Tackling Underemployment Starts with Coaching

As we shared last week, the job market for new graduates in 2025 is one of the most challenging in recent memory. With increasing rates of underemployment, economic instability, and shifting employer expectations, students need more than just degrees — they need professional readiness.

At LifeBound, we believe coaching is one of the most transformative tools to close the gap between college and career.

As the only academic coaching training company in higher ed with a clear focus on career and workforce readiness, we created a new resource to help you meet this challenge head-on:

This week, we’re offering something that responds directly to that challenge — not just with data, but with practical tools for you to use.

Delivering College ROI: How Coaching Helps Students Avoid Underemployment

This new guide from LifeBound is designed specifically for academic coaches, educators, advisors, and student success leaders who are helping students bridge the gap between education and employment.

Inside, you’ll find:

Why 52% of college grads are underemployed within a year of graduation — and how coaching can help solve this.
A visual framework to help students tie their academic experiences to professional skills
Real-world coaching questions that help students reflect, reframe, and take proactive steps toward career readiness
Insights from employers about the skills graduates are missing — and how coaching can close the gap
A breakdown of high-impact coaching moments, like turning group projects into leadership practice, or helping students link classwork to soft skills like communication and adaptability

This resource is more than a talking point. It’s a practical guide you can start using right away — in student meetings, team trainings, or even as part of your campus-wide coaching strategy.

And if you’re leading a team? This resource is perfect to bring into staff development discussions or introduce at the start of the fall planning cycle.

Want a copy of this valuable resource?

Simply reply to this newsletter to request this guide, and we’ll send it straight to your inbox.

Because when it comes to tackling underemployment and helping students launch strong careers… coaching isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

If you want to take these coaching skills to the next level — and make this the summer we help students land good jobs and meaningful careers — be sure to join our upcoming trainings. The next 3-day coaching course is June 2, 4, and 6 or start the self-paced training anytime!

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

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!

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

Format: Online or in-person as available

Cost: $5,000 per person

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