Career Counselling & Career Coaching Service in Kitchener Waterloo
Love Your Work.
Love Your Life.
Advance Your Career Now.
We offer 1-on-1 career counselling Kitchener Waterloo to help you find your career fit & land the right job.
Or call us 519-258-6368
Trusted by:
Best Career Counsellor & Coach, Kitchener Waterloo | Careers by Design
Find The Right Career & Enjoy Your Work
Wondering what career is right for you & how to make it happen?
Get personalized 1 on 1 career advising and career coaching Kitchener Waterloo.
Move forward, faster.
Land The Right Job | Career Counselling in Kitchener Waterloo
Struggling with your job search?
1 on 1 job search coaching helps you every step of the way with Career Counsellor & Coach, Kitchener Waterloo.
Interview Coaching & Resume Writing services Kitchener Waterloo
Gain confidence & ace your interview with 1 on 1 interview coaching.
Our Resume Writers will work with you to create an impactful interview-winning resume, cover letter & LinkedIn profile.
Top career coach in Kitchener Waterloo - we are your leaders in 1-on-1 career advising, career path planning, outplacement services, resume writing & interview coaching services Kitchener Waterloo.
We're here to help - we serve all industries & career stages: from starting out to mid-career, seasoned professionals & leaders.
Or call us 519-258-6368
Andre Darmanin Urban Affairs & Policy Professional
Heather Nicholas Clinical Risk & Quality Director
Best career coaching Kitchener Waterloo
, Convenient Support That Fits Your Busy Schedule
Book a free chat and get started on your career transformation today!
Connect With Us | Career Coaching Experts Kitchener Waterloo
Let us answer your questions and show you how we can get you results!
Or call us 519-258-6368
Experience The Impact of Coaching Kitchener Waterloo
Meet with your coach on Zoom for your first session and bring your goals and challenges. She will listen closely and work with you to create a step by step strategy.
Continue working with us in one of our coaching programs & have an experienced coach guide you every step of the way.
Start Loving Your Work & Enjoying Your Life
Our innovative Connect Head & Heart solution gets you there faster with Career Counselling & Coaching Kitchener Waterloo.
What We Do & Why It Works
For over 19 years our career coaches have helped professionals
in the Kitchener Waterloo Area to achieve success.
Shirin Khamisa
Founder & Practice Leader
"Hi, I'm Shirin Khamisa, and I founded Careers By Design with a singular goal in mind: to help professionals in the Greater Toronto Area achieve success in their careers on their own terms.
Do you want to?
- Achieve your career goals faster?
- Feel better & be more confident?
We believe that career success is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
That's why we take the time to get to know you, understand your goals, and help you develop a customized career plan, all with a unique & proven approach that works in the real world by helping you Connect Head & Heart.
Whether you're just starting out in your career or looking to make a career change, our team is here to support you. We can assist you with identifying your strengths, exploring new career options, honing your job search techniques, and developing entrepreneurship & leadership skills. Your career development is in your control.
Don't just settle for a job – let us help you find a meaningful and fulfilling career so you can be truly happy with your work."
Warmly...Shirin
Louse Jones Jankovic Communications Consultant
Meet Our ICF Certified Career & Life Coach
Highly experienced & qualified career counsellors. We work with all professionals including but not limited to: business leaders, executives, corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, technology professionals, education leaders to new graduates, young professionals and those seeking management or roles with more responsibility.
Linda Faucheux M.A. LPC
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) & Former Psychotherapist
- Masters in Counseling Psychology
- Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from International Coaching Federation (ICF)
- Former Director of Career Services at Naropa University in Boulder Colorado
- Certificate in Executive Coaching from Deep Coaching Institute, California
- HeartMath® Certified Add Heart Facilitator
- 25 years coaching experience from new graduates to executives & leaders
A Career Coach for more than 25 years and former Director of Career Services, Linda focuses on your strengths, helps you clarify and develop your unique genius and helps you cultivate greater resilience when facing uncertainty and change as you move toward more meaningful work in the world.
A Career Guidance Service Kitchener Waterloo That's Practical & Effective
Join 1000s who have unlocked their potential with our career support – boosting confidence, motivation, and creating a clear path towards success.
Get matched with a coach who fits your needs
Our career counselling and coaching service will match you with a coach who has the expertise and experience to help you reach your full potential.
Let us help you take the next step towards your dream career.
1 on 1 support to get you to your dream job
We get it. Job searching can be disheartening and downright tough. You don't need to do this alone.
Let our expert coaches guide you through the job search process and give you the tools you need to succeed.
Connect head & heart and tap into your strengths
We strongly believe that true career satisfaction comes from connecting your head and heart.
Our expert coaches will work with you to uncover your unique strengths and passions, and help you align them with your career goals.
With our guidance, you can tap into your full potential and achieve success on your own terms.
Changing Lives - Career Counselling & Coaching in Kitchener Waterloo, ON
Still Skeptical? We Get It. Check our 300+ five-star Google reviews.
After 20 years, our clients' success speaks louder than we ever could.
"I had the pleasure of working with Linda during a particularly challenging period in my life.
Her calm and centered demeanor immediately put me at ease.
Linda guided me through the process of redefining my career path, helping me to step back and assess my needs and priorities with clarity.We took several personality and strength assessments, and she helped add definition and color to the things I excel at. Her support and expertise were invaluable in giving me the confidence and comfort I needed to approach this significant change.
Linda also had great ideas and feedback for ways to continue heading down my new career path. She was extremely good at helping me prepare for interviews, and thanks to her guidance, I landed the first job I interviewed for after working with her.
I highly recommend Linda to anyone seeking a career coach who genuinely wants to make changes in their lives. I will be sure to use her services again in my next challenge. Thank you for your help Linda."
Drew Robinson M.Sc.
Financial Advisor
"Linda Faucheux was my career coach and she was absolutely fantastic.
She supported me through one of the biggest transitions of my life and I will be forever grateful.
I am successfully employed and feel more confident and connected to myself than ever before.
I highly recommend working with Linda."
Mallory Chapman
Mgr of Product Management,
Lululemon
"It felt like finding a job was a monolithic task before the coaching began.
I really appreciated starting the process by looking at what was important to me and using the exercise as an opportunity to achieve congruence between what is important to me and my working life. And also, having someone support these choices was very valuable."
Mavis Fernandes M.A.
Trainer & Coach, Mavis Fernandes Assoc.
"Linda was an exceptional coach through a difficult time.
Being in a transitional phase of my life, I was unsure how to invigorate my job search. She was consistently engaged, patient and encouraging as we explored my skills and interests. She offered wonderful advice throughout the process and recommended some essential next steps.
Together we built an incredible strength statement which I can draw from and a solid strategy for my resume/cover letters/interviews that will be invaluable in the coming months.
I can't say enough good things about her kind and insightful approach. Thank you!
Heather Wilson B.A.
Senior Product Manager
"Linda is an exceptional career counselor whom I wholeheartedly recommend.
She not only understood my aspirations but also guided me in gaining a deeper understanding of myself, which has been instrumental in shaping my career goals. Linda's ability to help me formulate a clear and strategic plan for my professional journey has been invaluable.
Her skill as a good listener, combined with thought-provoking questions, made our sessions not only informative but also incredibly enriching.
Linda's patience throughout the process has been a key factor in our successful collaboration.I'm thrilled to share that, thanks to
Linda's unwavering support and expertise, I've successfully secured my aspirational role. Her mentorship has played a pivotal role in defining my career trajectory, and I am genuinely grateful for the significant impact she has had.
I feel fortunate to have had Linda's guidance during this crucial phase of my career."
Nikhil Kulhalli
Senior Vice President, Citibank
"Participating in The More Happy Mondays career coaching program at Careers by Design gave me the tools to feel more positive and handle this stressful situation better.
All this boosted my confidence so I could take the next steps to get out of a difficult situation. My coach helped me to explore my options and I decided on a new direction with confidence."
Rob Arnott
Chief Operating Officer, Paro Marketing
Quick Cheat-Sheet to Career Counselling Kitchener Waterloo
At Careers by Design, we believe that every individual has unique talents, interests, and aspirations that can be leveraged to achieve success and fulfillment in their chosen career. Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to make a change, we are here to help you explore your options and guide you towards your goals.
Our approach to career counselling is based on the latest research and theories in the field. We use a combination of assessments, coaching techniques, and counselling strategies to help individuals identify their strengths and weaknesses, explore career options, and develop a plan to achieve their goals.
Keep reading to learn more about key concepts and ideas in the area of career counselling.
Career Development
Career development is a continuous process that involves acquiring and improving the necessary skills, knowledge, and experiences to achieve personal and professional goals. This process includes career planning, which involves setting short-term and long-term career goals and identifying a career path that aligns with one’s interests and strengths.
Read MoreCareer Coaching
Career coaching is a process of working with a coach to identify and achieve career-related goals. It is based on principles of coaching psychology, which emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to take responsibility for their own personal and professional development.
Positive psychology is an essential component of career coaching, as it emphasizes the importance of building on individuals’ strengths and positive attributes, rather than focusing solely on their weaknesses or limitations. Person-centered therapy is also an important approach to career coaching, as it emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, non-judgmental space in which individuals can explore their thoughts and feelings related to their career goals.
Read MoreCareer Assessment
Career assessment is a critical component of career development, as it enables individuals to identify their strengths, interests, and values, and explore potential career paths that align with those characteristics. There are several types of career assessments available, each with its own unique approach and focus.
One commonly used career assessment is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which assesses individuals’ personality types based on four dichotomies: extraversion vs. introversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs. perceiving. Another popular assessment is True Colors, which categorizes individuals into four color-coded personality types based on their preferences for communication and problem-solving styles.
Read MoreEmployment Counselling
Employment counseling is a critical aspect of career development, as it focuses specifically on helping individuals identify and pursue job opportunities that align with their skills, interests, and values. This can include providing support and guidance in areas such as resume writing, job searching, interview preparation, and negotiating job offers.
At Careers by Design, we offer comprehensive employment counseling services to help individuals navigate the complex job market and find meaningful work. Our employment counselors are trained to provide guidance and support in a range of areas, including job searching strategies, networking techniques, and developing effective resumes and cover letters. We understand that every job seeker’s journey is unique, which is why we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re looking for one-on-one coaching or expert advice on resume writing in Toronto or surrounding areas, our dedicated team is here to empower you at every step. Let us help you build the tools and confidence you need to achieve your career aspirations.
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Please also view our much more comprehensive FAQ on counselling.
Career counselling with us can help you gain clarity and confidence in your career journey. We'll provide you with personalized support, career path planning and career guidance to explore your career options, and create an action plan to reach your goals. Our coaches also specialize in resiliency building and stress management.
We offer a holistic, heart-based approach to career counselling. It's unique in the marketplace so you won't find this approach anywhere else. We'll provide you with the tools to identify your skills, interests, and values to help you find the right career path for you.
We’ll customize a plan that works for you. Generally, for a career change or transition, the career counselling and coaching process takes between 7-12 sessions . If you're looking for job search coaching and you already know what target position you're aiming for, then 4-7 sessions is a good estimate.
We have over 18 years of experience in the field and have earned over 300 5-star reviews across the US and Canada. Our holistic and heart-based approach ensures that each client is treated with respect and given the personalized attention they need to reach their career goals. Unlike a solo practitioner we have 1000s of cases to draw upon and the collective wisdom of our coaching team that you can leverage.
Want More Happy Mondays?
Get Our Free PDF Guide
Kitchener Waterloo Information
We serve clients across all areas of Kitchener Waterloo.
Please note that all consultations are currently offered by phone and Zoom only.
We provide career counselling services in Kitchener Waterloo and the surrounding areas. Our service areas include:
Kitchener: Downtown, Victoria Hills, Alpine, Forest Heights
Waterloo: Uptown, Westmount, Beechwood, Laurelwood
Cambridge: Preston, Hespeler, Galt
Guelph: Old University, Exhibition Park, St. Patrick’s, Two Rivers
Kitchener Waterloo - Area Information
Are you in the Kitchener Waterloo area and considering career counselling or career coaching? Or are you thinking about a move?
Read through this important area information we've gathered that might inspire you or give you some career ideas.
Kitchener Waterloo Overview & Key Industries in the Region
The Kitchener-Waterloo-Barrie Economic Region, anchored mostly by the tri-cities of Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge, is a vibrant area of Ontario that has a variety of industries and areas of economic growth.
With a strong history in post-secondary education with prestigious institutions including University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and University of Guelph, this region is also establishing a reputation for innovation from major high-tech industry leaders, while also remaining an important region for manufacturing, which accounts for approximately 20% of the region's employment.
With an expected population of over 820, 000 by 2018, it is becoming a key educational, cultural and economic hub of Canada.
Key Industries in the Region:
As mentioned, manufacturing is a large player in the jobs market, accounting for roughly 20% of jobs in the area.
Other key sectors include:
- Retail Trade
- Health care & social assistance
- Educational services
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Construction
- Finance & insurance
- Accomodation & Food Services
- Wholesale Trade
- Transportation & Warehousing
- Administrative & Support, Waste Management
- Public Administration
Economic Trends
Due to the area’s variety of industries, it has rebounded well from the recession, despite big-name company layoffs (Research In Motion aka Blackberry).
The unemployment rate in the region varies--it was reported in 2015 as low as 3.7% in the Guelph region--and is on average 6.4%, much lower than the national unemployment rate.
The biggest job growth trends can be seen in the service sectors such as education, health, accommodation and food services industries, as well as in construction.
With the development of the Waterloo Rapid Transit, the investment in infrastructure will increase not only jobs in transit construction but also private sector and housing construction along developed routes.
The region has invested a great deal into start up businesses, and it's paid off: there has been substantial growth in high tech sector, which attracts people from a variety of industries, to not only design new tech, but to also manufacture their designs as well.
There are research commercialization hubs (such as the Accelerator Centre and Communitech Hub) that attract companies and talents from all over the world, which has led to over 1,000 technology firms existing in the area, including some of Canada's largest software, hardware, e-learning and satellite companies.
(Source: Waterloo Region Official Website)
Fun Facts about Kitchener Waterloo
- In 2011, a study by the University of Waterloo found that there were 196 green businesses in the region that generated approximately $1.04 billion in sales., employing over 3000 people in the area
- This region is posed to become “Silicon Valley North,” with growth in the high tech sector, fueled by the post-secondary graduates, a low Canadian dollar, and its proximity to both the GTA and the US
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently toured the KW region and stated that the region is "at the cutting edge of the global economy"
Top 20 Places to Work in Kitchener Waterloo
There are many industry leaders such as Toyota, Rimowa, COM DEV, Christie Digital, OpenText, Desire2Learn, Google, Manulife, SunLife, Loblaws, Blackberry and Home Hardware within the region.
According to Canada’s Top 100 Employers, here is a list of the top employers in the area:
The Centre for International Governance Innovation
COM DEV International Ltd.
Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc.
D2L
Economical Mutual Insurance Company
Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada, The
Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan Inc.
Gore Mutual Insurance Company
OCAS Application Services Inc.
Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan / Regime d'assurance des enseignantes et des enseignants de l'Ontario (OTIP / RAEO)
OpenText Corporation
Royal Canin Canada Company
St. Mary's General Hospital
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. / TMMC
WalterFedy
The most in-demand jobs from a 2014 study by Canadian business include: professional services (that’s everything from an architect to a lawyer), agriculture/manufacturing, insurance, healthcare and telecommunications, media and technology. Check out the whole list here.