Let’s be honest: if you’re Googling “what is a career coach,” you’re probably a little skeptical. Is it just expensive advice you could get from a YouTube video? Are career coaches even… real? 

Fair questions. The career coaching industry is full of people with wildly different backgrounds, approaches, and qualifications. So let’s break down what career coaching is, what makes someone a legitimate coach, and how to know if it’s something you need. 

What career coaching is (and isn’t) 

Career coaching is a structured process where you work with someone who helps you think more clearly about your career goals and how to reach them. It’s not magic, it’s not therapy, and it’s not someone handing you a step-by-step plan to follow blindly. 

As Jeff Herman, Senior Data Scientist at H&R Block and Career Coach at Codecademy, puts it: “Career coaching is not about telling you what to do, it’s about helping you think more clearly. Good coaching gives you structure, confidence, and direction so you can make better decisions on your own.” 

Good coaching provides structure and accountability, is tailored to your specific situation, and helps you build a repeatable process. Liz Tracy, a Career Coach at Codecademy, is clear about what it’s not: “Coaching is not advice giving. It’s not about a coach telling you what job you should take — it’s about sharpening how you think, decide, and show up.” 

And you still have to do the work. “Coaching is not magic,” Liz says. “When you’re committed to getting where you want to go, it can be truly transformative.” The key word there is committed. 

At Codecademy, our coaches focus on bridging the gap between learning and doing—helping you turn technical skills into real career outcomes. Learn more about our coaching approach here.

What makes a career coach legitimate 

Choosing the right 1:1 coach for your goals is a personal decision. Here are a few details that we considered when hiring our Codecademy career coaches: 

Professional credentials and real-world experience 

Certifications from organizations like the International Coaching Federation or Society for Human Resource Management show formal training. But especially in tech, you also might want someone who’s worked in the field and understands the market, the hiring process, and the skills that matter. 

Recruiting or hiring experience 

If your coach has been on the other side of the hiring table, they can tell you what makes a difference when someone’s reviewing your resume or interviewing you. 

For tech coaching, technical background is key  

You want a coach who speaks the language and understands the tools, workflows, and specific challenges you’re facing. 

Codecademy’s coaching team includes developers, data scientists, and engineers who also have recruiting experience, plus professional career coaches who specialize in helping people navigate transitions. See our full roster of coaches here. 

What you get from career coaching 

Clarity on your career direction. A coach helps you think through your options based on your strengths, interests, and market realities — then maps out what skills and experiences will get you there. 

Feedback on real work. Tutorials can teach you syntax. A coach can tell you if your code is solid, if your portfolio projects would impress a hiring manager, or if your resume is selling you short. With Codecademy Coaching, you might review your GitHub projects in one session, then use the next to prep for upcoming interviews. 

Accountability and momentum. It’s easy to lose steam when you’re learning on your own. A coach keeps you moving forward, even when motivation dips. After each session, your coach sends follow-up materials and resources. 

A different perspective. Tyler Lemke, a software engineering manager and Codecademy coach, puts it this way: “Sometimes we need other perspectives to be able to see and focus in on what we’re really good at, and to find those nuggets that help us to stand out as individuals.” 

4 signs you need a career coach 

You might benefit from coaching if: 

• You’re stuck between learning and doing. You’ve completed courses but you’re not sure how to turn that into a job or career move. 
• You’re making progress but want to accelerate. As Jeff Herman says: “You do not need to be stuck or struggling to benefit from coaching. Coaching works best when you want clarity, direction, or a plan—even if you’re already making progress.” 
• You’re switching careers. Jeff adds: “The biggest misconception people have is they need to be fully ready before applying or making a move. In reality, most people grow into roles. You don’t need perfection—you need momentum and a plan.” 
• You lack accountability or direction. You know what you want to learn, but you keep putting it off or losing focus. 

You probably DON’T need a coach if you’re not ready to put in the work or you’re looking for someone to do it for you. 

If you’re nodding along to those first signs, it might be worth trying a coaching session. With Codecademy Coaching, there’s no long-term commitment — just month-to-month flexibility. 

Not ready for 1:1 career coaching? Browse our professional skills courses. We have lots of free courses you can take to improve specific business skills, including communication, problem-solving, effective listening, and more.  

Is career coaching worth it? 

If you’re committed to making a change, coaching can save you months of spinning your wheels. The ROI isn’t just financial — it’s also about confidence, clarity, and time saved. 

Codecademy Coaching is $149.99/month for two sessions. See pricing here. 

As Bee Hamzai, a Career Coach at Codecademy, puts it: “This is the only investment that you are doing for yourself. There are talented coaches out there that can share with you a lot of knowledge and tips and tricks that you have never thought about before.” 

What to expect from Codecademy Career Coaching 

Before your session, you choose a coach based on their expertise and fill out a quick intake form. Sessions are 45-60 minutes, and you set the agenda. Maybe you’re reviewing a portfolio project, doing a mock interview, or mapping out a learning plan. Your coach works through your specific challenges with you. 

After your session, your coach sends follow-up materials and resources. When you’re ready, you book your next session. The whole thing is flexible — you work on what matters most to you, at your own pace.  

As Liz Tracy says: “Don’t wait until you feel ready to start moving. Start showing up like the next level version of yourself now. You bring your next role to you through small, repeated action steps, not perfection.”