Challenging job markets are not a new phenomenon. However, the current job market is proving to be one of the most difficult in many years. Many current graduates are struggling to find jobs right out of college that are commensurate with their degrees and studies. This CNBC article cites a dynamic system of factors including the steady growth of the use of AI, recent federal job cuts, and company belt-tightening as a result of increased tariffs. 

Two important action points the article suggests for new graduates are building networks, perhaps by setting up and conducting informational interviews, and targeting smaller companies with under 250 employees, since they may provide better learning and growth opportunities. But the qualities, characteristics and transferable skills they bring to the table may be equally, or perhaps more, essential. As recently as March of this year, hiring platform Indeed published a ringing endorsement of soft skills when it comes to getting and staying employed. 

Additionally, some grads may find themselves driving Lyft or Uber, working in retail and fast food and holding down two to three jobs as they grow their professional connections through new networks and by seeing through this tough time to the strengths that each have—strengths that will serve them well throughout their professional lives. 

Coaches and coaching programs are at the forefront of the drive to graduate workers with the essential soft skills cited by Indeed such as adaptability, teamwork, problem solving, time management, and more. Coachees who have the opportunity to reflect, plan, build self-knowledge and self-management, and actively pursue their goals will not only be more prepared for the jobs they win, they will also be more able to weather the unexpected changes that will be a feature of any career trajectory, especially in the rapidly shifting modern workplace. For the next few years, we need to work with students to build the strong work skills of resilience, a can-do attitude and an ability to be flexible through challenge.

Coaches, take the opportunity this summer to grow your ability to foster job-ready graduates this year and in the years ahead.

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Based on this growing challenge, LifeBound is on a mission this summer to equip hundreds of educators, coaches, and staff with the tools to help students build meaningful careers and thrive beyond graduation. As the ONLY academic coaching training company focused on real-world career readiness, LifeBound invites you to invest in your professional development this summer through our 3-Day Coaching Course, Self-Paced Training, or Certification Pathway.

To support these changing times, we’ve created a powerful new resource for coaches, faculty, and staff:

Delivering College ROI: How Coaching Helps Students Avoid Underemployment

This unique resource offers: 

• A visual guide to help students connect their college experiences to essential workplace skills
• Coaching tips and prompts you can use with students right away as it relates to career readiness
• Insights on what’s driving underemployment — and how coaching and institutions can change that

If you’d like a FREE COPY of this resource, just reply to this email with ‘Send it’ and we’ll get it right over to you.

Make 2025 the Year Coaching Solves Higher Ed’s Toughest Challenges

Higher education is grappling with unprecedented challenges—rising mental health crises, the need for greater career readiness, and the unfortunate reality that many students struggle to secure meaningful employment or are let go shortly after starting. These issues affect not only individual students but also university outcomes like enrollment, retention, and long-term institutional success.

By equipping your staff with coaching training, you can help students build resilience, achieve meaningful employment, and address many challenges that universities face today.  Allocate your budget toward LifeBound’s training options this year and plan ahead to ensure your institution is prepared to address these critical needs effectively.  Let’s create a campus-wide culture of coaching and make an impact in 2025! 

LifeBound offers multiple ways to train academic coaches, faculty, or staff: 

3-Day Virtual Training

A dynamic, interactive course focused on practical coaching techniques.

Next Class: June 2, 4, 6

REGISTER HERE

July 14, 16, 18 

August 11, 13, 15

September 5, 12, 19

(view all 2025 dates online)

Time: 3 days, 6 hours each

Format: Online

Cost: $1,500 per person. Contact us about group rates.

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Self-Paced Coaching Course for Academic, Personal, and Professional Success

A flexible, 15-hour program designed for those who want to deepen their skills at their own pace. The course dives deep into foundational and advanced coaching techniques as well as motivation, resilience, career readiness, cultural competence and coaching diverse student populations, and includes private sessions with a LifeBound Coach. Institutional packages are available for group training.

Choose Your Own Dates!

REGISTER HERE

Time: 15 hours (self-paced), plus 3 hours with LifeBound Coach

Format: Online

Cost: $1,500 per person. If you’ve already completed the 1-Day or 3-Day program, email contact@lifebound.com to receive a discount code for $500 off the new Self-Paced Course. Contact us about group rates.

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LifeBound Certification Program

For coaches ready to take their skills to the next level, the LifeBound Certification Program offers an in-depth dive into advanced coaching practices and strategies, culminating in certification as a LifeBound Coach.

Spring, Summer, and Fall Cohorts

Summer Session: May 27 – Aug 26

Registration Deadline May 23

REGISTER HERE

Format: Online or in-person as available

Cost: $5,000 per person

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Sign Up Today or Contact Us to Learn More



Let’s make 2025 a year of transformation for your institution and the students you serve!