Wise Next Steps, LLC offers professional guidance and clarity related to academic preparation, career transitions, and work-life balance. A key approach is to help each client identify God-given strengths and threads of their life that can be woven together to discern a motivating purpose(s). Conversations will allow space for generating options and taking next steps.
Let's take the next step in your journey together.
Kellie received her M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Development from UNC-Greensboro, her B.A. in Psychology from Meredith College and is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. A retired university professional with 40 years of experience advising, guiding, and supporting young adults, Kellie wants her clients to understand they are uniquely wired with valuable God-given gifts to contribute to the world. Kellie brings wisdom and insights from her professional work experience, her faith journey, her many years as a single mom to two daughters, and from her role as grandmommy to four littles. Kellie’s Top Five CliftonStrengths are Developer, Empathy, Belief, Connectedness, and Positivity.
STUDENTS
For all students
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Exploring your unique story, threads and patterns woven throughout your life and connecting the dots to ensure future steps take you in the best possible direction. We will identity your natural, God given strengths, your personal and professional values including your faith journey, interests/hobbies that bring joy, skills you have developed that are transferrable, and your overall life goals. Increasing self awareness is key. We will work with a career Venn diagram and the Gallup CliftonStrengths (taking this assessment is highly recommended but optional).
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Coaching on how to research and conduct informational interviews and job shadowing to explore options and gain exposure to career fields of interest.
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Reviewing, editing, and powering-up cover letters/application emails, tailored resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and personal websites.
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For high school students
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Deciding on what type of continued education/certifications or immediate employment is next after graduation and generate realistic options. Services do not encompass the college application/admission process since this complex process is most effectively initiated and managed by students and parents/guardians once options are generated.
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For high school seniors entering the workforce and college seniors
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Coaching on job search strategies, including how to uncover opportunities not publicly posted, how to properly utilize connections, leveraging LinkedIn, effectively interviewing, and tips for following up. Services do not include any type of job placement and securing employment is not guaranteed.
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For college students
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Investigating the possibility of graduate/professional school and discerning if further education is needed (if applying to grad school, services include reviewing personal statements and preparing for admission interviews).
NON-STUDENTS
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Exploring your unique story, threads/patterns woven throughout your life and connecting the dots to ensure future steps take you in the best possible direction. Identifying your natural, God-given strengths, transferable skills, interests/hobbies that bring joy, your personal and professional values including your faith journey, overall life goals, and your desired legacy. Increasing self-awareness is critical so taking the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment is highly recommended but optional.
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Coaching on effectively leveraging your network, maximizing the power of LinkedIn, and properly conducting informational interviews.
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Investigating the necessity of industry certifications, additional technical training, and or pursuing a graduate degree (for grad school applicants, services include reviewing personal statements and preparing for admission interviews).
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Editing, refining and powering-up cover letters, application emails, tailored resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and personal websites.
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Coaching on job search strategies, interviewing and following-up.
STRUCTURE OF SESSIONS
Sessions can be highly customized and can be in-person or virtual; there will be situations where desired outcomes can be achieved with one session and situations that will require multiple sessions.
Students/clients who desire to take the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment are responsible for purchasing it online at www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths. The cost is $24.99 for top 5 strengths and $59.99 for all 34 strengths and includes multiple reports that provide a robust explanation of results and insights about how to aim your strengths. Our conversations around CliftonStrengths will build upon these highly personalized reports.
FEES FOR STUDENTS
Students financially dependent on parents/guardians
$65 per session
Students financially independent from parents/guardians
$40 per session
FEES FOR NON-STUDENTS
Clients currently employed
$65 per session
Clients currently unemployed but financially able to pay
$40 per session
Clients who have been unemployed for an extended period and are seeking employment to help stabilize their life
NO FEE
ENDORSEMENTS
"I had the incredible fortune to work with Kellie for two years before I transferred from High Point University to pursue a biomedical engineering degree. From our first meeting, it was evident that Kellie possessed a remarkable blend of professional expertise, personal insights, and genuine care. She tailored her approach to my unique needs and recognized the challenges of transferring while providing practical strategies and resources specific to my goals. Kellie believed in my abilities and instilled in me the confidence to pursue my ambitions fearlessly. During the spring of 2023, she helped refine my resume and coached me while applying for several competitive internships, and I ultimately accepted a summer opportunity in the engineering division of AAA, a Novartis company. Thank you, Kellie, for all of your help."
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Gia, Junior, The College of New Jersey
"Kellie was a huge help to me as I updated my resume for a recent job search. She gave me practical tips and insights into the job market in my area. I felt confident sending my refined resume to potential employers and landed two interviews! I definitely recommend her services for editing your job search documents."
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Abby, Currently Employed, Raleigh, NC
"I met Kellie fifteen years ago while working in higher education. She was instrumental in my transition into the financial industry by helping me fine-tune cover letters, completely re-focus my resume, and prepare for interviews. Kellie was the first person I reached out to during my job search because I trust her extensive experience and expertise. Thank you, Kellie, for your help and for being there for me throughout the years."
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Rebekah, Currently Employed, Greensboro, NC
"I worked with Kellie during my junior year and was initially feeling confused about what I wanted to do with my Criminal Justice degree. After several meetings where we discussed my strengths and aspects of my field that motivate me, Kellie helped me determine that I want to pursue a career in Private Investigation dealing with insurance fraud or within a female-owned/operated PI firm that handles domestic investigations. She suggested reaching out to such firms in my home area and requesting informational interviews, which I did with success. These connections led to a summer internship with Golden Eye Claims, Inc. After my internship, I determined fraud investigation will not be my focus moving forward; however, through my internship, I made a valuable connection with a female PI who specializes in domestic investigations who shared insights about how to start my career. Kellie was instrumental in helping me narrow my career focus and make key connections. I am so grateful for her caring and skillful assistance. I highly recommend her services."
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Olivia, Senior, High Point University