A little about me (and why it matters to you) + this month's member workshop

Hey there,

Can I write an email all about me? Yes, why not. Here goes.

I’ve been doing what I do, in a few different ways, for over a decade. Most of that time, I’ve been self-employed, working directly with individuals and collaborating with institutions or other organizations.

These years of experience are part of what sets me apart as a career coach for professors, postdocs, and other PhDs ready to leave academia.

What I teach, how I facilitate transformative career changes (that’s coaching!), and how I guide, mentor, and support my clients come out of that experience. This includes picking up new skills through coach training and working with PhD holders across countries and practically every academic discipline you can imagine.

One of my biggest strengths as a career coach? Supporting folks who don’t know what to do next or how to start figuring it out. I’ve got a step-by-step approach to help you move forward with clarity, so you’re never stuck.

Another strength of mine is building community. If we’ve interacted online, or you’ve been a client, or even just a contact, I’d like to think you agree. (The downfall of Twitter has thrown me for a loop, though, I admit. Ugh.)

Even those clients who aren’t necessarily looking to build community with others find value in my being in active conversation with their peers—it’s how I grow, adapt, and improve my services.

Did you know that I develop new or update older workshops every month? These workshops are hosted live for my program members, and the recordings are added to the Member Resource Library for anytime access.

Topics and approaches often come directly from the discussions I have with members, other clients, and folks in my broader community.

Later this month (Friday, November 22), I’m doing a workshop for members called “Freelancing, Consulting, and Other Ways to Earn a Buck While Job Searching.”

Recent workshops have covered cover letters, managing tough job searches, referrals, and preparing for your first week on the job. These supplemental workshops ensure that I’m always providing relevant, timely support.

When I think back a decade ago to the community I wanted to be part of, it was exactly this: Learning from people with all different academic backgrounds, who are building careers across all kinds of different roles, industries, and sectors.

Honestly, yay me! This work is fun and deeply rewarding. That’s because I’m endlessly curious, I love to learn, and I value gaining new perspectives.

And hey, if you think I’m wrong about something, tell me! I welcome a good mind-changing conversation.

So, why does any of this matter to you?

If you’re considering working with me or bringing me in to support your campus’s students, postdocs, faculty, or staff, it’s important to know who I am and what I’m all about.

And if you’re a job seeker yourself, knowing your own strengths, values, and priorities is key to making better decisions, saving time, and feeling confident—especially when taking risks.

I want that for me, and I want that for you.

What’s Happening

The PhD Career Clarity Program is open for enrollment! Perfect for professors, postdocs, and other PhDs who are ready to leave academia and land meaningful jobs where they’ll feel valued and respected.
Free Wednesday co-working continues; sign up on my website.
Want more co-working? Sign up for Flow Club, where I’m a regular host. Use my link to get a free two-week trial.
For program members: This month’s workshop, “Freelancing, Consulting, and Other Ways to Earn a Buck While Job Searching,” is on Friday, 22 November, starting at 12pm EST. Details in the Community.

All members are welcome to join live, or access the recording after the fact. Expect a worksheet and other resources, as usual.

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Earning while still job searching

What’s your experience →

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“I don’t have time to soul-search.”

Read the rest →

I went to a horse show (and agricultural fair) on Saturday! It was great fun.

Here are a few pics of what I saw, including heavy horses, such as Belgians, Clydesdales, and Percherons; Friesian draft horses; Hackney and Welsh ponies, and more!

Clydesdale all suited up ready to get hitched to the rest of the team and carriage.
Six heavy horse teams and carriages lined up in the centre of the arena, ready for judging.
Friesian horses in unicorn hitch pulling a carriage with one driver and three passengers
Hackney ponies lining up in the centre of the arena for judging.

Cheers,

Jen

P.S. Want to explore working with me? Visit my Services page to learn about options, or reply to this email and let me know what you want my help with!

Jennifer Polk, PhD