The organization is led by founder Shirin Khamisa, who brings a vision of meaningful career success rooted in both strategic planning and emotional well-being. Shirin emphasizes that career development is not a one-size-fits-all journey; instead, it requires a nuanced understanding of individual goals and motivations. Her leadership has shaped Careers by Design into a practice that supports professionals at every stage-from recent graduates to senior executives-by helping them create sustainable, fulfilling career paths that align with both personal values and market opportunities.
At the heart of Careers by Design is the vision and leadership of founder Shirin Khamisa, whose belief in the importance of meaningful work permeates every client interaction, program design, and business decision. The coaching team itself is a diverse group of professionals with deep experience in human resources, corporate leadership, psychology, and education. Many hold advanced degrees, industry certifications, and coaching credentials from ICF-accredited programs. This multidisciplinary perspective allows Careers by Design to support clients across all sectors, including technology, healthcare, finance, education, creative industries, and nonprofit leadership. what career is right for you? Each coach is selected based on fit with the client's needs and personality, ensuring a strong, trust-based relationship. Looking for expert career coaching in Vancouver? At Careers by Design, we specialize in personalized 1-on-1 coaching to help you discover your career fit, build confidence, and land the job that truly matches your goals. Whether you're starting your professional journey or navigating a major career transition, our highly experienced team offers customized support to guide you every step of the way. Rated 4.8 stars on Google and voted Best Career Coaching Vancouver we provide services like job search coaching, interview preparation, resume writing, and strategic career counselling in Vancouver. Our proven “Connect Head & Heart” approach helps you align your personal values with career goals, so you can truly love your work—and your life. We work with professionals across all industries, from new graduates to executives, helping them identify strengths, gain clarity, and achieve lasting career satisfaction. Get matched with an ICF-certified career coach Vancouver residents trust and start moving forward—faster.. Coaches receive ongoing training to stay updated with market trends, hiring practices, and coaching science, so clients receive both empathetic support and cutting-edge career strategies.. Shirin's philosophy emphasizes that career fulfillment is not just about securing a job but about creating a work life that is aligned with who a person truly is. This human-centered approach means that clients are never treated as just another case or resume; instead, they are seen, heard, and supported as whole individuals. The coaching process is a partnership in which clients are empowered to tap into their own wisdom, resilience, and creativity, while benefiting from the guidance, expertise, and encouragement of skilled professionals. Through this transformative process, Careers by Design helps individuals not only achieve their career goals but fundamentally redefine their relationship to work and success in a way that supports lasting well-being and personal growth.
The coaching methodology focuses not only on practical aspects of job search and career development-such as resume writing, interview coaching, and LinkedIn profile optimization-but also integrates emotional intelligence and psychological tools to build inner resilience and confidence. This blend of head and heart is at the core of their unique framework, which aims to connect clients with both their external ambitions and internal motivations. Their approach incorporates evidence-based practices, including tools from HeartMath and positive psychology, to ensure clients are mentally and emotionally equipped to make informed and meaningful career decisions.
In addition to emotional coaching, Careers by Design provides detailed and actionable support for every aspect of career marketing. Clients work closely with their coach to craft powerful resumes that are results-driven, customized for specific roles, and formatted to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Rather than simply listing job duties, resumes are reframed to highlight achievements, leadership skills, and the unique value proposition the client brings to potential employers. LinkedIn optimization is another key area of focus, ensuring that clients' online profiles are not only keyword-rich for searchability but also authentic representations of their professional brand. Clients are taught how to use LinkedIn proactively to build meaningful professional networks, engage with industry communities, and uncover hidden job opportunities through warm referrals and informational interviews.
5-Star Rated on Google – Careers by Design is known for outstanding client satisfaction and consistently receives top reviews online.
Personalized Career Coaching in Vancouver – Offering expert one-on-one guidance tailored to help individuals discover and pursue the ideal career path.
Complimentary Consultation Available – Interested clients can schedule a free introductory call to learn more about the services and ask any questions.
Support for Career Transitions – Specialized coaching for individuals navigating a shift in their career direction.
Step-by-Step Job Search Coaching – Dedicated support to help clients confidently tackle the job search process and overcome obstacles.
Resume & Interview Coaching Services – Comprehensive support including professional resume writing, customized cover letters, LinkedIn profile enhancement, and strategic interview preparation.
Career Support for Every Stage – Whether you're a recent graduate or a senior executive, services are tailored to meet your unique career needs.
Nationally Recognized Expertise – Proudly named Best Career Coach in both Vancouver and Canada; honored with the 2024 Best of Canada Career Coach Awards.
Proven Client Success – Real-life testimonials highlight successful job placements, boosted confidence, and transformative career outcomes.
Connect Head & Heart™ Method – A signature coaching approach that blends emotional intelligence with practical strategies to deliver lasting career success.
Certified & Experienced Career Coaches – Work with ICF-certified professionals, each bringing 20–25+ years of expertise in career development and guidance.
Personalized Career Roadmaps – Every client receives a customized career plan aligned with their unique strengths, values, and long-term goals.
Serving All Industries – Coaching is available for professionals across diverse fields, including healthcare, technology, education, business, and more.
Meet Your Coach by Video – Build confidence and connection through introductory video interviews with your potential coach.
Focus on Mental Wellness – Tools like HeartMath are integrated to help reduce stress, improve clarity, and support overall well-being during the career journey.
20+ Years of Proven Career Success – For over two decades, Careers by Design has empowered Vancouver professionals to find purpose and thrive in their careers.
Real Stories, Real Results – Hear from clients across diverse fields—urban policy, quality management, design, coaching, and operations—who have achieved meaningful breakthroughs.
Actionable Tools & Strategies – Programs focus on tangible results, equipping clients with practical steps and proven resources for career growth.
Free Career Guide: 5 Steps to More Happy Mondays – Download this powerful resource to begin reshaping your work life with clarity and purpose.
Holistic, Research-Driven Coaching – A unique blend of psychology, MBTI assessments, and evidence-based counseling methods ensures a well-rounded and effective approach to career development.
Clients frequently praise the program's ability to help them regain control of their career narrative. They speak to improvements in confidence, clarity, and the ability to pursue roles aligned with their skills and values. Many report landing fulfilling jobs within weeks of completing the program. Through a balance of empathy, structure, and evidence-based coaching, Careers by Design empowers individuals not just to find work, but to create careers that are meaningful, resilient, and personally rewarding. With over 20 years of success and hundreds of five-star reviews, Careers by Design remains a trusted and results-oriented partner for professionals across Vancouver seeking more purpose and satisfaction in their careers.
Careers by Design specializes in a variety of services including resume writing, interview coaching, LinkedIn profile optimization, and job search strategy. Their resume writers collaborate with clients to craft documents that stand out in today's competitive job market, while their interview coaching builds the confidence needed to present your best self in high-stakes conversations. This support is available to clients at all career stages-from new graduates to seasoned professionals and executives-across all industries, including business, healthcare, tech, education, and entrepreneurship.
Ultimately, Careers by Design believes that career success is deeply personal. Their coaching model is built on understanding the individual as a whole-acknowledging both professional aspirations and personal well-being. Whether you're entering the workforce for the first time or contemplating a major career shift, their expert coaches are equipped to help you navigate the journey and achieve your definition of success.
The coaching journey begins with a free initial consultation, which allows prospective clients to share their challenges, aspirations, and concerns in a no-pressure environment. This session is not just a sales pitch; it's designed to establish a genuine connection between the coach and client, ensuring that the process is tailored to each person's unique circumstances. The consultation also allows the coach to assess which specific tools, strategies, and emotional support systems might be most effective for the client. Once the coaching engagement begins, clients participate in structured sessions that are scheduled according to their availability, with the flexibility of virtual meetings that accommodate professionals across Vancouver and other regions.
Emotional resilience is a cornerstone of the coaching methodology. Careers by Design is one of the few coaching services in Canada that incorporates HeartMath technology into their programs, which uses heart-rate variability biofeedback to train clients in emotional self-regulation. These tools help clients learn how to calm their nervous systems, recover from stress quickly, and make clear, empowered decisions. This becomes especially useful in high-pressure scenarios like job interviews, public speaking, negotiating promotions, or dealing with workplace conflict. Clients learn to recognize their emotional triggers, use breathing techniques to regain composure, and shift from reactive to proactive responses. This emotional mastery often becomes a foundational skill that not only enhances career outcomes but improves relationships, health, and overall well-being.
The coaches at Careers by Design are highly trained professionals, many holding advanced certifications such as PCC (Professional Certified Coach) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), CPCC (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach), and various degrees in psychology, counseling, and executive coaching. Jeanet Lamoca and Linda Faucheux are standout coaches with over 25 years of experience each, known for their ability to guide clients from confusion to clarity through intuitive, strategic, and compassionate support.
In cases where clients are seeking promotions or internal growth, the coaching shifts toward leadership development and workplace communication. Here, the focus may be on navigating team dynamics, managing up, developing executive presence, or addressing performance anxiety. Coaches provide tailored exercises and real-time feedback to help clients strengthen these competencies and prepare for leadership responsibilities. For entrepreneurs or clients considering self-employment, the coaching may include business planning, mindset conditioning, and confidence building to take the leap toward independent work.
For clients who are currently employed but seeking growth, the coaching shifts toward leadership development, conflict resolution, and executive presence. They receive guidance on how to influence key stakeholders, navigate complex workplace dynamics, advocate for promotions, and prepare for leadership interviews. Clients learn how to build credibility, strengthen communication skills, and demonstrate strategic thinking, often through real-world role-playing exercises and situational analysis. Those exploring entrepreneurial ventures are supported with business planning, mindset training, and accountability structures that prepare them for the realities of self-employment, including managing risk, building resilience, and maintaining focus through the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
All coaching sessions are conducted virtually, making them accessible to individuals with busy schedules across Vancouver and beyond. The coaching team includes certified professionals with extensive experience in multiple industries, including healthcare, technology, business, education, and the non-profit sector. These coaches bring over two decades of expertise to the table, ensuring that clients receive not only emotional support but also expert-level strategy and insight into the current job market.
Clients come from a wide range of industries, including education, finance, healthcare, marketing, technology, and the nonprofit sector. The program is designed to accommodate a variety of goals, whether it's landing a first job out of university, pivoting into a new industry, or refining executive leadership skills. Over the years, Careers by Design has developed a reputation for consistent results, with hundreds of five-star reviews and testimonials from people who have successfully transitioned into more meaningful and better-paying roles. Many clients express that the coaching helped them identify blind spots, reframe negative experiences, and gain the inner strength to pursue opportunities they had previously dismissed as unrealistic.
It’s a guiding philosophy aimed at helping clients feel energized and fulfilled by their work, turning stressful Mondays into positive experiences.
Shirin Khamisa is the founder and practice leader. She’s a career counselling expert and thought leader featured in outlets like CBC, CTV, and The Globe & Mail.
Their mission is to help clients develop the skills to be happy at work and in life, and to create More Happy Mondays for professionals everywhere.