The organization is led by founder Shirin Khamisa, who brings a vision of meaningful career success rooted in both strategic planning and emotional well-being. Careers by Design's Vancouver Career Coaches coaching services go far beyond surface-level advice and basic resume editing; they provide a deeply immersive, individualized experience that helps clients transform not only their careers but their outlook on work and life. The process begins with a no-pressure introductory consultation, where clients are encouraged to open up about their professional history, current dissatisfaction, dreams, and any emotional roadblocks they may be facing. Looking for expert career coaching in Vancouver? At Careers by Design, we specialize in personalized 1-on-1 coaching to help you discover your career fit, build confidence, and land the job that truly matches your goals. Whether you're starting your professional journey or navigating a major career transition, our highly experienced team offers customized support to guide you every step of the way. Rated 4.8 stars on Google and voted Best Employment Coaching Vancouver we provide services like job search coaching, interview preparation, resume writing, and strategic career counselling in Vancouver. Our proven “Connect Head & Heart” approach helps you align your personal values with career goals, so you can truly love your work—and your life. We work with professionals across all industries, from new graduates to executives, helping them identify strengths, gain clarity, and achieve lasting career satisfaction. Get matched with an ICF-certified career coach Vancouver residents trust and start moving forward—faster.. This initial conversation is key because it helps both the coach and the client understand the full scope of the situation-whether the client is feeling stuck in a role that no longer serves them, burned out from years of stress, or uncertain about which direction to pursue next. Many clients come in with feelings of anxiety, confusion, or even shame about their career path, and this first call offers a safe space to unpack those emotions while beginning to envision what a healthier, more fulfilling future might look like.. Shirin emphasizes that career development is not a one-size-fits-all journey; instead, it requires a nuanced understanding of individual goals and motivations. Her leadership has shaped Careers by Design into a practice that supports professionals at every stage-from recent graduates to senior executives-by helping them create sustainable, fulfilling career paths that align with both personal values and market opportunities.
In addition to coaching, Careers by Design offers insightful resources, including a free downloadable guide titled “5 Steps to More Happy Mondays,” and a comprehensive overview of industry terms and career development concepts. Their educational resources empower clients to better understand the evolving job market and make informed decisions.
The firm has earned numerous accolades, including “Best Career Coach Vancouver” and “Best Career Coach Canada,” along with a high customer satisfaction rating reflected in over 300 five-star Google reviews. They serve the entire Vancouver area and have been a trusted resource for over two decades.
Ultimately, Careers by Design believes that career success is deeply personal. Their coaching model is built on understanding the individual as a whole-acknowledging both professional aspirations and personal well-being. Whether you're entering the workforce for the first time or contemplating a major career shift, their expert coaches are equipped to help you navigate the journey and achieve your definition of success.
Rated 5 Stars on Google – Careers by Design has exceptional client satisfaction and is highly rated online.
Expert Career Coaching in Vancouver – They specialize in personalized 1-on-1 coaching to help clients find the right career path.
Free Initial Consultation – Potential clients can book a free chat to explore services and ask questions.
Career Transition Support – Guidance is available for those making a change in their career direction.
Job Search Coaching – Coaches provide step-by-step support to overcome job search challenges
Resume Writing & Interview Coaching – Services include resume creation, cover letter development, and LinkedIn optimization, along with interview preparation.
Support Across All Career Stages – From new graduates to seasoned executives, the services are tailored for all professionals.
Award-Winning Services – Voted Best Career Coach in Vancouver and Canada; recipient of the 2024 Best of Canada Career Coach Awards.
Client Success Stories – Numerous testimonials show measurable outcomes like new job placements and increased confidence.
Connect Head & Heart Approach – A unique coaching model combining emotional intelligence and practical strategy to drive results.
Certified Career Coaches – The team includes ICF-certified professionals with 20–25+ years of experience.
Customized Career Plans – Each client receives a tailored plan based on their personal strengths, values, and aspirations.
Inclusive of All Industries – The service caters to professionals from healthcare, tech, education, business, and more.
Video Interviews with Coaches – Potential clients can get to know the coaches via video to build trust and transparency.
Emphasis on Mental Wellbeing – Tools like HeartMath are used to reduce stress and enhance focus during job searches.
Proven Results Over 20 Years – Over two decades of helping professionals in Vancouver succeed in meaningful careers.
Highly Rated Testimonials – Success stories from professionals in various roles including urban policy, quality direction, design, coaching, and operations.
Practical Tools & Strategies – The coaching programs are results-focused, offering actionable steps and resources.
Downloadable Career Guide – A free guide titled “5 Steps to More Happy Mondays” is available to help people start transforming their careers.
Holistic & Research-Based Approach – Combines psychology, assessments like MBTI, and modern counselling methods for effective career development.
Client success stories and feedback consistently highlight the profound transformations that take place through Careers by Design's programs. Many clients report landing roles that not only meet their financial and professional needs but bring them a renewed sense of purpose, belonging, and personal fulfillment. Clients often speak about how the coaching experience helped them see possibilities they had not previously considered, overcome fears that had long kept them stuck, and build the internal and external tools necessary for sustained career growth. Numerous five-star reviews, personal referrals, and return clients are a testament to the powerful, life-changing impact that Careers by Design delivers.
One of the distinguishing features of Careers by Design is the caliber and diversity of its coaching team. Coaches come from backgrounds in psychology, business, human resources, and organizational leadership, and many hold certifications from top coaching programs and advanced degrees. This multidisciplinary expertise enables the coaching team to match clients with professionals who truly understand the industries, challenges, and opportunities relevant to their goals. Coaches regularly participate in professional development to stay current with best practices in career coaching, emotional intelligence training, and labor market trends, ensuring that clients benefit from the latest research and insights.
Clients consistently report positive outcomes, including increased confidence, renewed motivation, and tangible results like landing job offers within a few weeks. Testimonials highlight the transformational impact of the coaching, emphasizing the importance of being truly heard and supported during times of transition. Many describe the experience as life-changing, crediting their coaches for helping them discover not just a new job, but a renewed sense of purpose.
In addition to emotional coaching, Careers by Design provides detailed and actionable support for every aspect of career marketing. Clients work closely with their coach to craft powerful resumes that are results-driven, customized for specific roles, and formatted to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Rather than simply listing job duties, resumes are reframed to highlight achievements, leadership skills, and the unique value proposition the client brings to potential employers. LinkedIn optimization is another key area of focus, ensuring that clients' online profiles are not only keyword-rich for searchability but also authentic representations of their professional brand. Clients are taught how to use LinkedIn proactively to build meaningful professional networks, engage with industry communities, and uncover hidden job opportunities through warm referrals and informational interviews.
Once the coaching engagement formally begins, clients are supported through a blend of structured sessions and customized resources. The coaching program is not a one-size-fits-all service; rather, it is tailored to meet the unique goals, personality, and professional situation of each individual. Clients might work on clarifying their career vision through exercises that explore their strengths, passions, and core values, or they might receive targeted support in building a career transition plan, navigating organizational politics, or developing leadership skills. Each coaching session is guided by a clear agenda but remains flexible enough to adapt to the client's evolving needs, ensuring that every interaction provides both emotional support and strategic direction.
Careers by Design's career coaching services in Vancouver offer a deeply transformative experience for individuals at any stage of their professional lives. The program is designed to not only address the external components of career development, such as job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation, but also the internal components, including mindset, confidence, emotional resilience, and clarity of purpose. This dual approach ensures that clients are not only more successful in securing new opportunities but are genuinely aligned with roles that fulfill them and support their broader life goals. The process begins with a complimentary consultation, which serves as a gateway to understanding the client's current challenges, goals, and emotional landscape. During this session, the coach engages in active listening and reflective questioning to uncover the deeper issues that may be blocking the client's progress-be it fear of change, self-doubt, or simply a lack of direction.
Careers by Design delivers a deeply personalized and emotionally intelligent approach to career coaching in Vancouver, offering a distinctive blend of strategic planning and inner development that sets it apart from more conventional career services. At the heart of their coaching philosophy is the belief that every individual has the potential to build a meaningful and fulfilling career, but that this requires more than just surface-level tools like resumes or interview tips-it demands a deeper understanding of personal values, goals, and emotional well-being. Their program is built around helping clients not only define what success means to them but also develop the confidence and clarity to pursue it, even amid uncertainty or significant career upheaval.
The team at Careers by Design is composed of highly credentialed professionals from diverse backgrounds in psychology, business, coaching, and leadership training. Many coaches hold advanced degrees and certifications, bringing both academic knowledge and lived experience to their client sessions. This diversity allows for effective matching between coach and client, ensuring cultural, industry, or personality alignment where possible. Coaches receive ongoing training and supervision, maintaining a high standard of quality across all engagements. Their ability to combine practical strategies with emotional intelligence is repeatedly mentioned in client testimonials as a key differentiator in the market.
Careers by Design's Vancouver career coaching services go far beyond surface-level advice and basic resume editing; they provide a deeply immersive, individualized experience that helps clients transform not only their careers but their outlook on work and life. The process begins with a no-pressure introductory consultation, where clients are encouraged to open up about their professional history, current dissatisfaction, dreams, and any emotional roadblocks they may be facing. This initial conversation is key because it helps both the coach and the client understand the full scope of the situation-whether the client is feeling stuck in a role that no longer serves them, burned out from years of stress, or uncertain about which direction to pursue next. Many clients come in with feelings of anxiety, confusion, or even shame about their career path, and this first call offers a safe space to unpack those emotions while beginning to envision what a healthier, more fulfilling future might look like.
Anyone—from early career professionals to seasoned executives, returning professionals, or those seeking purpose—can benefit. They serve both individuals and organizations.
Shirin Khamisa is the founder and practice leader. She’s a career counselling expert and thought leader featured in outlets like CBC, CTV, and The Globe & Mail.
Yes. They have a team of certified resume writers and offer resume optimization, branding, and interview preparation to help you land your ideal job.