About

 

Career Advising for Students and Recent Graduates (High School and College)

College Majors

ABOUT

Most college students don’t struggle because they lack ability.

They struggle because they lack clarity - and a structured path to turn their strengths into direction and real opportunities.

 

ABOUT ME

I work with college students and recent graduates who feel stuck between academic success and real-world direction.

Many of the students I work with are high-achieving -but unsure how to translate their background into a clear career path or first job.

 

WHAT I DO

My work is focused on helping students move through three stages:

  1. Clarity

Understanding strengths, interests, and realistic career directions.

  1. Positioning

Building a strong resume, narrative, and job search focus.

  1. Execution

Creating a structured plan to land internships and first roles.

 

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Even highly capable students often:

  • Apply broadly without direction
  • Feel overwhelmed by too many options
  • Struggle to communicate their value
  • Lack confidence in interviews and networking

The result is wasted time, stress, and missed opportunities.

 

APPROACH (what makes me different)

My approach is structured and outcome focused.

Instead of open-ended exploration, I focus on:

  • narrowing direction quickly
  • building a clear strategy
  • executing with accountability

The objective is simple: clarity that turns into real opportunities.

 

CREDENTIALS

What sets me apart is my extensive, real-world experience in education and consulting. I bring practical insights and proven strategies to help understand what employers are really looking for and how to succeed in today’s job market.

Joel Goldberg Ph.D.

 

CAREER

I’ve spent my career helping students and young professionals figure out their next steps, whether that’s choosing a major, landing their first job, or planning a career path they’re excited about.

I understand firsthand how overwhelming academic and career decisions can feel. Many students feel stuck or unsure where to start, and I’ve built my coaching approach to give clarity, confidence, and actionable steps.

 

EXPERTISE

My path to coaching combines graduate education, academic advising, teaching and business experience:

I have effectively worked in service of clients that range from first-year college students to Fortune 500 executives. My coaching style is encouraging and optimistic.

  • I hold a master's degree in education from Harvard University and a Ph.D. from Cornell University in Education and Organizational Behavior.
  • Additionally, I have more than 15 years of university level teaching human resources and academic advising experience and am certified in the major career planning assessments, including Strong Interest Inventory and Myers-Briggs.
  • What is most helpful to my coaching clients is my more than 20 years of management consulting experience in major industries including Healthcare, Manufacturing, Finance, Government, Non-Profit, Technology, Education.  My clients have included IBM, The United States Patent and Trademark Office, Pfizer, M&T Bank, H.J. Heinz, Steelcase and Lotus.
  • I began my career at Price Waterhouse (PwC) as a management consultant in their organizational change practice.

I combine career exploration tools, academic guidance, and real-world insights to help students and recent graduates:

  • Discover their strengths, values, and passions
  • Explore majors, internships, and career paths
  • Create a step-by-step plan to take immediate action

 

WHO I WORK WITH

I work with students who want more than general advice - but rather, they want clarity, a plan, and confidence to start.

I often work with students referred by parents, professionals and executive coaches who are looking for structured support during this transition.

If you're supporting a student in this stage, I’m always happy to be a resource.

 

Let's Talk!

If you’re a student, parent, or coach and want help navigating this transition, you can:

  • Book a free clarity session

No pressure, just a structured starting point for clarity and direction.

Please contact me to learn more about how I could help you achieve your objectives.

Career Exploration

Joel Goldberg

Call 716.553.3157

Email joel@careerexploration.com