Career Coaching Develops Diverse Talent

Program Equips and Empowers Employees to Take the Next Step

At Goodwill, we are committed to developing diverse talent – and that starts with our employees. 

The Career Coaching program offers two cohorts throughout the year, one in the spring and another in the fall. Although the program does not guarantee a new job or promotion, it equips and empowers employees to build the skills necessary for their next career step at Goodwill. 

“The Career Coaching program is a game-changer, empowering diverse talent to overcome barriers through tailored support that develops both practical and essential skills,” says T Bonea, project manager. “We are not only seeing program alumni open doors to new opportunities within Goodwill, but they are also walking through those doors with the confidence to seize them.” 

Since the program launched as a pilot in the fall of 2023, 100% of participants have completed the program and 21% have accepted a new position at Goodwill. Potential program candidates include full-time, professional level employees of color from all business units who have been at Goodwill for at least six months. Throughout the 12-week program, employees engage in five individualized coaching sessions with a Goodwill coach.

Employees also complete self-paced learning on topics such as: 

• Emotional Intelligence
• Career Exploration
• Time Management
• Decision Making
• Professional Branding
• Networking

Another component of the program is building a Career Development Plan, which includes a Goal Action Plan, Emotional Intelligence Report, Career Compass Overview and Professional Tips and Suggestions. Employees present their Goal Action Plans to Goodwill executives during a professional mixer event that celebrates the end of the program. 

“The impact of the Career Coaching program is best seen and felt through the pride, sense of accomplishment, encouragement, support and appreciation from everyone involved,” says Ann Newman, director, learning. “It has been my absolute joy and honor to be a part of creating and growing this program. We truly are connecting people to work and preparing people for life.”

Upon program completion, employees feel more confident to pursue job opportunities outside of their current role. They gain and develop valuable skills to enhance their potential, including evaluating positions they thought were beyond their reach. 

“The Career Coaching program does not just prepare employees for the next step—it accelerates their journey to achieving it,” Bonea says. “It is transformative for both participants and those of us who have the honor to be a part of it.”