You’re the Captain of Your
Career Journey.

Gain clarity, reclaim your agency, and together, we’ll chart a course
that takes you where you want to go.

When Your Academic Career Path Feels Uncertain.

Your once-clear academic career path has become a maze of uncertainty.

External pressures—competitive job markets, complex mentoring relationships, and institutional constraints—create internal turmoil:

Feeling powerless over your career direction

Questioning your future, especially if you're contemplating a shift away from academia

Struggling with imposter syndrome and self-doubt about whether you can compete

But how do you go from feeling like a passive participant to taking charge as the captain of your career?

As a seasoned career coach, licensed mental health counselor, and workshop facilitator, I’ve successfully guided postdocs and graduate students toward:

Fulfilling faculty roles

Industry transitions

And everything in between

A Career Coach Who Gets It—Because She’s Been There

Whether you’re wrestling with the uncertainty of your academic path or contemplating a leap beyond academia, I understand the weight of career decisions that can feel both high-stakes and deeply personal.

Many of my clients have achieved their dream academic positions by adopting a more strategic and intentional approach to their career development.

Others have discovered that their skills translate beautifully to non-academic careers they never knew existed.

I also understand career transitions from personal experience.

Years ago, I navigated a pivot from a high-stress, fast-paced career in finance, feeling uncertain and afraid that I was taking too big a risk.

What I learned is this:
You’re never truly “starting over”—you’re strategically building on the valuable foundation you already have.

As a seasoned career coach, licensed mental health counselor, and workshop facilitator, I’ve successfully guided postdocs and graduate students toward:

Fulfilling faculty roles

Industry transitions

And everything in between

How to Stay on Track While I’m Fully Booked

While I’m not accepting new individual coaching clients at this time, I regularly share practical career strategies and tools on my blog.

Trusted by Top
Institutions Nationwide.

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“Thank you for bringing human compassion into that space, Dara.”

Susan Rogowski
North Carolina State University
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“I highly recommend Dara as a career consultant… Her workshops feel individualized—even in a group.”

Dr. Diane Klotz
Sanford Burnham Prebys
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“Dara is a favorite of Duke postdocs… Her workshops are among our most popular offerings.”

Molly Starback
Duke University

Ready To Take the First Step?

While 1:1 coaching is currently full, you don’t have to wait to start moving forward.