Katy K.
About me
| Katy K. | |
| Chemistry | |
| MChem | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Langwith | |
| 1999 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Executive Coach | |
| Self-employed | |
| Germany | |
| HR, recruitment and training |
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A day in the life of a Executive Coach in Germany
Working for yourself is always a challenge. You want to spend all day doing the bit you love but you also have to invoice, chase clients and market yourself.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I am self employed and work with executives and middle managers in UK and Germany in English to work on their career development.
What do you do?
I support people with their personal development. They can typically have a goal they want to work towards, or they can have a new role and need support figuring out what they want to do.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I went straight into labs after graduating. I was a team leader, then middle manager and then senior manager running my own labs across the country.
I then moved to Germany with my husband's job and I wanted to use my people and coaching skills so I started my own business.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
Yes - very much so. I loved chemistry and I loved running labs.
Describe your most memorable day at work
My best day at work would be supporting one client being interviewed for a high profile new position and she was worried that she hadn't been interviewed in a long time. When we worked together, I asked her to just answer my questions, HONESTLY, POSITIVE AND BRIEFLY (my 3 golden rules). When she answered honestly, her whole body language changed. She was more energetic, positive and clear about her message. Practicing her answers meant she was clear on what she'd done and how she could help her new organisation. She was ready with examples ready to hand. But being honest meant she was passionate, persuasive and proud of her achievements. She obviously nailed the job interview! I loved making a difference for her and she has the skills to do this at the next interview and the next.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
I sometime have to work in German and that's a challenge. I spent 30 minutes thinking about "drucken die daumen" once in a meeting. It means press thumbs but in English we'd say crossed fingers!
What’s your work environment and culture like?
Working for yourself is always a challenge. You want to spend all day doing the bit you love but you also have to invoice, chase clients and market yourself. I now work in an office with 2 other women who are self employed. I recognised that I miss people and connections, so I have created them for myself.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I captained the womens rugby team. I still play and now I coach too.
The transferable skills are endless:
1. True diversity - everyone is needed on the pitch to score a try. I see everyone as a valued member of a team because of what they can bring to the team.
2. Team work
3. Leadership
4. Fun
What would you like to do next with your career?
I want to develop my psychology side of the business. Can I do more training in this area and develop my skills?
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Don't worry too much! What you want now and what you want in 25 years will be different. Be adventurous and give yourself permission to explore new things.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Working abroad, coaching, women in business
Next steps...
If you like the look of Katy’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Katy a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Katy to be your mentor.