It cannot be denied that career counselors are indispensable in today’s business landscape. Serving as guides they help individuals navigate the complexities of career choices and job markets. They assess individuals’ skills, interests, and values to provide tailored advice and development plans, enabling them to pursue fulfilling careers.
By staying abreast of industry trends and job market dynamics, career counselors equip individuals with strategies for effective job searches and successful career transitions. Through personalized guidance and expert support, they empower individuals to make informed decisions that lead to greater satisfaction, fulfillment, and success in their professional endeavors.
Established in 2018 by Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CPRW, Next Step Career Services is dedicated to empowering individuals on their career journeys through award-winning career services that include personalized résumé writing and coaching sessions. For individuals in search of new job roles or aspiring to improve their skills, Stephanie offers her skills and expertise in the job search market and helps candidates create a lasting impact. Through her services, she guides individuals toward success by providing personalized support and tools to build confidence.
Top-notch Career Services
A career coach and professional résumé writer, Stephanie thrives in helping individuals advance in their careers with confidence. “My Job Search Program include résumé writing, career coaching, interview preparation, job search strategies, networking and LinkedIn strategies, mock interviews, salary negotiations, and accountability check-ins,” she shares.
Based in Meridian, Idaho, Stephanie offers personalized guidance to assist individuals throughout their careers. From clarifying goals and identifying strengths to developing effective job search strategies and enhancing interview skills, she is dedicated to supporting clients every step of the way. Additionally, as a seasoned writer, Stephanie excels in creating compelling résumés that showcase unique skills, accomplishments, and qualifications. Each résumé is meticulously tailored to align with clients’ career objectives and target industries.
What truly distinguishes Next Step Career Services is the depth of the relationships Stephanie cultivates with their clients. “I’m big on personal communication with my clients throughout the job search, so instead of communicating via email, I set up sessions so my clients have face-to-face time. I work to see my clients every 2 weeks to make sure they are moving forward in their job search effectively until they land the job offer, they accept,” she states.
Becoming a Career Coach
With over 10 years of coaching experience, Stephanie has guided and advised executives, professionals, veterans, and new graduates on potential career paths that align with their interests, experience, and qualifications. Initially discovering her passion for coaching long before recognizing it as an industry, her journey began in 2009 at Veterans Upward Bound at Boise State University, where she assisted veterans in transitioning to post-secondary education.
“In 2012, my husband and I moved to Boston, MA where I was an executive assistant and team lead at UMass Medical School and Biogen. In these roles, I supported my team in developing their skills and career goals,” Stephanie shares.
In 2018, Stephanie established Idaho Next Steps Coaching, now known as Next Step Career Services, to offer résumé writing services and career coaching opportunities nationwide. Since then, she has found delight in collaborating with clients from diverse industries and backgrounds spanning the nation. “When I moved back home to Boise, ID, I started my MBA program, and during an entrepreneurship class, I thought of the idea of Next Step Career Services. I’ve been career coaching ever since,” Stephanie states.
Endorsed by PARWCC
“The best thing I’ve done for my career is to work at PARWCC,” states Stephanie. Since its inception in 1990, The Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches™ has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among career professionals, honing their skills, and showcasing their dedication to assisting job seekers.
As the Program Director for the Certified Professional Résumé Writer Exam, Stephanie sets the standards and best practices for résumé writers globally. Together, Stephanie and PARWCC are committed to delivering excellence in professional services, striving to meet and surpass client career aspirations.
At the PARWCC, Stephanie is presently engaged in crafting an executive and student résumé writing assessment to broaden the skillsets of our members. She also facilitates and hosts webinar programming for members, covering topics from business development to career coaching skills to résumé writing techniques. “I love being a part of an organization that promotes collaboration among peers and members,” Stephanie states.
A Hands-on Leader
Stephanie derives satisfaction from actively engaging with feedback and diverse viewpoints. She is committed to optimizing the member experience at PARWCC and ensuring exceptional customer service at Next Step Career Services. Continually striving to enhance value, she incorporates cutting-edge technology, innovative techniques, and strategic methodologies.
“I get my clients talking by asking questions and diving deeper into their experiences. They sometimes downplay their role as they focus on the team effort, and I always call out how they made an impact with their leadership,” says Stephanie. She collaborates with clients to craft their narratives in résumés, LinkedIn profiles, and bios.
Witnessing their stories take shape on paper, Stephanie feels accomplished seeing her clients experience a surge of excitement and renewed energy as they witness real progress. Empowered by their own experiences and successes, they transition to interview preparation, where they refine their ability to convey their stories confidently and concisely. “As they feel more prepared after each session, their confidence and voice grow. It’s the best part of my job,” Stephanie states
"I love being a part of an organization that promotes collaboration among peers and members,."
Prioritizing Self-Care
For Stephanie, prioritizing self-care holds significant importance. Recently, she embarked on a program with Fit Body Fusion to establish a long-term food and workout structure that she could fully commit to.
“As I work from home, I take my dog, Cooper, on a walk every day at lunch around my neighborhood to get some sunlight, fresh air, and exercise. I changed my eating habits and made sure to have time with my family daily. Otherwise, I feel like I’m working around the clock, and as much as I love what I do, it’s not maintainable in the long term,” Stephanie shares.
Embracing Evolution
Fostering continuous education is a cornerstone of Stephanie’s and her company’s evolution. She thrives on research and study, setting yearly goals to undertake certification programs to remain updated on industry trends. Attending PARWCC’s annual conference and following prominent career service professionals are key steps she takes in her ongoing pursuit of learning and development.
Addressing emerging technologies, Stephanie states, “AI has greatly changed our industry, especially as a résumé writer. Initially, I read many articles and started playing with platforms like ChatGPT. I embraced the technology and supported my clients in using such tools to assist in their job search.” For her, this development has also led to increased efficiency. Rather than attempting pivot charts independently, she now analyzes reports more effectively. Furthermore, it has simplified the task of shaping her social media content.
In 2023, Stephanie introduced a Job Search Program and a Career Changer Program. Continually refining the sessions as she discovers new strategies, techniques, and technologies, she aims to enhance this program further in the upcoming years. She aspires to bolster support for emerging leaders seeking to advance in their industries and become thought leaders.
Forward Vision
Stephanie’s present objective as a leader is to enact meaningful change within the career services industry. She aspires to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of educational programming for fellow professionals dedicated to assisting clients in navigating career transitions.
“My advice is never to stop learning. Keep participating in educational programs or webinars. Join PARWCC or other career service-focused associations to stay informed of new trends and to meet your peers. Collaborate and share with your peers and develop partnerships to enhance your services and expertise,” states Stephanie Renk.
