the right opportunity showed up—you wouldn’t be fully ready.
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At your level, that’s not a small gap.
That’s a positioning problem.
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Hi, I’m Monica Marcelis Fochtman, PhD, CPRW, CCTC—Executive Positioning Strategist.
I work with senior leaders who don’t have the time—or patience—to translate their own careers into a clear, compelling narrative.
So I handle it.
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This isn’t about “updating your résumé.”
It’s about aligning your external presence with your actual level of influence.
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When that alignment is off:
- your experience is understated
- your leadership isn’t fully visible
- and opportunities require more explanation than they should
I fix that—quickly, strategically, and at your level.
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When this is handled, you:
- show up to conversations and opportunities already positioned
- have a clear, executive-level narrative that reflects the scale of your work
- can share your résumé or profile without hesitation
- no longer have this sitting on your list
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You won’t be handed templates or asked to figure this out on your own.
I extract what matters, translate it at the right level, and build materials that reflect the full scope of your leadership.
Efficient. High-touch. Discreet.
You’ve done the work to build your career.
Now it’s time to make sure it’s represented at the level it deserves.
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Not quite at the executive level—yet?
If you’re operating at the Director or Senior Manager level and preparing for your next step, the work is slightly different—but just as important.
We focus on:
- clarifying your leadership narrative
- positioning you for advancement
- ensuring you’re seen at the level you’re ready to step into
👉 Explore next level career strategy support for rising leaders →
- "Job searching is daunting, but Monica provided excellent guidance to help me distill down to what I was looking for in a job and target my search to relevant postings. She also listened to and validated the frustrations and challenges that arose, and having her in my corner, both to provide support and accountability, was invaluable.
With Monica's help, I was able to land in a fully remote position in a new industry that came with a significant pay bump, and I don't believe that would have been possible without her. Whether you're starting a job search from scratch or you just need some resume tuning, Monica can help set you on the path to achieving your goals."
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Brandon B. Industry Change to Customer Success Specialist
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"Monica asked great questions and challenged me to think about all of my responsibilities that weren’t top of mind for me, but were directly transferable to the roles I was looking for. She empathized with my experiences and I immediately felt like she was on my team.When I received the first draft, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Not only was the content remarkable, but the design and formatting seemed so “me” - I don’t know how she did it, but I was over the moon!Once I had my new resume, I felt so confident submitting applications and shifting language per position on my own. I feel so proud of my LinkedIn and find myself continuously updating it with more metrics and better verbiage, all because of what I learned from her.If you’re thinking about making a career pivot and feel stuck, I highly encourage you to contact Monica. 10/10 recommend!"
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Albert P. Industry Change to Talent Acquisition
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"I was fortunate to have the aid of Monica's coaching, encouragement, and vision in my career change. Her expertise helped greatly in my resume preparation and the results speak for themselves! With Monica's help, I was able to catch the attention of a number of Talent Acquisition Agents and HR Specialists and get myself into their interview chairs. I received a lot of traction and interest from various employers and ultimately received multiple offers and accepted a job. I highly recommend her skill and professionalism for anyone unfamiliar with the "process" of changing careers!"
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Jason G. Project Manager
- "Since I was juggling work and two kids, I worked with Monica on the re-write of my materials: resume, cover-letter, and LinkedIn profile. Monica's knowledge of how to translate higher education speak to the corporate world was invaluable. Making this investment in my materials saved me a good deal of frustration and I secured interviews as soon as I started applying.
Monica continued to check-in on my search after our work together formally concluded. I appreciated her reminders that this is a process and I was gaining momentum with each interview. Her LinkedIn content is also a great reminder of how to approach and manage the search process. I will continue to recommend Monica to my colleagues looking to pivot out of higher education."
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Amy S. Industry Change to Project Management
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"Monica not only built my resume that helped me get the attention of my new employer, but our conversations gave me a confidence that I didn’t have before. Leaving for a new career path seemed so unattainable until I spoke to her and she helped me realize the value in the skills I had. Thank you so, so much for that! I can’t wait for this, not only for this new opportunity but for the balance it will provide for my family. So grateful to you!"
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Shannon B. Industry Change to Client eServices Manager
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"Monica did an excellent job giving me feedback during a mock interview. She helped me leverage all the experiences that were relevant to the job I was looking for and she made me feel comfortable. Job interviewing was causing a lot of anxiety, but I felt more confident after my session with Monica."
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Jessica M. Teaching & Learning Development Coordinator
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"The best advice I can give a job seeker, particularly women seeking leadership roles, is to hire Monica to assist you with your next job search. Monica helped me with my cover letter and reworked my resume for a recent job search, and the process was painless and practical from start to finish. Having a trusted partner who coached me throughout the process was invaluable during my most recent confidential job search, and I know that Monica's work was influential in helping me land my new role.Monica's guidance and expertise was exactly the push I needed to get my materials in shape and apply for the right role. I won't go through another job search without her."
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Jana L. Executive Director at Ohio State Fisher College of Business
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"I can't thank Monica enough for the words of encouragement and her thoughtful advice as I was seeking a new job opportunity. She genuinely cared about the direction I wanted to go, and her advice was invaluable when I selected the next step for my career. Without her advice and help with my resume, I would not have the job that I am fortunate enough to have today. Monica is very genuine and passionate about assisting her clients in finding true happiness."
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Matt I. Business Development Manager
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"Monica was such a supportive coach throughout my job search process. As we transitioned my resume from higher education into industry, Monica helped me learn the language to describe my skills within an industry setting and ways to talk through how my experiences can be leveraged outside of Higher Education. After 2 weeks in my new position, I feel confident that her coaching and resume writing were integral in my successful search. I would recommend Monica to anyone who is looking to enter into a new industry or space, as she is patient, understanding, and encouraging throughout the process."
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Mary S. Industry Change to Training & Development
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"Monica was very helpful as I navigated a job search for the first time in years, especially in a new market. Her fresh prospective on my resume and cover letters made me rethink how I was presenting myself. I appreciated her candid and quick responses to my questions and willingness to discuss specific opportunities."
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Kristin J. Product Manager
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"Monica offered me the support and guidance I needed to develop my job searching strategy. Monica also offered great advice on my resume and personal branding. Her perspective and knowledge were very helpful as I navigated a job search in a new area. I would recommend anyone to work with her for resume and job strategy guidance."
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Coretta K. Senior International Development Associate
- "Monica was instrumental in my recent job search success. She listened to what I was saying - and more importantly, what I wasn't quite able to articulate - and translated it seamlessly onto the page. Her finished product was so compelling that I got compliments on it from several hiring managers! I used my new documents to help land my new role. Her insight is amazing, and I have no hesitation to recommend her to anyone (I already have)!"
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Heather O. Industry Change to Training and Development
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"I hadn’t updated my resume since college and when it was time transition my career, I felt pigeonholed by the fact that I had worked in the same role for 10 years. Monica helped me translate my skills and experience to be marketable outside of church-work and I quickly landed a job consulting with a national organization. The prospect of updating a resume was paralyzing, but Monica made the process simple and direct. Her feedback was both affirming and challenging. I know my resume would not have been nearly as appealing without her help."
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Annie G. Consultant & Program Coordinator
- "If you are thinking about pivoting out of higher education you owe it to yourself to work with Monica.
After my initial conversation with her I knew that she was the best person to help with my transition out of higher education. Monica is very knowledgeable and carefully listened as I explained what I hoped to do in my next role. She knew exactly how to translate my experiences in higher education, specifically in residence life and student conduct into language that would resonate in the private sector. Additionally, she did a fantastic job on my cover letter elaborating and helping me further explain skills. I can’t recommend Monica enough. Without her I would not have landed a new job in health care as an account manager. She helped me relocate closer to family and I did not have to take a pay cut in the process.Do yourself a favor and work with her. You will not regret it!"
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Michael L. Industry Change to Healthcare Technology
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"Monica helped me during a mid-life transition from a job I loved (but where I was getting bored) to a job I didn't care for (and wasn't particularly good at). She helped me figure out why the current role wasn't a good match, what my strengths were, and how to work with a new boss with a MUCH different Myers-Briggs type than mine. She helped me gain so much insight into what I wanted, why my current job wasn't fitting my needs, and so much more. I highly recommend her for anyone needing career advice- it's worth it!"
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Karen S. Client Relations Director
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"I worked with Monica after I found out my position was being eliminated. She reviewed my resume and helped me strengthen it to tell my story better. She also gave me excellent advice to improve my online presence. Most of all, at a time when I was worried about the job market and feeling overwhelmed by the unexpected need to job search, her positive approach built back my confidence and helped me develop ways to tell my best story and focus on what type of positions I would enjoy most in this next stage of my career."
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Trish A. Director of Strategic Initiatives
- "I met Monica through her group coaching classes, Crossroads. Crossroads helped me feel supported in my career transitions, gave me the opportunity to form connections with other people in similar life transitions, and provided tangible action items so that I could take steps in-between sessions. The group allowed me the ability to have accountability but also support when the path to something new was challenging. It can be lonely working through big life changes, and doing this group coaching group gave me the momentum I needed to make positive change in my life. Monica set clear expectations, was understanding, provided encouragement and quick support when interviews started to pop up, and was very respectful of where everyone was in their own process. I would highly recommend Monica, and especially joining in the group coaching sessions."
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Amanda R. Industry Change to Technology
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"Monica helped me figure out what was next and made me feel more in control of my mid-career slump. We strategized together and I went from shrugging my shoulders about the future to being able to articulate what I wanted the next stage of my career to look like. When I figured out what I wanted she made very concrete recommendation to revitalize my old and tired resume. I had assumed it would take me a year to find a new job - it took a couple of months."
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Jackie K., JD In-House Counsel
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"Monica developed a very powerful resume that highlights my experience a lot better than my previous resume. I used the new resume to apply to several positions, and received several interviews as a result. Working with Monica was very empowering - she helped me see that I have done a lot and accomplished a lot, and helped me beat back that Impostor Syndrome going into my new position. I am very appreciative of her assistance and would wholeheartedly recommend her to others seeking to redesign their resumes and to see their careers in a new light."
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Jessica P. Learning Specialist
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Monica strikes the perfect balance between challenging and supporting her clients. I always came away from our coaching sessions feeling seen and heard, and with a renewed sense of self-worth and determination to keep working toward my professional goals.I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without Monica's guidance and support as my career coach. Not only did I successfully pivot into a new industry, I gained confidence in myself and the value I bring to any organization."
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Sarah G. Industry Change to Campus Success Manager
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"Monica was so exceptionally helpful in my journey to changing not just positions but career paths. As a mid-career woman, I felt a little stuck and a lot uncertain about how to frame my experiences and update my documents for my new field. Monica gave concrete, solid advice that not only addressed the tangible pieces of a job search (resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile) but she really took the time to listen to what I was saying, honor what I was feeling. and help me reframe it to create a positive thought process and actionable items. Monica's support, attention to detail and guidance were major components of my job search success, and if you're a mid-career woman who feels stuck, I highly recommend you invest in Monica's services."
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Stefanie K. Industry Change to Partner Success Manager
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"Monica’s MBTI training was so valuable for my department. I have used the resources she provided in one-on-one meetings with stakeholders in order to better understand both my needs and my stakeholders’ needs, as well as how to better communicate. I often find myself looking over the instrument when troubleshooting personally and professionally."
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Mikaela B. Project Manager
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"Monica provided amazing interview prep that enabled me to secure a job with Duke University's Talent Identification Program (TIP). She is highly knowledgeable and skilled at getting her clients to present their best selves. Working with Monica gave me the skills and confidence to secure the position and eventually, a promotion. Thanks Monica!"
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Winni P. Consultant, Speaker, & Educator
- "I worked with Monica in her Crossroads group as well as her resume writing service. Crossroads gave me a safe place to be open and honest about potentially leaving higher ed while developing community and connection with women at similar points in their journeys. Highly recommended for anyone who has spent many years in higher ed and needs a combination of job searching resources along with a sounding board about what comes next.
I also greatly appreciated Monica’s expertise in adapting my resume and cover letter for a new industry. The end product documents helped with my successful job search. She provided much needed perspective as well as confidence and support to own what I’m capable of! Both were extremely valuable services!"
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Megen R.D. Industry Change to Healthcare Start-Up
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"Monica spoke about childhood cancer awareness on behalf of her son, Luke, as a guest speaker for the Nursing Student Association. Monica is a strong advocate for research, as was evident by her knowledge on the topic and involvement with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Her speech was both moving and inspirational, teaching us all to never give up when things in life get tough."
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MaryJo J. BSN, RN
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"Monica was a great help in my career & industry change process. Through phone conversations and a resume re-write, she was able to take my experience and tailor it to industry language. She helped me think about my experience in ways that emphasized my skill sets."
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Emily L. Industry Change to Corporate Training
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"After 18 years in the same position, I knew it was time for a shift. Monica helped me update my language to reflect a different corporate culture and made my language stronger in both my resume and cover letter. She also guided me through mock interview questions to sharpen my answers and make them better reflect all my transferable skills. Most important, having her as a partner helped me to feel self-confident as I worked my way through the interview process. Now, I'm about to start my dream job! Many thanks to Monica for her encouragement and for helping me to find a better version of myself."
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Kristin H. Industry Change to Learning & Development
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"Monica really listened to my story with compassion and empathy and encouraged me to take the steps I needed to take to make a change. She offered great help rewriting my cover letter, tips to make my resume more powerful and strong coaching points for interviewing. After speaking with Monica I applied to jobs at 4 companies and was offered interviews by all of them. Working with her helped boost my confidence and land my dream job along with a significant raise. It feels so good to be working at a company where I am appreciated. I thank Monica for the support and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a career coach. I will work with her again when the time comes."
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Jenna H. HR Generalist & Payroll Admin
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"Monica became a personal trainer for my career. She removed the jargon from my application materials to better share the results of my work directly, concretely, and succinctly. When interviews began, she provided examples and role play opportunities to best speak the language of employers. She reminded me: Every. Word. Matters. She also checked in about my search progress, provided ongoing learning opportunities, and championed my success every step of the way in a professional, useful way. Now, I'm in my desired career field with an increased salary of 43%!"
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Kara Z. Industry Change To Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
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"Monica is a seasoned pro, I liked her direct approach and she knows the value she can provide based on her own previous professional experience and now all her years as a career coach/consultant. I ended up doing a resume Power Hour with Monica because I had an expedited timeline. Setting up that Power Hour call motivated me to spend about 5 hours completely rewriting my resume based off her webinar advice and discovery call. I was able to use that Power Hour to consult with Monica on specific revisions, word choices, order of bullets, and to get a second opinion on items throughout my resume. Monica provided great insights that helped me quickly move into 4 interview processes and ultimately accept an offer, but what I appreciate most is that she was able to unlock the ability to make me truly believe I could make this career shift and find the words to sell my rich experience."
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Jennifer J. Industry Change to Learning & Development Manager
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"As I was looking at changing jobs for the first time in my career, Monica helped me navigate my uncertainty and talk through my thoughts to reach the decision that was best for me. We worked together on my resume and she helped rewrite it to be more focused on my achievements rather than my day-to-day tasks. When I got my first interview, Monica walked me through possible questions and helped me craft my story. Monica helped me feel confident in the decision I was making and she really cared about my success. I would absolutely recommend Monica to anyone looking for career guidance."
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Rick W. Communications Director
- "When I decided to leave my academic position of 17 years, I was at a loss for what else I was capable and/or qualified to do. Monica was the key to unlocking a whole world of possibilities! She helped me translate my teaching skills into corporate language and helped me to see that what I had been doing was in fact valued outside of education. Monica was truly supportive and encouraging and I gained a wonderful sense of confidence and courage working with her. I am earning more now and I'm with a team that values my skills and thoughts and creativity. I owe so much of this new found success to Monica!"
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Sam M. Industry Change to Online Training and Development
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"I engaged Monica as I embarked on a new job search and scheduled career coaching sessions with her. These sessions were wonderful as I went from feeling despondent and confused to engaged and confident. In our sessions, she provided valuable, actionable advice on how to jump into a new job search and how I could focus my search around my personal and professional priorities. She also gave me the honest feedback I needed to hear--not everyone will do that for you, and it was much appreciated! I highly recommend Monica to anyone seeking help in how to navigate your next career move."
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Kristina P. Non-Profit Communications Manager
- "Monica came alongside me during a challenging mid-level career plateau. As my career coach, she actively listened to my concerns and needs, helped me to hone in on my values and identify and articulate my unique skills, and coached me in developing strategies and clear directions for professional growth. She provided key insights and guidance through a negotiation process which resulted in a promotion and raise. I am so glad I chose to invest in my development with Monica!"
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Susan P. Promotion to Director of Alumni Relations
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"Monica ran two separate workshops using the MBTI tool for our MSU BEST group (about 30 strong) and then for a smaller ASPET network (8-10) people. She delivered a thoughtful discussion that infused her own experiences into the mix, and that made it wonderful. This was EYE opening for the people who took it- trainees in the biomedical field- as they had never done this type of self-analyses before. She answered the many questions that accompanied such an interesting exercise and put everyone at ease during something that could be somewhat awkward. This - and Monica in particular - is someone I highly recommend for administering and then discussing the MBTI."
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Stephanie W. Pharmacology Professor
- "I was very fortunate to work with Monica during a career transition. Through our sessions, Monica helped me identify my career values and take meaningful steps towards my goals. Monica is a wonderful listener and so perceptive. I left each session feeling very confident about the decisions I was considering, along with an action plan to move forward. From coaching sessions to revamping my resume, Monica provided honest, thoughtful feedback each step of the way. With Monica's guidance, I was able to make a career shift that aligned with the values we identified during our sessions and I earned a significant salary increase. I couldn't be happier and would recommend Monica to anyone thinking of making a career change!"
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Caitlin C. Director of Faculty Development
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"When applying for jobs in an entirely new field, cover letters were downright difficult as I stretched out of my comfort zone a bit. Monica provided me with terrific critical feedback that made my cover letter so much more personal. I received a call to set up an interview the day after I applied!"
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Jessa W. Project Manager
Qualifications and Highlights
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Certified: Career Transition Coach (CCTC); Professional Resume Writer (CPRW); Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Consultant.
Pre-vetted Career Coach for the MSU Alumni Office.
Earned PhD from top-ranked program in 5 years, while also working part-time and parenting 2 young children, one of whom survived cancer.
Cast Member in the first Listen to Your Mother™ Show in Metro Detroit.
Childhood Cancer Advocate and Testimonial Speaker with extensive public speaking experience, including national fundraising events, live TV, and radio.
Clients have earned new positions and higher salaries at:
I started Sheldrake Consulting, because I saw too many people underselling their skills and experience. I provide career coaching and writing services that will teach you how to find your story and promote your best self. I’d love to see if we’re a match.