Career Coaches Workshop

Hosted by UCLA Alumni Career Engagement, these workshops presented by professional career coaches tap into their expertise in helping people make decisions and plan career directions. This page lists upcoming online workshops. You can access recordings to past workshops here.

Ask the Career Coach: Job Search Tips, Questions and Answers With Emily Baxt ’92

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | Noon PDT

Join Emily Baxt, career coach and workplace consultant, as she shares 10 minutes of her favorite job search strategies and then answers your questions.  You can send your questions in advance on topics like job search strategies, résumés, LinkedIn, networking, changing careers and negotiating. We will also take questions via the chat during the webinar.

Register

Build a Resilient Career: Harness Your Unique Strengths and Transferable Skills With Susan Chang ’93

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | Noon PDT

In today’s ever-changing job market, resilience is key to success. This workshop will guide you in identifying your unique strengths, leveraging transferable skills and embracing growth opportunities. You’ll gain practical strategies to adapt, excel and explore diverse career paths, from side gigs to entrepreneurship, ensuring you stay ahead in your career journey.

What You’ll Learn:

• Expanding Career Horizons: Learn how to use side gigs, freelancing and entrepreneurial ventures as pathways to build skills and uncover new opportunities.
• Tapping Into Your Strengths: Discover how to identify and effectively showcase your unique strengths to align with your ideal role.
• Lifelong Professional Growth: Explore actionable strategies for continuous learning and skill development to remain competitive in any field.

Register

Working It Out: Attachment Trauma, Healing and Growth in Your Career and Everywhere With Jim Hjort ’94

Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 6 p.m. PDT

As popular as it may be, “work-life balance” is an oversimplified concept. Our happiness depends on us being whole and integrated, not split and compartmentalized. Plus, the physical, psychological, social and vocational domains of our life necessarily influence each other. Unfortunately, this interdependence means that the effects of trauma can ripple through our lives in unexpected ways. 

Unresolved attachment trauma — early experiences that deprived us of the sense of being safe, secure and loved just as we are — colors our view of ourselves and what we want, and keeps us from experiencing what we’re really capable of, at work and everywhere else. 

In this talk, we’ll explore the signs that trauma is affecting your career trajectory (or, that vocational trauma is spilling into other areas of life), and how you can begin to effect lasting change and healing, and much more.

Register

Rediscover Your Career Spark With Markell Morris

Thursday, June 26, 2025  | Noon PDT

Today’s professional landscape is evolving faster than ever, leaving many seasoned professionals questioning their career direction. If you’re feeling uncertain, uninspired or unsure how to move forward, this workshop can help. Together, we’ll explore proven techniques to identify your strengths, clarify your goals and chart a realistic path forward. You’ll gain tools to adapt to constant change while prioritizing what matters most — whether it’s finding balance, overcoming burnout or reigniting your passion for your work. Join us to regain control of your career and embrace your next chapter with confidence.

Register

Mastering LinkedIn: Building Your Personal Brand and Unlocking Networking Opportunities With  Armine Kulikyan

Thursday, July 17, 2025 | 6 p.m. PDT

Join us for an engaging workshop on personal branding and networking on LinkedIn, where you'll learn how to craft a compelling profile, enhance your online presence and build meaningful professional connections. Whether you're looking to advance your career, grow your business or expand your network, this session will provide practical strategies and tips for standing out on LinkedIn and making lasting, valuable connections.

Register

The Intentional You: Using Authenticity to Thrive in Your Career With Ricky Koo ’09

Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 | Noon PDT

In a rapidly changing world dominated by noise, information overload and pressures of conformity, self-worth and authenticity have become even more critical in the workplace across all levels. Join us for an inspiring webinar as we delve into the art of being intentional with your authenticity and how to leverage that towards personal and professional success. Drawing inspiration from real-life stories and psychology insights, Leadership and communication coach Ricky Koo will offer practical strategies to guide you on a journey to realize the power of self-branding.

Learn how to align your actions with your values, while being intentional about creating a genuine and compelling self-brand that will allow you to take charge of your life and career. As a queer immigrant turned corporate executive and business owner, Koo navigated that challenging path towards leadership across multiple industries including tech. Now as a professional coach, he will share practical guidance to empower you to have a happy, purposeful life and career, without sacrificing your authenticity.

Register

Life Management Hacks: Aligning Your Time, Energy and Priorities With Jessica Hekmat, MBA '10

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025 | Noon PDT

Join Jessica Sanam Hekmat, MBA ’10, brand strategist, business consultant and career exploration coach, for a conversation on redefining productivity and fulfillment. Forget the myth of work-life balance — this session will help you reframe how you manage your time, energy and commitments in alignment with your evolving values and priorities. Learn how to navigate the seasons of your life and career with intentionality, ensuring that your efforts lead to both efficiency and fulfillment.

This workshop will explore:

• Life Management vs. Time Management — why efficiency alone won’t make you feel fulfilled
• Redefining Success — integrating personal and professional wins for a sustainable, purpose-driven life
• The Power of Prioritization — focusing on what truly moves the needle
• Making Room for What Matters — simple shifts to reclaim energy and reduce overwhelm

If you feel stretched thin, constantly busy but not necessarily fulfilled, or like you’re always chasing the next task, this session is for you.

Register

---

Past Career Coaches Workshop Recordings

Your Business Breakthrough in 60 Minutes With Sami Toussi ’11

Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 | Noon PST

This isn’t your typical webinar — it’s a focused, hands-on session designed to help you tap into your ideal client’s needs and craft solutions that stand out. Through guided prompts and journaling, you’ll reflect, brainstorm and capture actionable ideas in a fillable document designed to keep you accountable long after the session ends. Whether you’re just starting, refining or scaling, you’ll leave with clarity, confidence and a personalized plan to move forward in 2025. Don’t miss this chance to create a business breakthrough!

Watch the Recording

Impactful Communication: Going Beyond Words With Ricky Koo ’09

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 | Noon PST

This is an interactive opportunity to hone the skills needed for impactful communication and collaboration with leaders on all levels. You will learn a unique communication framework designed for you to articulate your message with confidence, while being mindful of your audience and driving towards a clear outcome. Through practical real-world scenarios, attendees will gain insights into effective communication strategies as well as access to Ricky Koo's Impactful Communication template. After this session, you will be able to position yourself as a valuable thought-leader through effective communication, all while remaining your authentic self.

Watch the Recording

Back to You: Reconnecting With Your Purpose and Ambitions With Jessica Hekmat, MBA '10

Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 | Noon PDT

Join Jessica Sanam Hekmat, brand strategist, business consultant and career exploration coach, for a discussion on the power and limitations of our assumed identities. Through this session you will reevaluate your values and commitments, to empower you to create authentic alignment to launch your next move.

Watch the Recording

Tips for Success: Navigating and Thriving in Your Career Transition With Jane Chongchit Houston ’04

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 | Noon PDT

Have you accepted a new position, been promoted or are planning to take on a new career challenge? Join our workshop to learn how to navigate change and thrive. Gain insights on aligning your unique skills to the organization. Learn to avoid the pitfalls of change and embrace the opportunities in your new transition.  

Join Jane Chongchit Houston ’04, executive career coach and former U.S. diplomat for tips and strategies on how to prepare for a successful career transition. 

In this workshop you will learn:  

• How awareness of your strengths and priorities will set you up for success
• How listening to understand will help you discover hidden opportunities and potential pitfalls
• How being fully present will give you a sense of control and help you set work/life boundaries
• How building strong personal relationships will lay the foundation for career growth

Watch the Recording

Leveraging AI for Career Growth and Opportunities With Susan Chang ’93

Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 | Noon PDT

Explore how you can harness AI to advance and future-proof your career in both technical and non-technical professions. Learn the in-demand AI skills that employers seek, discover innovative ways to apply AI no matter your profession, and how to leverage existing resources to reach your career goals. Join career coach, talent management consultant and UCLA alumna, Susan Chang, for a discussion on how you can empower your professional journey in an AI-driven world.

This session will address:

• In-demand AI skills that will set you apart in the job market
• Integrating AI into your current role for career growth
• AI-powered job searching and networking tactics
• How AI is shaping careers across industry sectors

Watch the Recording

Supporting Your LGBTQ Colleagues In the Workplace With Kevin Medina, M.S.W. ʼ16, M.P.P. ʼ16

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 | Noon PDT

While many companies have advanced their DEI policies in recent years, LGBTQ professionals continue to face unique challenges based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. In this webinar, Kevin Medina, will cover gender and sexuality terminology and frameworks, and provide tangible strategies to support prospective and current LGBTQ employees. 

Watch the Recording

Mastering Your Business Model with Sami Toussi ’11

Tuesday, June 4, 2024 | Noon PDT

Calling all entrepreneurs! Whether embarking on a new venture or steering an existing ship, find the key to prosperity in this workshop with career strategist and alumna, Sami Toussi. For new business owners, it's a compass for establishing a robust foundation, while existing business owners benefit from a strategic tune-up to reassess, refine, and optimize their models. Join Sami on this transformative journey, unlocking the potential of a well-crafted business model for success in any entrepreneurial landscape.

Watch the Recording

Three Tools to Thrive As a First Gen Professional With Paula Amezola, M.P.H. ’02

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 | Noon PDT

In this workshop, participants will explore three evidence-based strategies essential for navigating the complexities of being first gen professional trailblazers; assessing awareness, practicing positivity and shifting to a resilient mindset. These strategies collectively serve as a blueprint for first gen professionals to liberate themselves from constraints, overcome obstacles and thrive in their professional journey. Join us to unlock the genius within, as we explore actionable practices to flourish in the ever-evolving workforce landscape.

Uncover Your Passion and Design a Career You Love With Markell Morris

Thursday, April 18, 2024 | Noon PDT

Are you at a career crossroads wondering what to do next? This session will introduce you to actions you can take to create a road map for pursuing your desired career. It will guide you to how to gain personal insight, get a reality check and chart a career path. You'll learn about what motivates you to perform your best, explore viable career options, research realistic opportunities, and plan for a successful job search or transition.Uncover the step-by-step process that will help you design a career on your own terms.

In this session you will learn:

• A clear step-by-step roadmap that outlines exactly what to do in your career change
• Specific strategies and techniques for gaining clarity, getting good career information and charting a career path
• Resources for career information, guidance and support to launch your career change

Watch the Recording

Your Moment of Truth: Finding Clarity in Your Career (and Life) in Uncertain Times With Jim Hjort ’94

Thursday, March 21, 2024 | 6 p.m. PDT

Whether you’re facing an unexpected career disruption, contemplating making a change, or just feeling a touch stagnant or uninspired, this session is for you. Jim Hjort, LCSW, an executive and career coach and licensed psychotherapist, will give you the knowledge and tools you need to respond to vocational stress in a way that promotes not only your long-term career growth and satisfaction, but your movement along the path to self-actualization. 

In this session you will learn how to:

• Understand your career as a crucial contributor to your happiness as a person
• Make wise choices even in the midst of anxiety and uncertainty
• Identify and de-power the powerful, and often false, thoughts and beliefs that keep you stuck
• Use tools based in psychology and motivational science, so you can make real, consistent, progress toward your career and life goals

Watch the Recording

Jump Back In: Successfully Returning to Work After an Extended Career Break With Emily Baxt ’92

Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024 | Noon PST

Even the most accomplished college-educated professionals can doubt their value in the workforce after an extended leave for parenting, caregiving, health, or other reasons. Join Emily Baxt, leadership development facilitator and career coach, to discuss common issues and concerns, effective action steps, and relevant resources for stay-at-home parents (and others) navigating the transition back to work. 

In this session you will:

• Learn strategies to build your confidence
• Discover ways to identify your past successes and current strengths
• Choose specific job search tactics to move you forward'

Watch the Recording

---

Career Coaches Workshop Recordings Archives