Who We Welcome Into the Career Collective

The Career Collective is powered by people with heart, lived wisdom, and deep industry know-how. We're building a community of professionals who meet folks where they are—and help them take bold steps forward. Below are the guideposts we use when inviting new members into our circle of coaches, mentors, and experts.

Career Coaches

Trained professionals who guide clients through values-aligned career shifts, personal growth, and long-term goal setting.

What we look for:

  • Relevant credentials. You’ve completed a recognized coaching program (like ICF, Co-Active, etc.) or have a related background in counseling, psychology, or leadership.

  • Real experience. You’ve logged at least a year of paid coaching—or completed a practicum with strong references.

  • Proven impact. You can share 1–3 client stories, testimonials, or case studies that speak to the transformation you helped spark.

  • Your unique approach. Whether your framework is formal or homegrown, you can clearly explain how you work with people—and why it works.

Even better if you:

  • Specialize in a niche group like early-career professionals, career changers, creatives, or underrepresented folks in the workplace.

  • Have experience in outdoor, wellness, or purpose-driven industries.

Career Mentors

People pros and hiring experts with hands-on experience in HR, recruiting, or talent development who offer grounded, practical guidance.

What we look for:

  • 3+ years in HR, People & Culture, or Recruiting. This could include internal hiring roles, HR business partnership, DEI programming, agency recruiting, or career advising.

  • In-the-know insights. You're familiar with today’s job search landscape—ATS systems, networking best practices, hiring timelines, and what actually works.

  • Supportive communication. You can give honest, helpful feedback with kindness and clarity, especially in 30–60 minute calls.

Even better if you:

  • Have direct experience screening resumes and conducting interviews.

  • Understand compensation, benefits, or equity-focused hiring practices.

  • Bring a coaching lens—meeting clients with empathy and empowering them to move forward.

Industry Experts

Seasoned leaders, creatives, and doers with deep roots in outdoor and mission-aligned spaces who offer strategic perspective.

What we look for:

  • A strong track record. Maybe you’ve held executive roles, built something from the ground up, led a movement, or shaped an industry conversation.

  • Visible contributions. You’ve been featured in media, published work, spoken on panels, or built a following through thought leadership.

  • High-level guidance. You bring the kind of insight that helps people zoom out—offering perspective, connections, and direction they won’t find on Google.

Even better if you:

  • Have mentored others or led teams.

  • Bring deep niche knowledge in areas like DEI, social impact, creative strategy, or innovation in the outdoors.

What We Expect of All Collective Members

Showing Up for Clients:

  • Respond to new bookings and messages within 48 hours.

  • Arrive on time, prepared, and fully present.

  • Send any promised follow-up (like notes or resources) after the session.

Engaging with the Platform:

  • Keep your Acuity calendar current.

  • Use our shared email signature and bio format so clients know what to expect.

  • Join at least one coach check-in or learning session per quarter.

Living the Values:

  • Embody the values that guide us: integrity, inclusivity, curiosity, and generosity.

  • Honor our Code of Conduct and protect client confidentiality.

  • Stay open to feedback, growth, and collaborative evolution.