Meet Karen Samuelson of Vocation Destination Career and Life Coaching in Arlington

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Samuelson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Karen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My professional background includes teaching English and English as a Second Language in a variety of settings: high school, alternative high school, community college, college, and non-profits. I have a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Teaching English as a Second Language from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont. I love diversity and living in urban areas that nurture educational and artistic growth.

I left teaching to follow my creative leanings and earned a Master’s in film production from Emerson College in Boston where I found screenwriting was my favorite part of the film world. I continue to write screenplays and stage plays.

I wanted to work with people 1-1 and have always loved psychology so I got trained as a Life Coach and then as a Global Career Development Facilitator and landed my first job at Harvard University’s Bridge Program for a three year contract where I taught and career coached. After that I started my own business Vocation Destination and I enjoy each and every client and each day that I practice.

After working in education and in the film industry, I wanted to work more in a one-on-one capacity with people. I’ve always been fascinated by what forms people’s characters and motivates them, but didn’t want another Master’s, so I studied for a Life Coaching Certificate through Life Coaching Training Institute. This course was pivotal in opening a new career doorway. I practiced Life Coaching for about one year and then enrolled in a Global Career Development Facilitator’s Certification program. This led to a three year contract job at the Harvard University Bridge Program where I taught and career coached, and where I continue to teach one course. Since 2010 I have had my own business, Vocation Destination Career and Life Coaching with an office in Arlington, MA. I also coach via phone or Skype and have had clients in Japan, China, and Argentina. I love hearing people’s stories and helping them clarify their dreams and goals and create strategies. We work together to create meaning in their lives and work, and use this time of transition to transform whatever might be holding them back into energy for moving forward.

I am part of the Career Counselor’s Consortium, Northeast and part of a Peer Coaching group that meets once per month.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Having your own business always presents challenges. I would say the marketing piece is the one that’s the toughest because it has to be ongoing. I generally work with clients from 3-6 times, so I have to constantly market for more. I’ve been doing it for many years so I have people refer to me, but at the same time there are more coaches out there so there’s more competition. The Northeast is a highly competitive area across all industries.

The marketing advice one gets is to specialize and find a niche, but I have been a renaissance person most of my life and my love for diversity across the board has made that a tough choice. Because of my background I work often with educators, artists, marketing professionals, and international clients. I love working with creative people but truly welcome all. The coaching process is the same.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am most proud of my commitment to deeply listen to each and every client that steps through my door. I know everyone is unique and I am often humbled at the courage, creativity and openness of my clients. A major strength I have is quickly connecting with people and establishing trust so the coaching goes more efficiently and smoothly.

What were you like growing up?
Tomboy, loved to sing and dance. Value friends and social time. Loved school. Rather bike and swim and run around than watch TV. Grew up in a family with 6 kids and grandparents so I had to learn to pitch in and get along with everyone.

Contact Info:

• Address: Arlington, MA
• Website: www.vocationdestination.biz
• Phone: 7817772234
• Email: karens@vocationdestination.biz
• Instagram: Ms. Karen Samuelson

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