top of page
Jessica, Health & Wellness Coach/Extended Learning Coordinator at Leading University: Advize Career Interview
A career journey marked by "internships every single quarter" at Cal Poly, followed by Montessori teaching and educational consulting, led to a unique blend of Health & Wellness Coach and Extended Learning Coordinator at Leading University.
This role demands emotional regulation, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong communication, allowing for autonomy and impactful work.
A typical day involves virtual coaching sessions, professional development, and self-care, addressing physical health, relationships, and parenting.
The most rewarding aspect is "truly helping people" and witnessing their growth, while navigating institutional bureaucracy and the realities of grant-funded positions presents the biggest challenges.
Success in this field requires hard work, initiative, collaboration, creativity, and strong listening skills, with reputable certifications emphasized for aspiring professionals.
A public health degree offers direct entry, but transferable skills and personal passions are equally vital.
A significant career lesson involved learning from constructive criticism to redirect toward a more fulfilling path, proving that "being an educator is really first and foremost being a learner." The interviewee's advice?
Follow your bliss, ask questions, and embrace a non-linear career path.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jessica Elliott
Health & Wellness Coach/Extended Learning Coordinator
Leading University
California Polytechnic State University
Dominican University of California - M.S. Education / CA BLCAD teaching credential
Medical, Sciences & Related, Psychology
Education
Education
First Generation College Student
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of a Health and Wellness Coach at Leading University
Jessica's career path, beginning with "internships every single quarter" at Cal Poly in Child Development, demonstrates a consistent commitment to human development and learning, evolving from Montessori teaching and educational consulting to a current role as a Health & Wellness Coach/Extended Learning Coordinator; this journey showcases a dedication to "growth and learning" and a passion for supporting others' advancement, both academically and emotionally, across diverse settings.
Main Responsibilities Of A Health And Wellness Coach And Extended Learning Coordinator At Leading University
Jessica's role blends health & wellness coaching with extended learning coordination at Leading University, encompassing "supervising staff," fostering community engagement through vendor relationships, and collecting data to inform organizational decisions. A key aspect involves preparing for client sessions, emphasizing emotional receptiveness and utilizing collected data for effective support, alongside responsibilities such as presentations and collaborations.
A Day in the Life of a Health and Wellness Coach at Leading University
A typical day for this health and wellness coach involves virtual coaching sessions, "reviewing past notes" and staying current on best practices through webinars and continued learning, balancing this with self-care and physical activity, and occasionally incorporating in-person meetings or excursions, as exemplified by their recent "35-mile" trek with a group of women. The role encompasses a broad scope of support, addressing physical health, relationships, and parenting, showcasing the diverse demands of the profession.
Most Important Skills For A Health And Wellness Coach Extended Learning Coordinator At Leading University
Jessica highlighted emotional regulation as a crucial skill, stating that "knowing your own kind of emotional regulatory practices are really important," especially when working with individuals experiencing trauma. The ability to be "entrepreneurial," communicate effectively, and demonstrate agility are also essential for success in their multifaceted role as a Health & Wellness Coach/Extended Learning Coordinator.
Favorite Parts of Being a Health and Wellness Coach at the University of Texas
Jessica, a Health & Wellness Coach and Extended Learning Coordinator, most enjoys the "autonomy and the trust that came with it" in her role at Leading University. This freedom allows for specialization in coaching, reflecting both self-trust and the confidence placed in Jessica by supervisors and clients alike.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Health and Wellness Coach at a Leading University
Jessica's biggest challenges as a Health & Wellness Coach/Extended Learning Coordinator at a large university include navigating "bureaucracy" and slow change within a large institution, as well as the instability inherent in grant-funded positions and the current underpayment of health and wellness coaches—though this is changing due to growing recognition of their impact.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Education Industry as a Health and Wellness Educator
Jessica, a Health & Wellness Coach/Extended Learning Coordinator, finds the most rewarding aspect of her career "truly helping people" and witnessing their growth; the "aha moments" and shared successes from coaching individuals toward health and wellness, as well as supporting educators' professional development, are deeply fulfilling.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Health And Wellness Industry, According To A Health And Wellness Coach At Leading University
Jessica, a Health & Wellness Coach/Extended Learning Coordinator, identifies "hardworking, take initiative, collaborators, creative, and really good listeners" as key traits for success in the health and wellness industry. The ability to communicate effectively, emphasizing the importance of "listening slash communicating" as a mutual process, is highlighted as crucial for career success in this field.
What a Health and Wellness Coach at University wishes they had known before entering the Health and Wellness industry
Jessica, a Health & Wellness Coach/Extended Learning Coordinator, advises aspiring educators to embrace a non-linear career path, urging them to "follow your bliss." Regarding the health and wellness field, Jessica stresses the importance of choosing reputable certifications, noting that "there's a lot of certifications…that are quick and easy, but they're not as reputable," and recommending a longer, board-certified program for greater credibility.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Health and Wellness Coaches
Jessica highlights that a public health degree can lead to board certification as a coach, allowing for immediate entry-level coaching positions. Instead of focusing on specific entry-level titles, Jessica emphasizes transferable skills and connecting personal passions—such as sustainability or wellness—to desired sectors, advising to "follow the skills that you have and the things you want to do," mirroring their own career journey.
Significant Career Lesson From a Health and Wellness Coach at Leading University
Jessica's most significant career lesson stemmed from a mentor's critical feedback during graduate school; this challenging experience prompted introspection, leading to a shift from traditional public education to the non-traditional Montessori system, granting a unique perspective by bridging "different silos." The experience taught Jessica to view difficult feedback, such as "poor review[s]," as opportunities for growth and redirection.
College Experiences That Helped a Wellness Coach at a University Succeed
Jessica's varied experiences working at different schools and engaging in a few extracurricular activities, while regretting not joining the Camping Club and studying abroad, helped prepare Jessica for a career in health and wellness coaching. The ability to "ask questions," a skill central to Jessica's current role, opened doors and proved invaluable during Jessica's undergraduate years and continues to be a key to success.
How Identity Has Influenced a Health and Wellness Coach and Extended Learning Coordinator at Leading University's Career
Jessica's career path demonstrates a dynamic understanding of "educator," evolving from a traditional classroom model to a holistic approach emphasizing continuous learning; the interviewee states that "being an educator is really first and foremost being a learner," highlighting a commitment to lifelong growth that informs their current role as a Health & Wellness Coach and Extended Learning Coordinator.
Advizer Personal Links
bottom of page