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Coaching crucial for graduate development, success
Personalised coaching could spell the difference for grad lawyers looking to cultivate high performance, relieve anxiety and build confidence about their vocational direction and aspirations, according to a recruiter-turned-coach.
Jerome Doraisamy
LawGraduate coach Tanya Dunbabin, formerly a human resources advisor and grad recruitment consultant at Herbert Smith Freehills, told Lawyers Weekly that the early years of life in the legal profession can be intimidating given the environmental pressure to secure a graduate role.
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“This demographic can receive an overload of advice and not know how to apply it, or miss it all completely at university,” she explained.
“Personal and professional development can enhance performance once focus areas are identified and a career path defined.”
What is needed, Ms Dunbabin advised, is personal, individualised support through which a young legal professional can understand the pattern of feedback, develop back-up plans, enhance skillsets and tailor a curriculum vitae to particular job applications.
“It is through this personal dialogue [that] students and lawyers have stated that they feel more equipped and focused on the next steps they should be taking,” she said.
Taking steps to develop a unique offering, by focusing on enhancement of developmental areas and leveraging personal strengths, can provide an edge in what is a highly competitive recruitment process or workplace, she argued.
“By taking the time to seek guidance, juniors gain direction, tangible approaches and actionable items which enhances confidence and their operating skills within the workplace,” she said.
Those who might see financial constraints as a hurdle to such coaching should think of their vocational development as being similar to skills acquisition, Ms Dunbabin said.
When developing a new skill, one can look to online resources, engage services provided by the industry, or obtain private coaching, she outlined.
“All assist you in the development of vocational skills, however personal coaching is individualised to address your needs, expedites the learning process and creates a laser focus on your development.”
Coaching is especially pertinent for young lawyers, she concluded, given that it is a career that demands tenacity, focus and time. In light of this, discovering the right career path is especially important.
“There is a place for everyone, it’s just about finding it,” she said.
“Many dream of top tier, however, it is about getting to know individuals — their values, strengths and ambitions — that helps to create an open dialogue to develop a suitable career pathway.”
