Today we’d like to introduce you to Marilyn Fettner.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Marilyn. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My career has evolved, as I’ve learned more about myself and what I care about most. I started college, thinking I’d be a teacher, as many young women did before increasing career choices were open to women. Although I began college taking several education classes, a charismatic teacher sparked an interest in biology, which I declared as my major.
Unsure about my career path, I toyed with the idea of going to medical school. After thinking about it further, though, I realized that I didn’t want to place my life on hold for the length of time it would require to complete my education. Besides medicine, other popular career options for biology majors at that time, included teaching (of course), and medical technology. Although I didn’t have extensive self-insight at that time, I had enough to know that I wouldn’t be happy working in a lab all day, so I ruled out medical technology.
As a junior in college, dealing with career indecision and a wedding to plan, I left school before completing my degree. I worked in several unsatisfying office roles and then eventually went on to have my two children. While my children were very young, I was mostly a stay-at-home mom, while also venturing into real estate sales.
I had always intended to finish my degree and when I returned to school, the most expeditious road to graduation was to complete my teaching coursework and take some additional science classes. This would prepare me to graduate as a teacher with a concentration in natural science.
After several years of teaching middle school science, I realized it was not a satisfying career for me. I channeled my teaching and real estate experience into a position as Director of Education for a real estate association. Soon after starting in this role, I learned that I loved training and coaching adults, and went on to earn a Master’s in Human Resource Development.
Corporate training became the focus of my work in the positions that followed, and as I continued to move my career forward I yearned to be more independent. In 1998, I formed my own company, providing training, employee development and executive coaching to organizations. I also became interested in helping employees whose positions had become eliminated through down-sizing. I became affiliated with a global outplacement firm where I delivered career transition coaching and presentations to down-sized employees.
While providing one-on-one coaching, I became increasingly curious about the psyche and emotions of the people I was coaching, who having to navigate through difficult career transitions. This curiosity spurred me to enter a Master’s in Counseling program.
After graduating, I completed internships and testing to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
As a result of my education, training and experience in career and personal counseling, I’m able to help people in both their professional and personal lives, which is exceedingly satisfying. Working in both areas provides rich opportunities for learning to gain additional specialized areas of expertise. It’s a strong value of mine, to be able to continuously grow my skills, because I can then develop new integrative strategies for helping my clients.
Has it been a smooth road?
The struggles have been primarily in two areas. The first has been in trying to find a balance of time and energy between my personal life and my professional life. The second has been trying to gain clarity during times when I knew I needed to make some sort of a career change (or tweak), but didn’t know what it was. Eventually I would figure it out, but it didn’t come easily. It took a lot of introspection and research.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My practice provides services to adults of all ages, starting at age 18, and also couples. I provide career counseling, life counseling, couples counseling, executive coaching, entrepreneurial coaching, ADHD coaching, collaborative divorce coaching, and mediation. Examples of specific services include:
• Career testing and assessments, coaching for career direction, employment market research, resume writing, LinkedIn profiles, interviewing, and strategies for challenging workplace dynamics
• Career coaching and direction for people with ADHD and learning disabilities
• Therapeutic strategies for stress, depression, anxiety, ADHD, difficult life transitions, and relationships
• Leadership/executive competency development in management, organization, communication, relationship- building, dealing with difficult people, coaching employees, and office politics
Virtual coaching is also available if it’s difficult to meet in-person.
What I’m most proud of as a company is the growth I’ve experienced, and the clients I’ve helped, from the time I started my company. Additionally, keeping up with career trends – there’s been so much change regarding how people get jobs, and the new jobs that continue to be created. It’s been satisfying and exciting to stay on top of these changes and educate and help my clients.
What I’m known for and sets me apart is the fact that I am educated, trained, and experienced in many areas that affect individuals in both their personal and professional lives. People don’t generally contact me with one isolated problem or goal. A vital lesson one of my mentors taught me is that “everything is connected.” This is my perspective in working with people – I work with the “whole person.”
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
It’s a fabulous place. With so many cultures and universities, our city is filled with people who want to make a good life for themselves. They want to establish and build a solid career, and our city offers great opportunities. It also offers a diversity of people who whom to create friendships, as well as meaningful, intimate relationships.
Additionally, our city offers a variety of sports, cultural and outdoor venues to enjoy life.
As someone with a business who provides career and life counseling, there are numerous people in our city who seek these types of services to enjoy a full, satisfying life.
Because of my successful experience, I would sincerely recommend people start out here.
Pricing:
- $145/45-minute session adults; $140/45-minute session students; $155/60-minute couples
Contact Info:
- Address: 910 Skokie Blvd.,
Northbrook, IL 60062 - Website: www.FettnerCareerConsulting.com
- Phone: 847-831-0079
- Email: marilyn@fettnercareerconsulting.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FettnerCareerCoaching/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fettner-career-and-life-counseling-northbrook-2
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fettnercareercoaching/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
