Hi, I’m Svetlana

Being a career coach was never part of my plan. I was good at chemistry, and my professors told me what I wanted. No wonder I had to do something drastic to discover what really makes me happy! Now I work in applied science at UIC and help smart but struggling STEM professionals through the process of self-discovery, career change strategy and life transformation.


More About Me

If you had told me when I finished my Ph. D in chemistry and chemical biology that I would eventually become a career coach, I probably would have been horrified. But just months after graduation, I found myself failing miserably with my job hunt, as many STEM grads do. I could have used a coach, but I didn’t know that yet.

I was applying for a ton of jobs with no success—until the perfect research assistant position came along—in South Dakota. I had spent most of my life in Moscow and Chicago. Moving to a rural area in a country where I was still learning the language would put me far outside my comfort zone. I even considered moving back to Russia. But I decided to let this be an all-out win or fail situation and pulled the trigger.

I’m glad I did, because what I call the “South Dakota Saga” led to the biggest transformation of my life. I had started out studying “pure science” in the biochemistry lab. I loved being a science nerd, but in the eerie quiet of South Dakota, I learned things about myself I would never know if I had stayed in Chicago. I had a “light bulb moment” during my teaching assistantship and I realized this work would never be fulfilling unless I was directly helping others. So I broke out of the lab to work in applied science.

I spent three years discovering myself and growing in South Dakota. With this new clarity and sense of purpose, I was able to find a perfect-fit job in Chicago where I truly belonged. Since then I’ve been working at the University of Illinois Chicago generating partnerships between academic scientists and big pharma. I mentor all the STEM students I can find and earned my ACCC coaching certification.

Evolution Happens Slowly. Career Change Does Too.

It’s not my academic studies or certifications that make me a great career coach. It’s my experience failing in academia and STEM. It’s learning a new language and a new field at the same time and listening to my instincts until I found my true passion. They say that science is 99% failure, but everyone who puts in the work should eventually get to the 1% of success that changes everything.

I had to un-learn a lot of toxic ideas about what failure and success really are. And then I wanted to help other professionals have the same kinds of revelations to experience success and fulfillment at the same time. Hopefully, you won’t have to feel as lost and alone as I did. It will take some time to do your own un-learning and change your perspective on what success looks like for you. It can be done! I can help.

If you’re done living your life based on somebody else’s idea of success, please reach out for a free consultation. I’d love to help you through your career transformation.

Challenges I Help With

  • Self-Awareness and Confidence

    Detoxing from negative work environments is a great starting point. Learn to filter out other people’s expectations and do some self-discovery to find your top career priorities. Then we’ll build your resilience and set some healthy boundaries so your energy goes to the important things.

  • Finding Your Purpose

    If you’re thinking “there must be more to life that is,” let’s find out what that means for you and make it a reality. I bet you’ve got some untapped potential—we can bring it out, identify what else is misaligned in your current situation and define what you need to be fulfilled. You can make a real impact and get the recognition you deserve.

  • Motivation and Momentum

    Have you hit a plateau or found yourself in a rut? Complacency keeps a lot of people from reaching their potential. Let’s shake things up so you can take some smart risks and make the career moves you want to make. We’ll also work on daily practices to help you stay stress-free and focused throughout big changes.

  • Navigating Career Change

    The traditional job application process doesn’t work anymore. You have to conduct informational interviews, network your way in through the back door and actually negotiate your salary. It takes a bit of experience, but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ll help you map out your game plan to get to your next position.

  • Walking the Walk

    Moving up means doing some things you’ve never done before, like walking into second and third interviews with poise and confidence. You don’t need permission or approval to get where you want to go. I can teach you some ways to manage fears and get grounded while we develop your authentic leadership presence.

  • Stop Competing and Find Your Professional Community

    Did you know that less than 2% of all graduates in scientific Ph. D programs will become tenure-track professors? (Royal Society) In some areas of STEM, tenure is considered the only career goal worth pursuing. That means thousands of highly skilled people are being pushed into very narrow routes to success. It’s unfair and unhealthy! You’ve done the hard work. Now own your brilliance and open your mind to find a role where your purpose and your contributions matter.

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