Coaching is aimed at thinking about topics and issues in a neutral framework with professional support and developing alternative perspectives and options for action. The practical change work is the responsibility of the clients themselves. The coach gives impulses, asks questions and helps with structuring and finding a sustainable solution.

A coaching process usually includes 3-5 sessions for a clearly defined concern. For more complex topics, further sessions are usually needed. For example, a process can take a few weeks or even a few months. Some clients also come back sporadically and some I have been accompanying and supporting for many years.

Everything we discuss remains confidential. I commit myself to data protection in accordance with the GDPR.

The coaching takes place either in my coaching space at Brüsseler Platz 10, 50672 in Cologne or online via Zoom / MS Teams, by phone or during a walk in one of Cologne's parks or on the Rhine.

We will discuss the fee in the first, free phone call. On request, I will also be happy to send this information in advance by email. Coaching and advice on professional topics is tax-deductible for private individuals in Germany.

Career and Job Coaching in Cologne or online

Q: Length of the coaching session

A coaching session usually lasts 1.5 - 3 hours. We discuss the timeframe at the beginning of the process, based on the topics and needs of the client.

Q: Time interval between sessions

The time interval is determined by the clients, I follow the respective pace. A 2-week interval is common, but you can also start with weekly appointments or choose a longer interval.

Professional reorientation and change of industry

Whether after vocational training, the first years of work, parental leave or in mid-life, a professional (re)orientation is always exciting, sometimes frightening and, above all, always associated with big decisions. With my 25 years of professional experience in Germany and abroad, I help you to find your way through the jungle of alternatives and put your desires and professional goals into practice with a clear plan and bolstered self-confidence.

For scientists who are considering leaving academia and want to plan and reflect on this step carefully, I offer coaching specifically tailored to this target group.

Those who move to Germany from abroad are often confronted with countless hurdles. We have not been a country of immigration for very long and still have a lot to improve so that people feel comfortable here and find their place. I provide support with career orientation, questions relating to intercultural communication, and leadership and working in a multicultural context.

I advise and coach executives and HR managers on integrating people with refugee and migrant backgrounds to close the skills gap, removing barriers in the recruitment process, diversity recruiting, shifting from skills-based hiring to degree-based hiring, creating training and mentoring programmes, and intercultural communication.

An exemplary selection of questions with which international clients come to me for coaching:

Which job best suits my strengths, values and interests?

How do I succeed in a professional reorientation after parental leave or in midlife?

How do I plan a career or industry change early and strategically?

How do I plan my exit from academia early and in a targeted manner?

How do I find out if self-employment is something for me?

How do I approach the process of changing careers with a positive and confident attitude?

What story do I want to tell about myself that convincingly conveys my strengths and uniqueness?

How do I find suitable jobs and how do I best market myself?

How does the application process work and what factors do I have to consider?

How can I prepare well for a job interview?

How do I deal with rejections in such a way that I learn from them?

For example, how do I use LinkedIn specifically to find a job that suits me?

Which job boards make sense for me and how can I use them effectively?

How can I find a job even though my language skills are not yet sufficient?

How can I appear confident, especially when I am not communicating in my native language?

How can I deal with cultural differences constructively and respectfully, even in difficult situations?

How can I adapt well to different ways of working, thinking and national cultures?

How can we as a family ensure that everyone finds their place and is happy?

HHow can I find my way around the German system when I come from abroad and am used to different circumstances there?

FAQ's on Coaching and Consulting

Goal

Length of the coaching session

Number of sessions

Time interval between sessions

Confidentiality

Coaching location

Fee per session

Interested in a free introductory call at short notice?

You can reach me on Mondays between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays
between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. on +49 178 8498304, also via Signal. If I'm in a
conversation, I'll call back.

Contact

Process

What does that mean in concrete terms?

Step 1: Get to know each other without any obligation

We get to know each other in a 30-minute phone call and discuss what expectations you have for the coaching and what our cooperation could look like in concrete terms. You ask all the questions that are on your mind. I am also happy to explain in more detail how I work and we discuss the conditions.

Afterwards, you will take your time to consider whether I am the right person to help you to handle your topics.

Step 2: Get started

Once you have decided, we will arrange a first coaching appointment, either in my coaching space at Brüsseler Platz in Cologne or online via Zoom or MS Teams. For the first appointment, I estimate at least 90 minutes, so that we have enough time to clarify expectations and can already get into your topic.

We discuss the length and frequency of the follow-up appointments together. My aim is to help you effectively in a solution-oriented manner. Of course, you are free to opt out of the process at any time.

Step 3: Implement

In the coaching sessions, we analyze your issues, activate your resources and get you into action. Outside of the sessions with me, there is always a lot going on, both unconsciously in your head and in your behavior.

By deciding to seek support for an issue, you have already taken the first and most difficult step.

What my clients say:

Nikola's ability to empathetically and competently put herself in my shoes during the professional coaching and to accompany me on my journey has left a lasting positive impression on me. Each session was not only purposeful, but also characterized by an atmosphere of support and encouragement that enabled me to further develop my professional goals and strengthen my self-confidence. Thank you, dear Nikola.

Nina S.

Editor in the process of professional reorientation

I am incredibly grateful for the support I have received from Nikola. She has been instrumental in helping me manage and soothe my emotions during challenging times. Through her guidance, I have learned effective problem-solving strategies and have been encouraged to adopt a more positive mindset. Nikola has also introduced me to meditation and stress-relief courses and resources, which have significantly improved my overall well-being. Her compassionate and insightful approach has truly made a difference in my life. I highly recommend Nikola to anyone seeking a caring and effective coach.

Yezi Z.

Sustainability Consultant, Management Consultancy

I would like to thank Nikola so much for her guidance. In our 3 sessions, she helped me with time and stress management. Because of her consistent motivation, I have actively started to take German lessons. She helped me on how I can further improve my CV and application profile. But most importantly, I have really enjoyed our conversations and how she would listen to any of my work problems and guide me on how to manage them and myself. Though we only had a few sessions, she has helped me to have a positive attitude to find the next chapter of my work life :).

International Postdoc planning to exit academia

I would like to thank Nikola. With the help of her career coaching, I managed to find a job in Germany. She supported me in a very empathetic and structured way with my professional orientation and the application process, always believed in me and helped me as a Ukrainian through a difficult time with her positive and caring mindset and her expertise. I highly recommend her both personally and professionally.

Hanna R.

Finance and controlling manager in the process of professional reorientation

Nachdem mein Arbeitgeber mir gekündigt hat, habe ich ein Coaching bei Nikola begonnen. Mit ihrer zugewandten und positiven Art ist es mir in kurzer Zeit gelungen, das Positive an meiner Situation zu sehen. So konnte ich das Negative schnell hinter mir lassen, mich auf das Wesentliche konzentrieren und den Blick nach vorne richten. Ich würde mich jederzeit wieder an Nikola wenden und empfehle sie wärmstens.